Dupage Policy Journal

Scott Wehrli is set to become the next mayor of Naperville after defeating councilman Benny White in the April 4 election. 

Mayor-elect Wehrli won the race with 15,915 votes (53%) to White with 13,436 votes (45%). Tiffany Stephens also received 641 votes (2%). 

“We worked so hard to represent every voice in this community, and that’s been the amazing part of this journey — meeting so many wonderful people and learning so much about different groups, different cultures, different facets of this Naperville that we know that I never understood,” Wehrli said at his election party.

Wehrli emphasized safety in his campaign. 

“I put the safety of Naperville as our number one priority,” his website reads. 

“We work hard to be called one of the safest cities in America. Living without constant fear of street crime is a prime reason people live, move, shop and do business here. I’ve worked 32 years in local law enforcement. I have a unique understanding of the support our police, fire and health care community need to ensure Naperville continues to be a safe and desirable place to call home. I have seen firsthand the mental health and addiction crisis in our community and will make it a priority to advocate for our residents in need.” 

Other items of immediate concern for the incoming mayor include economic development and proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars. He has served on the board of directors for two corporations. In public service, Wehrli serves on the North Central College and Marmion Academy boards and has been a member of the Naperville Liquor Commission for 29 years.

Wehrli is a multi-talent with experience in several fields of work. 

“In my life, I wear many hats," he said on Twitter. "I run our family’s construction business. I’m a community banker. I’m a non-profit trustee. I’m a sworn law enforcement officer. We need less party politics & more locally-focused solutions. I'm asking for your vote for Mayor. #Naperville,"

White’s campaign became controversial after it was revealed the council member is excluded from paying local property taxes which fuel schools and municipal governments. White’s exclusion is made possible under a state law regarding disabled military veterans. 

Though making over $124,000 per year as an ROTC instructor at Joliet West High School, where he has worked the past 14 years since retiring from the military, White claims disability status as a veteran and receives a tax break on his home.

White owns a five-bedroom, 3,752-square-foot custom home in South Naperville with dark hardwood floors, a basement bar and theater room adorned with sports memorabilia in honor of his native Kansas City. On his home valued at over $950,000, White paid no property taxes from 2015 to 2022, an avoidance worth well over $100,000.

White said he will remain in public service as a Naperville council member. 

“I’m not going away. I’m still on the City Council. You still have my ear,” White said.