Aurora council hopefuls line up early

A nickname is nothing new for some members of the Aurora City Council.

Alderman John “Whitey” Peters, for example, has gone by that name for years.

But now a newcomer with an even more unique name has thrown his hat into the ring for this spring's election. Isaac Count De Money Wilson filed Monday to run against Mike Saville for alderman in the city's 6th Ward.

Wilson was one of eight people to file for six available council seats and included his full name on his nominating petitions.

In addition to the 6th Ward, two candidates each also submitted petitions on the opening day of filings for runs in the 5th Ward and for an at-large aldermanic seat.

At least two other candidates are expected to announce for the at-large seat before the filing period ends Nov. 22.

Candidates who were on hand for the opening of filing Monday will have their names appear first on the ballot viewed by some as a strategic advantage.

In cases where more than one candidate was on hand for a specific seat, the city will conduct a lottery at 10 a.m. Dec. 1 to determine who gets the top spot.

Wilson, a thrift store owner who graduated from West Aurora High School in 2000, said he will focus his campaign on crime in the 6th Ward and hopes to hold frequent meetings with the community if elected.

Aurora Election Commission officials said Wilson has been registered to vote under his full name since 2009.

“We accept all of the applications and it's not up to us to judge as to proper filing of petitions,” Executive Director Linda Fechner said.

In the 5th Ward, Peters will be challenged by Dean Myles.

In the at-large race, Alderman Richard Irvin will run for re-election for the first time and will face newcomer Judd Lofchie, a real estate lawyer who has lived in Aurora for 14 years.

Irvin said it's important to have the chance at being on the top of the ballot because he wants to show Aurora residents he's serious about his re-election bid.

“We're going to work hard and do whatever it takes to make sure to do the best for the city,” he said.

Irvin said addressing the $19 million budget deficit must be the first priority and that includes maintaining public safety and creating new revenue streams.

Filing continues until 5 p.m. Nov. 22. An objection period, during which anyone can file an objection to any candidate, begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 23. The election commission will hold hearings to determine the validity of any objections.