NAPERVILLE CITY COUNCIL QUESTIONNAIRE
The Naperville Sun asked each of the candidates running for the Naperville City Council in the April 1, 2025, election to complete a biographical form and to answer questions about four issues facing the city.
Below are their answers. They are posted in the order in which they were received them and as written by the candidates. If a candidate is not listed here, their questionnaire has not yet been returned.
DEREK McDANIEL
Birth date: 7/18/1979
Address: 1019 Kennesaw Ct, Naperville, IL 60540
Marital status (spouse’s name, if applicable): Married
Children’s ages (if applicable):
Education: B.A. from Purdue University, M.B.A. – Concentration in Corporate Finance from DePaul University
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Employer: Benjamin F. Edwards
Current elected office, if applicable:
Previous elected office:
Civic or social service group membership or community volunteer work:
- Two-Term Naperville Planning & Zoning Commissioner
- Board member on Naperville CAPS(Citizens Appreciate Public Safety)
- Former Board member of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Naperville Heritage Society, & NCTV17.
- Former member on Naperville’s Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC)
1. Naperville’s contract with its current electricity provider, the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency, expires in 2035. What do you envision for the future of the city’s electric supply? What factors — affordability, sustainability, etc. — should the city prioritize as it decides how to power its electric grid in years to come?
Naperville stands at a crossroads regarding its energy future. With our contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) expiring in 2035, this is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine how we power our city for decades to come.
Our energy strategy must prioritize affordability for residents while accelerating our transition toward sustainable energy sources. Naperville’s current reliance on coal-generated electricity presents challenges, both environmentally and financially. The IMEA’s proposed contract extension through 2055 raises legitimate concerns about locking our city into a less adaptive energy model.
I support the recent decision to bring in an energy consultant to evaluate our options. Their expertise will guide us in identifying cost-effective, innovative, and environmentally responsible solutions. It’s essential to incorporate competitive market analysis and advancements in energy technologies, such as battery storage & peak shaving, as we consider alternatives.
As we navigate these decisions, Naperville must retain an element of autonomy over its energy choices. By doing so, we can ensure that future contracts align with the values and priorities of our community. Flexibility will be key, allowing us to adapt to emerging technologies and energy markets rather than committing to long-term agreements that could limit our options.
Finally, I believe transparency and community engagement are essential as we chart this path. Naperville residents deserve a voice in shaping the future of our energy supply.
Our energy decisions today will define Naperville’s environmental and economic legacy for generations. With a thoughtful, informed approach, we can secure a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future for our city.
2. In regards to increasing the city’s affordable housing stock, the council last fall opted to create an affordable housing catalog in lieu of an incentives program for developers. Should the city revive discussion over an incentives program? Why or why not?
Naperville must continue to diversify its housing stock to ensure our community remains welcoming and accessible to new families looking to plant roots here, as well as to older residents who wish to stay in the city they’ve helped shape. Affordable housing is a critical piece of that equation, but it must be approached in a way that aligns with Naperville’s values and priorities.
I believe the city should encourage the development of ADUs. These provide a flexible and cost-effective way to increase affordable housing options while blending seamlessly into established neighborhoods. ADUs can serve as homes for aging parents, adult children, or renters, and they contribute to a more diverse housing landscape.
While the Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) outlines some creative solutions, there are key elements I believe are not in Naperville’s best interest. For instance:
- Resale Price Caps: The resale price cap on “affordable homes for purchase” may unintentionally discourage homeowners from investing in their properties and building equity. Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of financial security, and policies that limit wealth-building opportunities could deter participation in the program.
- “By-Right” Approval Process: I oppose the “by-right” approval process outlined in the AHIP plan. It’s vital that residents have a voice in proposed developments that impact their neighborhoods. Public input and oversight by elected and appointed officials ensure transparency, accountability, and decisions that reflect the community’s collective interests.
Incentives can be a valuable tool to encourage developers to include affordable housing in their projects. However, they must be carefully crafted to align with Naperville’s goals and preserve the quality of life our residents expect. Incentive programs should be transparent, equitable, and tied to clear, measurable outcomes.
Ultimately, addressing affordable housing requires collaboration among residents, developers, and city leadership. We must ensure that policies encourage responsible growth while protecting the character of our community. By doing so, we can create a Naperville that remains vibrant, inclusive, and livable for generations to come.
3. In recent years, the city has heightened its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. What are your views on DEI programs? Should the city continue to support DEI efforts?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important principles for ensuring that Naperville remains a welcoming and vibrant community for all. Having policies in place at the city level to encourage diversity and inclusion is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for everyone who lives, works, or visits our city.
However, I believe it’s prudent to first evaluate the effectiveness of our current DEI initiatives. We need to thoroughly review the department’s impact and understand which policies have been implemented and how they’ve contributed to measurable outcomes. This assessment will help us identify what’s working, where improvements may be needed, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and effectively.
4. Efforts to chart a new path forward for city-owned land around the Fifth Avenue train station have been discussed on and off for a decade. Should the city make it a priority to revisit possible redevelopment in the coming year and what would you like to see the land used for? What should the city’s role be in funding a redevelopment plan?
At this time, I’m not convinced that prioritizing the redevelopment of the land surrounding the Fifth Avenue train station is in Naperville’s best interest. This area has long been a family friendly neighborhood, complete with a park where kids play and a strong sense of community. Any potential redevelopment must carefully consider how it would impact the character of the area and the residents who call it home.
Before any decisions are made, it’s essential to thoroughly review the options and feasibility study that is expected to come before the City Council in the coming months. This analysis will provide critical insight into what’s possible and practical for the site.
While this could be an appealing location to add retail or restaurants, I have concerns about their long-term viability. Many commuters prioritize heading straight home after work, which may limit the success of businesses in this area. Redevelopment plans should reflect realistic expectations of how the space will be used and whether it can truly serve the community effectively.
As for the city’s role in funding, I believe any redevelopment effort must be approached with fiscal responsibility. Public-private partnerships could be explored, but the city’s financial contribution should be carefully evaluated to ensure taxpayers are not burdened with unnecessary risks or costs. Ultimately, any investment must provide clear, tangible benefits for Naperville residents.
In short, the Fifth Avenue area is a unique and valuable asset for our city. If redevelopment moves forward, it should be done thoughtfully, with input from the community and a focus on preserving the neighborhood’s character while addressing practical and economic considerations.
