Daily Herald endorsement: Richard Irvin for Aurora mayor

Richard Irvin’s second term as the mayor of Aurora has been a repeat of his first.

There's been a heavy focus on economic development and revitalizing underutilized properties, including old downtown buildings. The list of projects includes the new Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is under construction on a site near the Chicago Premium Outlets mall.

Meanwhile, Irvin’s challenger in the mayoral race — Alderman-at-large John Laesch — sought his seat after opposing a 2022 decision by the city council to give land and lend $50 million to the casino’s owner, Penn Entertainment, to help pay for the new facility.

Since being elected to the council in 2023, Laesch has criticized many of the financial incentives his fellow council members have approved for various developments. In addition, Laesch is not a fan of Irvin and tried to unseat him in 2021.

Laesch, a former East Aurora Unit District 131 school board member, says Aurora should offer incentives to attract businesses that pay living wages. For example, he would like to entice green energy companies to locate in the city.

In addition to focusing on bringing better-paying jobs to Aurora, Laesch said he would prioritize infrastructure needs, including stepping up efforts to remove lead pipes and replace leaky water mains throughout the city.

For his part, Irvin says there have been positive results during his eight years as mayor. In addition to maintaining a balanced budget, the city has seen its assessed value growand property tax rate decrease.

He said the development projects throughout Aurora have changed the image and perception of the city.

Indeed, the pace of development in the city of Aurora has been impressive. Irvin has been the driving force behind it. He also continues to be an enthusiastic advocate for what Aurora could become.

We believe he has earned the right to serve a third term and to try to finish what he started. Irvin is endorsed.