Questions for Aurora mayoral candidates

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It’s election season, and I have questions. As someone who champions small business and cultivates community connections, I have several questions for the Aurora mayoral candidates. Some of the questions below are mine, while others are from involved community members.

The former SciTech Hands On Museum sits empty at 18 W. Benton Street in downtown Aurora. The family-friendly destination occupied the old Post Office from 1990 to 2022. Marissa Amoni photo

I encourage all of the mayoral candidates, including the current mayor, to reply with their answers by email to community@thevoice.us by January 20, 2025 in advance of the February 25, 2025 mayoral primary.

How will you work to restore our riverfront along the Fox River, especially north of downtown and RiverEdge Park?

How will you work with small businesses to ensure their success despite economic trends?

Will you consider rezoning downtown Aurora to first floor retail, entertainment, and dining to encourage more foot traffic and visitors?

In downtown Aurora, there are a few stretches of prime storefronts that continue to remain vacant (e.g. 44 W. Downer Pl. and 65 E. Downer Pl.). What is your plan to activate those properties?

How will you deal with commercial property owners who continue to not maintain their property?

This fall, City Council approved giving three million dollars to Elevate Aurora, a new organization that includes Invest Aurora, Aurora Downtown, and Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. What are your thoughts on the merger?

With the director of Aurora Public Art being dismissed recently, what is your plan for the future of Aurora Public Art?

What is your plan for the old post office which most recently served as SciTech Museum?

Do you have any long term plans regarding the homeless population living in encampments around the outskirts of downtown?

What industry or businesses would you most like to see established in Aurora?

Do you believe transparency in government is important, and would you support increased reporting requirements for private organizations receiving significant city funding?

The city has continued to acquire real estate, particularly downtown. What is your stance on this practice?

What is your position on dam removal?

Best of luck to all of the candidates. Aurora is a great city. I look forward to the city’s continued growth while it maintains a community focus and its boundless artistic and nurturing spirit.

As the New Year approaches, here’s a list of upcoming events to add to your 2025 calendar:

  • June 14 Aurora Greenfest, Aurora. auroragreenfest.com
  • July 26 and 27 Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva.
  • August 30 Alley Art Festival will celebrate 15 years in downtown Aurora on the last Saturday of August 2025. alleyartaurora.com.

Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. Follow her on Instagram
@marissashinesbright.

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