Voters speak up for Aurora alderman facing expulsion

Two weeks ago Aurora aldermen lined up behind Mayor Tom Weisner regarding his decision to threaten Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence with expulsion from the May 11 meeting. Throughout last week, word also began to mount that the aldermen were considering censuring Lawrence.

Tuesday night, Team Rick had their say as three supporters lambasted the council during the public comment section of the meeting. Lawrence took a moment to explain himself as well.

Lawrence became enraged at the previous council meeting when his request to ask questions of Aurora Housing Authority appointee Avis Miller was denied by Weisner. Lawrence is a longtime thorn in the side of the authority, questioning its use of tax dollars and the conditions of many of the authority's properties. He routinely calls for the dismantling of the board.

Weisner has said he denied Lawrence's line of questioning so as not to allow Lawrence to unfairly "rip into" Miller.

Fourth Ward resident Fran Shaw told the council she listened to audio of the meeting (available only at http://www.dailyherald.com/audio/aurpick.mp3) and backs Lawrence and his questioning.

"I listened very carefully. As citizens we elected Alderman Lawrence to act on our behalf and especially to ask questions. It's through questions that we arrive at the truth," Shaw said. "You all need to speak up. That's what citizens elect you to do. We elected every single one of you to ask questions and search for the truth, not just sit there and rubber stamp everything that comes through."

Shaw also had parting words for the aldermen considering reprimanding Lawrence.

"I support my alderman and if I hear any more talk about censure you will have more problems from the Fourth Ward people who elected Alderman Lawrence to take a stand for us."

Public comment regular Kevin Matthews criticized the council for their overall spending habits but also threw his hat in Lawrence's corner.

"He's here because people like me elected him to ask the hard questions," Matthews said.

Lawrence said it's been a rough two weeks for his wife and children and thanked "all the cards and e-mails and calls and everything"and compared himself to Weisner, saying both are "stubborn."

"I'll be first to say I'm not politically correct and I don't always say things the government way. That's not me whatsoever," he said. "I do not think it is wrong, at all, to ask any staff member any question at city council. I am who I am and I'm going to sit up here and ask questions that some people aren't going to like but I think we can all do a little better."

Following the meeting, Weisner said he knew Lawrence would call and have supporters show up.

"I thought about calling some people to support me too but I figured I'd let him have his say and we can all move on," Weisner said."I'd also like to debunk this notion that (Lawrence) isn't allowed to ask questions. It's just not true. In the end, I'll let Aurora judge as we move forward with a balanced budget, low crime rate, rebounding commercial growth and great relationships with our schools, community groups and neighbors."

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<h1>More Coverage</h1>

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<h2>Stories</h2>

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<li><a href="/story/?id=380386">Aurora aldermen back Mayor Weisner in latest flap with Lawrence <span class="date">[05/13/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=380122">Aurora mayor threatens to kick alderman out of meeting <span class="date">[05/12/10]</span></a></li>

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<h2>Audio</h2>

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<li><a href="/audio/aurpick.mp3">Hear the Weisner-Lawrence exchange </a></li>

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