Naperville City Council Inauguration and Farewell Meeting - May 4, 2025
Naperville City Council Inauguration and Farewell Meeting - May 4, 2025
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Naperville City Council convened at 2:30 PM in Council Chambers for a special inauguration meeting. The meeting featured farewell remarks from outgoing council members Jennifer Bruzan Taylor and Paul Leong, followed by the swearing-in of four council members (Dr. Benjamin White, Mary Gibson, Ian Holzhauer, Ashfaq Syed) and a second session with remarks from the newly constituted council. The meeting adjourned at 3:42 PM.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Rita Titlow (Naperville) submitted a written comment thanking the council members for their service to the community.
Farewell Remarks by Mayor and Council Members
- Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor reflected on her 2021 campaign promise to ensure residents felt heard, noting she maintained independence, made decisions based on facts and research, and did not allow others to define her. She stated she is proud of her record and has no regrets.
- Councilman Paul Leong expressed pride in leaving Naperville as one of the best places to live in America, with a sound surplus and triple-A bond rating. He reminded incoming members to represent everyone, regardless of voter support.
- Councilman Ian Holzhauer praised Taylor as one of the smartest people he has known and noted Leong was the first Chinese American elected in Naperville, known for fiscal discipline.
- Councilman Josh McBroom highlighted Taylor's leadership on the controversial marijuana dispensary issue and Leong's contrarian independence, calling them independent thinkers who will be missed.
- Councilman Nathan Wilson attested to Taylor's willingness to dig into resident concerns and Leong's fiscal responsibility.
- Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh wished both well and noted she expects to see Taylor advocating for responsible development again.
- Councilman Benjamin White appreciated their willingness to put themselves on the line and make tough decisions.
- Councilman Patrick Kelly highlighted collaborative work on issues including chickens, downtown traffic, and intellectual/developmental disability housing, and praised Leong for speaking less but meaningfully.
Swearing-In of Council Members
- Councilman Dr. Benjamin White (third term) was sworn in by Judge Vincent F. Cornelius at approximately 2:54 PM.
- Councilwoman Mary Gibson (first term) was sworn in by Judge Jennifer L. Barron.
- Councilman Ian Holzhauer (second term) was sworn in by Judge Bonnie M. Wheaton, inviting family and supporters to join him on the dais.
- Councilman Ashfaq Syed (first term) was sworn in by Judge Linda Davenport.
Remarks by Newly Sworn Council Members
- Councilman Benjamin White thanked Judge Cornelius and residents, highlighted representation milestones: Mary Gibson as a reminder representation matters, Ashfaq Syed as first Indian American and Muslim council member, and Paul Leong as first Chinese American. He thanked family and friends.
- Councilwoman Mary Gibson committed to listening, learning, and leading, fostering a Naperville where every member has a place and voice. She emphasized data-driven solutions and maintaining history while making space for new voices.
- Councilman Ian Holzhauer spoke about leadership and belief in America and Naperville, citing accomplishments: housing for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, approval of the historic mosque, and the election of the first Muslim American and Indian American council member. He noted Councilwoman Gibson is the first elected official from Naperville to visit Africa on an official trip.
- Councilman Ashfaq Syed shared his immigrant journey (arrived eight years ago), expressed gratitude to family, supporters, and Judge Davenport. He promised to work hard and smart, engaging with residents via social media, email, and phone.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to adjourn sine die (end of outgoing council) at 2:54 PM: Motion by Councilwoman Bruzan Taylor, seconded by Councilman Leong, carried 9-0.
- Motion to adjourn the inauguration meeting at 3:42 PM: Motion by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, carried 9-0 (all present: Wehrli, Gibson, Holzhauer, Kelly, Longenbaugh, McBroom, Syed, White, Wilson).
- The new council was seated effective immediately after the swearing-in, with Mayor Scott Wehrli continuing as mayor.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon and welcome to this special Naperville City Council meeting. Thank you for joining us on this lovely Sunday afternoon for our inauguration ceremony. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Worley. Here. Cole Tower. Here. Kelly. Here. Leong. Here. Longabaugh. Here. McBroom. Here. Taylor. Here. White. Here. Wilson. Here. Would everyone please rise for the presentation of colors by the Naperville Honor Guard. I pledge allegiance through the flag of the United States of America. One nation. Under God. Indivisible. Liberty and justice for all. Colors. Colors turn. Forward, march. Our first order of business this afternoon is to hear from our outgoing city council members. And we will start today with Councilwoman Bruzanne Taylor. Councilwoman Taylor. Thank you, Mayor. When I ran for City Council back in twenty twenty-one, I ran because I wanted residents to feel heard. As someone who attended City Council meetings years, uh, before I ever decided to run, I understood the frustration that some people had when they reached out to council. One of my goals when elected was to ensure that everyone received a response, whether it was a reply to an email, a phone conversation, meeting a resident at their home or a business, or grabbing a coffee. Even with those who did not agree with a vote of mine, I still spent the time walking them through why I voted the way I did. Form relationships, found common ground. I'm particularly proud that I maintained my independence while making decisions. When I ran in 2021, I promised the voters that I'd make my decisions based on facts, research, and speaking to residents, business owners, and staff, and not because someone told me how to vote behind the scenes. No one owned my vote, and every decision I made was for the best interest of Naperville, even if that vote hurt me politically. I am proud of my record, and I have no regrets. The entire time I was up here, I was impartial. I did not allow others to define who I am. I believe in Naperville. I fought for this city before I was elected. I fought for this city while sitting on this dice, and I will continue to fight for this city and whatever role I have in the future. I help make Naperville be the greatest city in America, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that we continue to have that reputation and what I do next. I want to wish our next council good luck.
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