AURORA, Sick. – The Illinois Democratic Occasion has poured important funds into the Aurora mayoral race, aiming to unseat Republican Mayor Richard Irvin.
Irvin, who ran within the 2022 Republican main for governor, made his case for re-election Wednesday evening in a campaign-style speech.
What we all know:
Irvin delivered a high-energy handle, touting his file.
“From the East Facet to the West, from the Far South neighborhoods to the colourful North hall. There’s proof of a metropolis reborn,” mentioned Irvin.
He highlighted what he referred to as historic declines in violent crime, claiming Aurora is among the most secure cities within the nation in 2024.
“Recorded only one murder. I am going to shortly resolve the home incident. Let me repeat only one. Within the second largest metropolis in the whole state of Illinois,” Irvin mentioned.
What they’re saying:
Residents took within the fanfare, some firmly in Irvin’s camp, others unsure.
“Growth in Aurora actually wants an enormous push. And I am dropping a bit of confidence within the Irvin administration,” mentioned Aurora resident Rob Hupp.
“I’m going to vote full hearted for Richard Irving. Richard has been a tremendous mayor so far as I am involved,” mentioned Jana Farmer, one other Aurora resident.
In the meantime, Democratic challenger John Lash has been knocking on doorways, arguing metropolis authorities has gone off monitor. He accused Irvin of steering tens of hundreds of thousands in metropolis subsidies to political allies and marketing campaign donors.
That is all profitable improvement offers for his marketing campaign donors and politically related few tied to Metropolis Corridor, tied to his marketing campaign that every one appear to be on the within,” Lash mentioned.
FOX 32 has reported on Irvin and the Metropolis Council’s follow of awarding hundreds of thousands in metropolis subsidies to main marketing campaign donors. That features CI Intel, a prime donor that received a zoning change to construct a profitable tower, and a politically related improvement group using Irvin’s ex-wife that secured hundreds of thousands to redevelop the outdated Copley Hospital.
Lash, a navy veteran who moved to Aurora in 2008, has obtained main monetary backing from the Illinois Democratic Occasion. He argues Irvin’s method to improvement has left town drowning in debt.
“We’re all seeing a slight tax enhance. What we’re not seeing is the large debt. Town on the finish of 2020, and his finances will likely be $461 million in debt. That’s triple what Irvin inherited when he got here into workplace,” Lash mentioned.
What’s subsequent:
Irvin declined an interview request however has secured endorsements from each the Chicago Tribune and the Every day Herald, citing his file on financial improvement and public security.
