St. Charles Alderman Maureen Lewis to run for mayor

St. Charles Ward 5 Alderman Maureen Lewis announced Friday that she will run for mayor in the April 6 election.

She is the second candidate to enter the race since the current mayor, Ray Rogina, said in September that he would not seek a third term. Ward 4 Alderman Lora Vitek is also running.

Lewis, who was born and raised in St. Charles, has served on the city council for a decade. Appointed in 2010, she won elections in 2011, 2013 and 2017.

"I have immersed myself in local government during my 10 years on the city council as alderman and am eager to use my experience and knowledge to take the next step," Lewis said in a statement. "I care deeply about the St. Charles community and am best equipped to assume the leadership role of mayor."

On the city council, Lewis served as chairman of the government operations committee and vice chairman of government services, and she served on the liquor commission for four years. She has served as the council's liaison to the Norris Cultural Arts Center, the St. Charles History Museum and the former Downtown Partnership.

Before joining the council, Lewis worked for eight years on the 708 Mental Health Board. She is also co-chairman of the St. Charles America In Bloom Committee.