OUR CANDIDATES
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
BENNY WHITE
Councilman Dr. Benjamin M. (Benny) White, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, served 22 years in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer before retiring in 2008. He has held significant teaching and leadership roles, including as an Assistant Professor at West Point and a Professor of Military Science at Wheaton College, and continues mentoring young leaders through the Junior ROTC program at Joliet West High School. His commitment to education and community service led him to serve on the Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education as Board Secretary and on Naperville’s Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Elected to the Naperville City Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, he is actively involved in various local organizations, including the Naperville Downtown Advisory Committee, the Naperville Development Partnership, Naperville Community Television (NCTV-17), and Loaves and Fishes, and is the founder of Naperville Neighbors United, an organization promoting unity in the community. A former college football player and an avid sports fan, Benny enjoys supporting Army football and the Kansas City Chiefs. He holds a Bachelor of Science from West Point, a Master of Science from Indiana University, an MBA from Webster University, and a doctorate in Values Driven Leadership from Benedictine University. Benny and his wife, Kim, have lived in Naperville since 2005 and have two adult children.
MARY GIBSON
Mary Gibson is a long-time, active member of our community, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to Naperville. Elected to the Naperville Park District Board in 2021, she has served as the Board President for the past three years and as a Naperville Riverwalk Commissioner for the past four years. With her background as a director at a big data analytics firm and extensive education in public policy, Mary offers the experience, integrity, knowledge, and commitment to civility that our community needs on City Council. As your City Councilwoman, she will prioritize fiscal responsibility, champion public safety, and advocate for government transparency and accountability, all while fostering unity and making decisions for the collective good of Naperville.
IAN HOLZHAUER
Ian Holzhauer, a Naperville native and small business owner, is running for re-election to the Naperville City Council. A graduate of Naperville North High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Florida and a law degree from Georgetown University before serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 2007 to 2014. As a councilman, Ian prioritizes economic stability, housing for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and enhancing public spaces like the Naperville Riverwalk while advocating for LGBTQ rights and government transparency. In 2023, he became the first Naperville councilmember to travel to India as part of a U.S. State Department delegation to strengthen ties between Naperville and Indian communities. Previously, he led the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Committed to mentoring and public service, Ian continues working to make Naperville a great place to live and raise a family.
ASHFAQ SYED
Ashfaq Syed, a dedicated Naperville resident and community leader, is running for Naperville City Council to bring thoughtful, transparent leadership to the city. As President of the Naperville Public Library Board and Co-Chair of the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee, he has demonstrated his commitment to public service, helping secure millions in funding for Naperville through a best-in-the-nation census response. Ashfaq is focused on promoting responsible development, enhancing public safety, and ensuring fiscal responsibility to keep Naperville thriving. He is passionate about representing all residents and making Naperville an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
PARK DISTRICT CANDIDATES
LESLIE RUFFING
Leslie Ruffing has been a Naperville resident for over 12 years, living here with her husband and two daughters. She and her family moved from Chicago to make Naperville their home and to raise their family. She has always enjoyed giving back to this community through her volunteer work. Leslie has been a regular volunteer at her daughters’ elementary and middle schools for many years, having also served as a PTA committee chair. She was honored to be asked to join the IPSD 204 Citizen Task Force in 2024. Since 2017 she has been an active volunteer with gun violence prevention advocacy groups, working hard to keep our communities safe.
Professionally, Leslie brings over 15 years of finance experience advising clients on spending and budgeting as a Structured Settlement Annuity Broker. These skills have guided her as she works to successfully oversee the efficient use of Naperville residents' tax dollars. In 2022, Leslie transitioned to the public sector, gaining valuable expertise in public policy, negotiations, and community engagement.
Elected to the Naperville Park District Board in 2021, Leslie has served as Vice President since 2022. She currently chairs the Finance Committee and is also a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Since her election, Leslie is proud of the Board's progress, particularly in advancing environmental stewardship, strengthening its commitment to equity and inclusion, and expanding its presence across all Naperville communities. She is excited to run for re-election and continue working to ensure that all residents benefit from a thriving and inclusive Park District.
AISHWARYA BALAKRISHNA
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RHONDA ANSIER
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ALISON THOMPSON
Growing up in Naperville, Alison experienced the excellent schools, parks and the community feel of Naperville. In 2018 she and her husband decided to settle here and were able to move into the same house where she was raised, after her father retired. She appreciates Naperville as a community of caring, passionate individuals of diverse backgrounds and loves how the city feels like a quaint town, but also has the resources and expansive power of a large city.
When considering how to serve the community, Alison decided that the Park District is the place where she could contribute the most. Alison Thompson was first elected to the Park Board in 2021. She is excited to bring to the board the perspective of a young parent who also has been familiar with the Park District throughout her life. She believes that the Naperville Park District can bring diverse communities together and that individuals can find common ground through play and recreation, bridging some of the societal divides that exist.
Alison is proud to be a self-taught photographer and a small business owner of Alison Thompson Photography, as well as working for a Chicago tax firm. She is passionate about her career and enjoys finding new ways to enhance and expand her skills and business.