Robert J. O’Connor, alderman-at-large on the Aurora City Council, announced Wednesday, Aug. 26 that he will not be a candidate for reelection in the 2021 Spring elections.
O’Connor is serving in his ninth term, first elected in 1985. O’Connor indicated that he has truly enjoyed his service on the Council and very honored that the citizens of Aurora placed their trust in him to continue to serve.
O’Connor said, “I have given this decision a lot of thought in the last year as to running again for this seat. While I continue to enjoy serving on the Council and believe I have the desire and energy to continue, it finally just came down to deciding that at this point in my life, it is time to step down. I have now retired from my law practice and feel that I want to take advantage of this new free time to spend with family in the (Aurora) area as well as in Texas and Washington. I would like to expand my time in working with some of the community organizations I have been involved with over the years. While I am feeling good at this point, I am mindful of some of the health challenges I have had in the last few years, including being treated for cancer.”
O’Connor said that he hopes that good candidates will come forward to run for alderman-at-large. He said that it will be very pleasant to sit on the sidelines for the first time in 36 years during the upcoming campaign.
O’Connor said he appreciated all the support and cooperation that he received from all five mayors he has served with (including mayor O’Connor), from all of his colleagues on the City Council, his family, and most importantly from the citizens of Aurora.
— Robert J. O’Connor