Alderman-at-Large Robert J. O’Connor has been selected Acting Mayor for the City of Aurora. O’Connor served on the Community Foundation’s board of directors for nine years. He was chair of the scholarship committee and a member of the distribution and executive committees. Congratulations, Bob!
City of Aurora News Release, September 27, 2016 – Tonight, the Aurora City Council voted to nominate Alderman-at-Large Robert J. O’Connor to serve as Acting Mayor for the City of Aurora when Mayor Weisner steps down early. Per state law, the City Council must select an Acting Mayor from among its members to fulfill the remainder of Mayor Weisner’s current term, which ends in April 2017.
“As I shared previously, I have had the good fortune to work with City Councils composed almost entirely of good and honest people who have had the best interests of all of Aurora’s people at heart,” said Mayor Tom Weisner. “Bob O’Connor is one of those people who has served selflessly with dedication and dignity. As he finishes his 8th term, Aurora will be in great hands with Bob as Acting Mayor during this interim phase. He knows City Hall, but most importantly he knows the people of Aurora and will always look out for the greater good of our city.”
Alderman O’Connor was first elected to the City Council in 1985. Currently in his 8th term, he presently serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the City Council.
“I have been honored to serve on the Aurora City Council for nearly 32 years,” said Alderman O’Connor. “It is the utmost honor to be elected by the people of Aurora and an equal honor to be nominated by my colleagues on the City Council to serve as Acting Mayor of our city. We have made such great strides and improvements over the years, and I look forward to working with the City Council, City staff, and the residents of Aurora to keep that momentum going. While my time as Acting Mayor is finite, the commitment and care I have for the City of Aurora is beyond measure.”
A graduate of East Aurora High School’s Class of 1962, O’Connor graduated from the University of Illinois in 1966 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1969. He is an attorney in Aurora and practices law in the areas of estate planning, wills, trusts and real estate representation.
In addition to serving on the Aurora City Council, O’Connor serves as a director on the boards for the Exchange Club of Aurora, Aurora Police Foundation, State of Illinois Council on Aging and Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. He and his wife, Mary, who is a retired elementary school teacher, have raised two sons, Tom and John, in Aurora.
Last month, Mayor Weisner announced his decision to step down early to focus on his health. His last day in office will be Tuesday, November 1 where he will lead his final Aurora City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting beginning at 5p at Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.
After Mayor Weisner adjourns the meeting, a special City Council Meeting will be called to order during which the appointment of Alderman O’Connor will be confirmed by the City Council and he will be sworn-in as Acting Mayor.
