News Details

Mayor Seeking Veterans For New Advisory Council

The City of Aurora is expanding the Veteran’s Advisory Council to help address issues impacting local military personnel who have served our country.

The City plans to invigorate the council, which was originally established in 1998. The Aurora City Council recently approved Mayor Tom Weisner’s proposal to expand the Veterans Advisory Council to 15 people.

“Aurora is home to hundreds of veterans of our military services and a new generation of veterans is returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” Mayor Weisner said. “It’s important that we identify and work to serve the needs of our veterans, and the best way to do that is to get their direct input.”

At least eight Veteran’s Advisory Council members shall be in good standing of an active veteran’s organization in the Aurora community. Five members may be non-affiliated veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military, and the remaining two seats may be filled by immediate family members of a living or deceased veteran. The council will be composed of Aurora residents from all branches of the military.

The initial advisory council members will serve staggered terms – ranging from one to three years – as determined by a drawing at their first regular meeting. As each initial term expires, appointments will be made for the full three years. Members cannot be appointed for more than two full consecutive terms.

The City has worked closely with a number of veteran organizations in Aurora, which has led to the honorary naming of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge on Illinois Avenue, collaborating with the Aurora Navy League in their efforts to have the U.S. Navy commission a ship after the City of Aurora, and establishing a covenant with all military branches. The City also partnered with the Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 to co-sponsor the Independence Day Parade last year.

Residents interested in serving on Aurora’s Veteran’s Advisory Council are encouraged to write a letter of interest to Mayor Weisner. Letters can be mailed to the City of Aurora, Mayor’s Office, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60507.

Location: Aurora, Illinois