By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council viewed an emotional presentation from Ward 1 alderman Emmanuel Llamas, at the Committee of the Whole meeting, Tuesday, July 2.
City of Aurora government Facebook video screenshot
Alderman Llamas announced he is stepping down from his aldermanic seat to take care of his ailing father, who is battling stage 4 stomach cancer.
The announcement came three weeks after he informed leaders of a neighborhood group that he would be scaling back his duties for the Summer as a result of his father’s diagnosis.
Mayor Irvin joined him for the announcement, thanked him for his five years of service, wished his father a full recovery, and stated he would begin taking applications for Ward 1 residents interested in serving in the position. The application process opened Wednesday, July 3 at 9 a.m. More information will be available at www.aurora-il.org/Ward1Appointee.
Alderman Llamas’ said the following: “What a difference one season in life can make. For me, that major life shift has happened this Spring into Summer.
“In an E-mail sent Tuesday, June 11, I shared with neighborhood group leaders in my ward why I had been absent from the previous meeting and why I would probably not be available throughout the Summer.
“Since I was a child, I’ve always been taught the importance of putting family first.
“In March of this year, we received devastating news when my father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. In April, we received even worse news when the oncologist confirmed that it was stage 4. In May, he had surgery, and he is currently undergoing an aggressive treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy and radiation.
“During this time, I am not just his son, I am his primary caregiver.
“In addition to taking him to all his medical appointments and treatments, which are daily some weeks, I take care of him around the clock, including administering his feeding tube. As he undergoes the more aggressive portion of his treatment, I have decided to focus on him, his health, and the overall well-being of my family.
“This is an extremely overwhelming and challenging time for me as a dedicated son, a present husband and father of a 3-year-old and a 5-month-old, a full-time business owner, and a responsive alderman.
“When I look at the foreseeable future and what is best for my family, it is clear that something has to give and be sacrificed.
“After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to step down from my position as Ward 1 Alderman, effective August 1, 2024.
“This decision doesn’t come lightly. I am so proud to serve the ward where I was born and raised and where my family has lived for generations. I have been proud to serve as an alderman for the past five years and planned to serve my second term and beyond.
“But life has presented me with a different capacity in which I must be of greater service to my father and my family.
“I thank the residents of Ward 1 for their vote of confidence in me, not once but twice. Now, I ask for your prayers as my family and I face these challenging times together.
“I will work with my successor to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.”