More on the Mayoral Election in Naperville

[Guest guest]

Well, this is getting interesting now. First our friend and fellow

NapervilleWorks member, Councilman , develops a well-articulated,

forward-thinking position statement on Residents with Disabilities, the

challenges they face, and how he hopes to work toward local solutions if elected

Mayor of Naperville. He promotes jobs, volunteerism, and a meaningful life for

all residents, including those with developmental disabilities. For more info,

visit electkennmiller.com.

Now I find out today that the incumbent Mayor, Pradel, has added a

statement about HIS support of people with disabilities to his campaign's

website, too. He calls it 'Friend to People with Disabilities' and here is his

statement below. Tell me, fellow IPADDers, if you had the choice, which

perspective would you endorse? You have to really read the whole thing to get

the full impact of Mayor Pradel's feelings towards 'the disabled'. It makes me

sad to think that some people may read this and think this is the best we can

hope for -- a man who dresses up as Santa Claus for the special needs schools &

who hands out autographed pictures of himself to young adults with disabilities

in a Special Rec program.

Any ideas for me here? Think I should write a letter to the editor?

A Friend to People with Disabilities

From his long-time commitment to the Mayor's Advisory Commission on

Disabilities, to his heart-felt support of the Western DuPage Special Recreation

Association (WDSRA), Little Friends, Easter Seals, Turning Pointe Autism

Foundation, Naperville Responds for Our Veterans, and other groups that provide

services to the disabled, Mayor A. Pradel has always been a strong

advocate for the rights of the disabled and an enthusiastic volunteer for their

causes.

According to Joe Hudetz, a former member of the Mayor's Advisory Commission on

Disabilities, " My wife, handicapped daughter, and I have lived in Naperville for

over 10 years now and some of my fondest memories will be of Mayor Pradel and

his attention to the disabled citizens of this city. He attended Christmas

parties (in costume) and other events for the special needs school kids without

any prompting or press. He started and championed the 'Advisory Commission on

Disabilities' and pushed through many of their recommendations (such as

count-down stop lights). To this day, he could be dressed in a tuxedo and

attending a pompous event, and if he saw my daughter rolling in across the room,

he would excuse himself from the president himself and run over and give her a

hug. That comes from the heart. "

Jane Hodgkinson, executive director of WDSRA, is also enthusiastic in her

comments about Mayor Pradel. She explained, " Pradel has been a long-time

supporter of Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. He understands that

one of government's roles is to help those who have challenges. He always has a

special place in his heart for our young people. "

Jane shared examples of the Mayor's thoughtfulness. " Last spring, when Evan

Lysacek was in Naperville, I took one of our Special Olympic figure skaters to

the luncheon at White Eagle. I saw Mayor Pradel across the room and asked if he

would like to meet our special Olympian. He looked intently into my face and

said, 'Does Evan know she is here?' I responded that I didn't know. He said,

'Don't worry. We'll get her over to meet him during lunch.' Later, the mayor's

assistant came to our table and asked us to follow her, and we went to see Evan.

Evan was very gracious, took photos with her, and signed autographs for her. I

loved the photo of the two of them holding their medals towards the camera. That

wouldn't have happened if didn't make it happen. We have some great

mayors who do a lot for WDSRA, but by far, is the best to us!

She added, " He donates items to our auction, attends programs, and, most

recently, he had lunch with our 'Rec and Roll Day Program' this past fall. He

gave each participant an autographed business card and photo. With all the

things he does everyday, he still makes time for people. "

The Mayor's kindness and deep concern for people with disabilities has been

evident throughout his life and throughout his 16 years as mayor of Naperville.

Please re-elect Mayor Pradel on April 5.