John Laesch, the 60th mayor of Aurora, was sworn-in by Aurora City clerk, Jennifer Stallings, Tuesday, May 13 at the Paramount Theatre. Laesch was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia. In 1986, he moved with his family to a small organic farm in Newark, Ill. Laesch, a military veteran, served as a Naval intelligence analyst in the Middle East after graduating at the top of his class. Following his military service, he earned an associate’s degree from Waubonsee Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He moved to Aurora’s east side where he restored a historic home while working as a union carpenter. Laesch served on the East Aurora School Board from 2015 to 2019. In 2023, he was elected alderman-at-large for the city of Aurora. He was elected as mayor April 1. City of Aurora government Facebook video screenshot
