January 23, 2021
Dear editor;
The last five years I spent a lot of time thinking about Aurora and trying to understand its culture. I find it very different, especially looking at surrounding cities.
The governing bodies tend to be exclusive clubs, more than looking to help the needs of all residents. There are rules and customs, that if not followed, can cause push back. It is similar to a campfire that looks completely out, but if it is poked with a stick the embers flare up. Some of those embers involve pay to play, self-enrichment, moral corruption, and economic development without forethought to rush it through. That is why so much comes and goes in Aurora. One of the rules is to make it difficult to get information, especially for inquiring minds who care about good government and a City that works for all. Not all ashes are burning, but if the ones that are burning are not dealt with, the whole fire starts again. Another rule is to get enough people to follow you blindly, or not so, to be able to push back those who ask questions with care. I often have been called names and have received E-mail.
If you ask to develop more content, be more inclusive, transparent and ethically-sound you may find yourself in the parking lot while the meetings continue. Not everyone is a bad player, but the City Council Club and the Township Club have been doing it for years and it is difficult to change.
Neither is all of Aurora a burning ember. There is history, neighborhoods, businesses, culture with richness. The issue is the rest of the City. Even arts and incoming businesses are controlled by the City government, or shown favoritism to those who follow the club.
It has produced a false narrative that includes phrases such as Aurora Strong and Renaissance. You can optimistically enter different (not all) organizations, non-profits, City Council and Township, only to find the burning embers amongst the ashes.
In this coming election some individuals come forward not to be naysayers, as the establishment calls them, but to break up the old establishment to make Aurora welcoming to all, fair to all, and a sustainable future. I pray if they get elected they don’t fall into power-over-people concerns and the club rules.
Some of what is peculiar to Aurora is not easily seen unless similar to the campfire you poke around and the fire is not out.
To all those who have accomplished much in Aurora with integrity, I applaud you. Now it must be a reality for all of Aurora to stop the current flight and make Aurora friendly again to all residents.
Margie Logman, Aurora