Endorsement: Lofchie for Aurora Ward 10.

A new alderman will be elected April 4 for Aurora's 10th Ward after a tumultuous period for the ward under current Alderman Lynne Johnson.

Johnson, elected in 2013, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor retail theft in March 2015 and was charged with a similar crime in early 2016. She was censured by the city council and urged to resign but she remained. She is not seeking re-election.

The three candidates who want to replace her are Keith Bradley, Judd Lofchie and Robert Paolicchi.

Lofchie, 58, a resident of the ward for more than 20 years, has twice run unsuccessfully for alderman, losing in 2013 to Johnson and in 2011 for an alderman at large seat. He is an attorney, real estate broker and developer who has been involved in Aurora issues for many years. he founded a business networking group in town and is currently a member of a committee looking at ways to improve the city's building, zoning, signage, development and permitting process. To that end, he wants to work to reduce red tape for businesses. As a developer, he points to a track record of bringing business into Aurora.

Bradley, 66. is a retired sales executive who has lived in Aurora for four years. He says Aurora needs to develop a plan for the Fox Valley Mall area that recognizes the decline of "bricks and mortar" businesses.

Paolicchi, 70, is a retired education administrator who also moved to the city four years ago. He's focused on bringing development to the part of town served by East Aurora Unit District 131 to help improve the tax base.

Lofchie, though, has the experience, knowledge and full breadth of ideas to best improve the city and specifically the 10th Ward. He earns our endorsement.