On Nov. 1, Aurora voters will decide whether to raise property taxes by 4 mills to shore up the city police and fire departments. Part of the $10.4 million increase would also fund a library, recreation center and pools and a museum. The Post recommends a “yes” vote.
Nobody likes paying taxes, but it’s important to note that the city council cut property taxes by 3 mills just a few years ago, a sensible move when Aurora’s sales tax receipts were stronger. Some opponents of restoring that tax cut now have also protested against any meaningful city budget cuts. Unfortunately, Aurora can’t have it both ways, and we believe most residents would rather pay modestly higher taxes than see public safety and other services degraded.
Voters will also decide whether to increase the term limits for Aurora’s mayor and city council members from the existing limit of two four-year terms to three terms. The change will apply only to city officials elected for the first time in this upcoming election or thereafter. The Post recommends a “yes” vote.
Voters will also fill five city council seats. The Post recommends Deborah Wallace in Ward 1, Renie Peterson in Ward 2, and Larry Beer in Ward 3. In the two at-large races, we recommend re-electing incumbents Steve Hogan and Robert FitzGerald.
Wallace strikes us as the best choice to succeed term-limited Nadine Caldwell in northwest Aurora’s Ward 1 because of her strong record of community and civic service. She faces an attractive rival in Kim Harrell, an energetic artist. Pat Tudor and Larry McElvain round out the field.
Peterson is our pick to replace outgoing Kathy Green in Ward 2, northeast and eastcentral Aurora, because her service on the Citizen’s Advisory Budget Committee gives her strong insights into the city’s fiscal problems and public works needs. She faces Duane Senn, Phillip R. Freeman and Ronald Girard.
Ward 3, west-central Aurora, is a close call between Beer and businessman Lawrence Grandison Jr. to replace outgoing Ingrid Lindemann. Beer’s record of community service, including a term on the Aurora Planning and Zoning Committee, tips the balance in his favor. Marsha Berzins and Duane Martin round out this four-way field.
In the at-large races, incumbents FitzGerald and Hogan have served effectively. They face challengers Francis Peter Maks Jr., Sum C. Nguyen and Carol D. Wilkins.
There are good candidates across the Aurora ballot. We urge voters to watch the forums that will be telecast on Aurora’s Channel 8 as they weigh their choices.
