Aurora is looking for 8th ward replacement

Eighth Ward Aurora Alderman Chris Beykirch officially ended his 13-year tenure this week to assume his new post as small-business development coordinator for Aurora's Economic Development Commission.

Now the city must find a suitable Eighth Ward resident to fill his seat until the April 2009 general election, when voters will choose someone to fill the remaining two years of his term, which expires in 2011.

Any potential replacement must live in the ward, be a U.S. citizen and have lived in the city for at least a year.

Applicants should send a complete packet by March 28 -- including a letter of interest, a resume and five letters of recommendation -- to the Mayor's Office, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60507. Three of the recommendation letters must be written by Eighth Ward residents.

Additional information on qualifications for the selection process, duties and responsibilities are posted on the city's Web site at www.aurora-il.org.

Prior to leaving office, Beykirch said he "suggested" two names for Mayor Thomas Weisner to consider.

Weisner will appoint the alderman's replacement with the consent of the city council.