St. Charles aldermen, mayor, begin new terms of office

Former St. Charles Alderman Jo Krieger is affectionately known as the city's resident tree-hugger for her love of nature.

This week it was the only city she's ever loved that felt Krieger's embrace as she stepped down from the city council after 24 years, making way for a new generation of leadership.

"It's been fascinating, fun, interesting," Krieger said. "I've served with four mayors, three city administrators, and all had one goal in mind: Make St. Charles the greatest city on earth, and they all succeeded. I wouldn't consider living anywhere else."

Krieger isn't leaving city government. In April, voters elected her the new city treasurer. Her departure from the council came as the successful candidates of the April municipal elections took turns swearing the oath of office.

Incumbent Aldermen Ron Silkaitis, Art Lemke, William Turner and Maureen Lewis, all return to the council. The one new face is Lora Vitek. She replaced Krieger in the Fourth Ward.

Joining them in new and renewed oaths was Mayor Ray Rogina, who took the oath of office for his second term. Kane County Judge Clint Hull, a former student of Rogina's in the St. Charles school system, performed the official swearing in.

"As a former student, we are all proud of our mayor," Hull said. "We know that he loves this city. On behalf of all your former students, we love you, and we can't think of anyone better for the job."

Rogina recognized his wife, Diane, city staff members, local businesses and aldermen for all the time they commit to making St. Charles a great city. He said Vitek will "provide the same thoughtfulness and critical analysis needed in a progressive city like St. Charles."

"We all want to accomplish good things for St. Charles," Rogina said. "I know we will all do our best. I've learned that we are not the perfect city, nor does everyone appreciate the efforts of staff, elected officials and volunteers. But then our great friend, Mr. (Abraham) Lincoln, was right about pleasing all of the people.

"I'm quite a lucky guy," Rogina continued. "I'm the mayor of one of Chicago's greatest suburbs. It's a town where heritage is king, community is valued, opportunity lurks at every turn, and service is given with a smile. A river runs through, and every day we are thankful for what we have.

"I'm proud to be your colleague. I'm proud to be your friend. I'm proud to spend my career in this community. And now I'm proud to be your mayor for another term. God bless the city of St. Charles."