I have worked in Aurora for 43 years and lived on the West Side for 37. During that time, I’ve witnessed many different administrations run our city. But I have never seen the level of partisanship we’re experiencing today.
It’s troubling — especially since Aurora operates under a nonpartisan form of government.
That partisanship has only deepened in recent years. The billionaire Democratic governor of Illinois contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the current mayor’s campaign. At the same time, a number of long-serving, knowledgeable city employees have either resigned or been let go. Their replacements, in many cases, lack the experience needed to manage a city the size and complexity of Aurora.
Unfortunately, I don’t see this trend reversing — and it’s likely to get worse.
Partisan politics rarely foster productivity or efficiency. And in local government, those qualities matter most.
With the growing concerns I hear daily from residents and business owners about the current administration, I believe it’s time for Aurora to adopt a city manager form of government.
Under this model, a professional city manager — not a politician — oversees the city’s day-to-day operations. The mayor would retain a more ceremonial role, and the City Council would continue to set priorities and values for the manager to carry out. This system brings expertise, consistency and accountability, while reducing the influence of partisan politics.
It would also provide stability for our city employees, who currently face uncertainty every four years when a new mayor takes office. No one should have to fear for their job simply because their political views differ from those in power. Aurora’s hardworking public servants deserve better.
Many Illinois municipalities — including St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Naperville, Joliet, Evanston, Elgin, Oak Park and Arlington Heights — already operate successfully under the city manager model. In fact, more than half of Illinois cities with populations over 50,000 have adopted it. It works.
Transitioning to this form of government would require gathering enough petition signatures to place the question on a ballot, either in a special election or during a regularly scheduled one. Then, it would be up to the citizens of Aurora to decide.
Aurora has always been a city that adapts and grows stronger through change. I believe now is the time for that next step — a government led by professionals, guided by our community’s values, and free from partisan politics.
It’s time.
Ald. Carl Franco, 5th Ward, Aurora
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