By Brooke Shanley
A concerned resident brought forth challenges to the petitions of candidate Ron Woerman based on his residency. During the challenge process, while the charges were ultimately dismissed by the Aurora Electoral Board in its ruling January 11, there were many statements made under oath, by Mr. Ron Woerman, that I feel must be addressed.
As a 9th Ward resident for nearly 10 years and as an educator in Aurora’s public schools, I am aware that the definition of residency is not defined in State law. The city code states that to run for office an individual needs to be a resident for one year prior to the election. However, the definition that I, and many of my friends and colleagues, have is not the same as the one Ron Woerman has.
Under oath, Mr. Woerman testified that the sole purpose for his renting a one-bedroom apartment in Aurora was to meet the residency requirements to run for alderman. He testified that his wife and children primarily lived in Oswego and spent only around 15%-20% of their time at the Aurora address. He further testified that he lived in Oswego 60% of the time and maintained the Oswego address, where he’s resided for the past 15 years, on most of his financial and monthly accounts. So, while he utilized the letter of the law by having a lease signed and the apartment utilities in his name, he did not, by any means, adhere to the spirit of the law.
The residency requirement is about investing in our community, living in our community, and embracing the community we call home. I am happy that Mr. Woerman recently decided to purchase a house in Aurora and soon will be living there. However, I am concerned about his motives for wanting to serve the residents of the city of Aurora as alderman at large. How can anyone purport to represent Aurora who does not know Aurora?
I believe the residents of Aurora deserve more than someone who acts like he is a resident for his advancement. I believe we deserve elected officials who put people over politics and who advocate for the interests of our community. I am fully committed to our City and I am dedicated to serving our families, friends, and neighbors, living here in Aurora, as alderman-at-large.
I am a candidate for alderman-at-large for Aurora. I am an educator and activist who has dedicated my life and career to service, advocacy, and leadership.
Brooke Shanley is a candidate for alderman at large in Aurora.