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* I told subscribers about this several weeks ago…
On Monday night, Representative Linda Chapa LaVia (D) became the first to announce her candidacy for Mayor of Aurora in 2017. Chapa LaVia made her announcement at the Copley Theater in downtown Aurora joined by a large crowd of family, friends and supporters.
“Many of you have put me where I am today because you say I’m the hardest working public servant you know,” said Chapa LaVia. “I want to continue to serve my community, and I’d be honored to serve as the next Mayor of Aurora.”
An Aurora native and veteran of the Army and National Guard, Chapa LaVia has represented Illinois’ 83rdState House District since 2003. Over her 13 years in the Illinois State House, Chapa LaVia has worked to promote economic development and educational opportunities in her district.
“We have a lot of work to do before this election,” said Chapa LaVia. “So over these next 20 months, I need you—the people of Aurora—to tell me what you think is most important for our city.”
Chapa LaVia’s decision follows current Mayor Tom Weisner’s announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2017.
Rep. Chapa LaVia added that while her campaign is still in its early stages, two of her top priorities will be to create an atmosphere that encourages business development and growth, and promoting early childhood education.
“Our city is ready to do incredible things for jobs and education,” concluded Chapa LaVia. “For now, I’m humbled and my heart is warmed by you believing in me. I promise, no matter what, to always believe in Aurora.”
Chapa LaVia represents Illinois’ 83rd Representative District, which includes Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora. She lives in Aurora with her husband and two daughters.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 11:16 am
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I think this explains her No vote on yesterday’s CPS pension bill more than Madigan telling her to vote against it. Unfortunately that doesn’t fit the narrative Rauner and the Tribune are trying to create.
She’ll be a fine mayor too. I wish her well.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 11:21 am
She’s always been a homer for her home town of Aurora. Even with a slip or two, she’s a popular person there, a real native daughter of the community, and well seasoned to do a good job. I too wish her luck there.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 11:30 am
As a Whole, this might make sense to Chapa La Via. She has represented over Half the city before, looking out and analyzing people; their makeups, measuring, and I am sure, Unapologetically, getting down to what she knows.
I’m sure Chapa La Via will tout her willingness to work with the Whole community too. Never looking across and seeing Half truths. Chapa La Via, I’m sure will welcome Whole heartedly an analysis of who she is, how she responds to people, controversy, and her skill and expertise, even at admitting when she’s wrong, doing it with her Whole heart, that fling it once just wasn’t enough.
Aurora, as a Whole, will be Chapa La Via’s focus. Chapa La Via will run an inclusive campaign, I’m sure.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 11:35 am
A whole hearted half serious endorsement by WIlly.
Comment by ABC Lawyer Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 11:41 am
Being mayor would be way more fun than a mushroom in Springfield - whether a Madigan flavored mushroom or a Rauner flavored mushroom.
At least IMHO . . .
Comment by Bill White Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 11:50 am
On the Whole, Oswego Willy sums things up. Chapa La Via’s announcement draws only Half hearted interest.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 12:08 pm
Chapa La Via will be a loss in the house. She is a powerful voice for kids. I do not always agree with her position on school issues but I know her heart is in the right place. She is a strong advocate for all kids, but especially those that struggle and are in need.
I think she wins easily and wonder who will step up in her district, big shoes to fill.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Good riddance to the Rep.
Ineffective on all issues other than veterans issues. Thinks way more of herself than anyone I’ve met in politics. Clearly MJM is losing one of his mushrooms here. Good Luck Aurora under her leadership, you’re gonna need it.
Comment by Anon2U Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 12:33 pm
She would be much better Mayor than Jack Cunningham.
Comment by Hedley Lamarr Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 12:36 pm
Anon2U:
“Thinks way more of herself than anyone I’ve met in politics.”
There are a whole lot of GA members I’d like to introduce you to.
Comment by Eugene Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 12:42 pm
Well Hedley you do know your players when it comes to Aurora….
As for being a mushroom, for what it is worth she supported a different candidate than Madigan did when her district was split up after 2010 and I am sure that didn’t score her any points.
I can say she does work fairly well with folks from both parties and may be the most popular D with Rs in Aurora (not that big of a group for what it is worth).
There is a bit of a split in the local dems so it will be interesting to see if one of the more progressive Dems gets into to race and if Richard Irvin runs again. But besides for Richard I don’t see an alderman who would even think about it.
The other name would be Lauzen, I know there is a collective eye roll, but never count him out in Aurora. I doubt he will do it however. If he did it becomes a race.
But as of now unless you get a big field, I see this being easy for her.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 1:24 pm
I like her. She’s been one of the more pleasant elected officials I’ve met at the Capitol.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 1:26 pm
It’s scary to see how we reward incompetence in this state. Chapa’s accomplishments as state rep are making racial comments and attacking the IHSA.
In Aurora, there is corruption and a huge economic and crime crisis. How would she address any of that?
Most importantly, she and her husband did a failed deal for a pizza place in downtown Aurora that was going to cost a million dollars from taxpayers. That should be the mayor?
She needs this job to increase her pension and save her family from bad real estate deals.
Also, she has been promising city employees jobs for months in exchange for campaign support (is that illegal?) including those who need to pad their pensions for a couple more years.
Aurora is a city with serious economic problems after a decade of incompetence and corruption. Being a mushroom and voting rubber stamps with Madigan is easy. Running a city the right way is much harder.
Comment by Brian Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 1:31 pm
I agree with OneMan. Linda Chapa won’t have any serious challenge unless someone like Lauzen steps in. He is one of the few people that could create a serious contest. Don’t be surprised if Lauzen still does. 2017 is a long period away.
Comment by Brian Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Aurora is turning into the Detroit of Illinois.
Comment by Brian Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Good riddance.
Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 2:04 pm
Always more bluster than substance, Rep Chapa LaVia grew entirely useless last session with her “half” remark on the House Floor. Thereafter, she stopped carrying the few bills of merit given to her … indeed time to move on. The question becomes, is Aurora ready for loud and reactive “leadership”?
Comment by Georg Sande Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 2:28 pm
So if not Linda then who?
Comment by Oneman Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 3:01 pm
Cunningham for mayor? Really? The guy can’t even make it to his current job on a daily basis. Besides you have to live in the town to be mayor, or wait, you have to live in the county to hold county office too, don’t you. Never mind.
Comment by Joan B Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 3:46 pm
Here’s Marty Hickman’s chance for revenge. He certainly has the means to do that now…
Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 4:10 pm
The current Mayor has done a great job cultivating and exploiting relationships with organized labor.
Chairman Lauzen, since leaving the state legislature, has been doing double duty to show labor that he is not the enemy he made himself out to be as a State Senator. Lauzen has always wanted to be Mayor of Aurora. He has been a much better Chairman than he ever was a State Senator. He finally has a record to run on. If the Unions are convinced he is a new man, they could make him Mayor. Then again, Chuck Anderson may just want it for himself.
Comment by Just North... Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 4:28 pm
Aurora is the Detroit of Illinois? LOL.
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 4:46 pm
one step closer to running for Gov. hey Cunningham you live in Seneca …go away ….puuuuleze
Comment by railrat Wednesday, Jun 24, 15 @ 6:50 pm
Chapa Lavia’s in the headlines??
*searches comments for a “half” joke*
Not disappointed at all! My day has been made.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 25, 15 @ 8:53 am