Aurora alderman says he's running for mayor in 2017

A three-term Aurora alderman, Richard C. Irvin, says he will run for mayor in 2017 to replace Thomas Weisner, who will not seek a fourth term.

Born and raised in Aurora, Irvin, 46, is an attorney and business owner who started his career as a Kane County assistant state's attorney.

One of two aldermen-at-large on the city council, Irvin twice ran unsuccessful campaigns against Weisner.

The only other announced candidate for the mayor's post is state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia.

In a news release Thursday, Irvin touted the city's success during his tenure in reducing crime and bolstering its infrastructure with new bridges, parks and a fiber-optics network.

As mayor, he said he would focus on developing a business retention and attraction plan with the goal of reducing the property tax burden on homeowners. He also said he would work to continue improving the city's image.

"As mayor, I will battle to make our city beautiful and prosperous for all the citizens of Aurora," he said.

He said he will spend the next few months meeting with business leaders, community leaders, faith leaders and members of the city's unions. He also plans to meet with aldermen and other elected officials to create a "full comprehensive and executable action plan ..."

"I have decided to follow my life's calling," Irvin said in his statement. "Preparation has met opportunity, enabling me to step up to lead our great city to a prosperous future."