Whether Mayor Richard Irvin’s run for the statehouse put Aurora on the map, a question asked by some, seems irrelevant on the heels of his third-place finish in the Illinois GOP primary. Admittedly, it was a tough loss for Irvin, the city’s first African American mayor. And it’s fair to point out that Irvin isn’t the first gubernatorial candidate to come up short in meeting expectations.
Those suggesting that oblivion is where the twice-elected Aurora mayor is heading might want to think again. Barring the unforeseen, with plenty of time remaining in his second term, Irvin can use his unique brand of collaboration and dealmaking insight to direct his political future and soothe relations with GOP leadership.
Speculation regarding Irvin’s political future varies from its kaput for the two-term mayor to those who spin the defeat as an opportunity to clarify issues that hindered his gubernatorial run.
What’s apparent is that Irvin’s mayoral leadership is the primary impetus for a boon in the city’s downtown business district and that Aurorans will benefit from those efforts. In addition, Irvin’s governance regarding the expansion of commerce, a hallmark of his administration, illustrates Irvin’s ability to get things done.
Speculation regarding Irvin’s future varies greatly, and local politicians aren’t shy about weighing in.
Juan Thomas, the former Aurora Township Clerk and Chair of the Aurora Township Democratic Party, opinion represents that of other political players. Thomas believes that the former GOP frontrunner must “decide what his core beliefs are, and what are his principles…and what he truly stands for…”
As for the average voter, opinions run the gamut and mainly relate to Irvin’s ability to address concerns that impact Aurora’s citizenry. What’s certain is that we’ll have to wait to find out.
Perhaps, the most prudent strategy for Irvin is to head back to City Hall, roll up his sleeves, and continue to promote Aurora’s expansion. Moreover, Irvin’s gubernatorial run might strengthen his political acumen, allowing him to do as Thomas suggest, decide his core beliefs, and hold fast to his principles regardless of the prevailing political climate or enticement.
As Salman Khurshid said when talking about astute politicians and the art of political strategy, “In a democracy, every election is a learning process. You learn from every election, the one that you win and the one that you lose. And then you prepare for the next one.” Here’s hoping that Mayor Irvin heeds Khurshid’s sage advice.
Anthony Stanford, named the 2014 Outstanding African American of the Year by the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board, is an opinion columnist, urban theorist, and author of the book, “Homophobia in the Black Church: How Faith, Politics and Politics and Fear Divide the Black Community.”