Aurora alderman announces mayoral bid

A sitting Aurora alderman has announced plans to run for mayor in the spring 2021 election.

Judd Lofchie, an attorney, real estate broker and 10th Ward alderman, is the first to announce his intention to run for the mayor's post.

Mayor Richard Irvin, who was elected in 2017, is serving his first term. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lofchie said in a statement that he's been "humbled" by the 10th Ward residents who elected him more than three years ago.

"Having attended about 300 city meetings and responded to hundreds of resident complaints and concerns, I'm even more excited about what lies ahead," Lofchie said. "I am officially announcing my candidacy for mayor ... as I do not think there could be a better point in time to put my strengths to work for our great city."

Lofchie, founder of StreetWise magazine, said education and awareness are important to the community.

"There are folks less fortunate all around us," he said, "and there is much we can do."

Lofchie said his campaign will focus on "much-needed fiscal responsibility."

Aurora has more than $1.1 billion in debt and unfunded pensions, according to Lofchie's statement. There's also a proposal to spend $30 million to $50 million to move Hollywood Casino from downtown to Farnsworth Avenue. Another $23 million could be spent on a new city warehouse, and millions more could be used for development projects.

"Much of this $100 million will fall on the taxpayer's shoulders," said Lofchie, adding that the city is forecasting a $20 million to $35 million shortfall because of the coronavirus.

"We are 'hoping' that the counties bail us out, instead of taking prudent financial actions like other nearby communities have done," he said.

Lofchie said it's "business as usual" in Aurora with the city making no cuts. "We need leadership that will take a new look at our city's reality," he said.

Lofchie's campaign website is JuddforAurora.com.