Judd Lofchie: Candidate For Aurora Mayor

AURORA, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Aurora Patch provided questionnaires to all mayoral candidates on the ballot.

Three candidates are vying to be elected Aurora's next mayor on Election Day — incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin, Ald. Judd Lofchie and John Laesch.

Aurora Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Judd Lofchie

Age (as of Election Day): 63

City of Residence: Aurora

Office Sought: Aurora Mayor

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: BS Economics from the University of Michigan; Juris Doctor, (Law) from Pepperdine University; Masters in Law (MML) from American University

Occupation: Attorney and Commercial Real Estate Broker since 1988. My office has been located in Aurora for 25 years.

Campaign website: https://www.juddforaurora.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: City of Aurora Alderman, 10th Ward — Elected 2017

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing the City of Aurora is debt! Aurora is $1.1 BILLION in debt. City leaders cannot continue to pass this burden on to our already financially stretched taxpayers. New program spending that adds substantially to our debt will need to be shelved, at least temporarily. In addition, I will cut wasteful spending, restructure debt where advantageous, and put the city on a tight budget until the current economic climate improves. A close second to debt is public safety. Our residents, and guests to our city, need to feel safe while living, working, and enjoying our community. As Mayor, I will collaborate with our police, neighborhood groups, youth centers, and county sheriff to address Aurora's rising crime rate.

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Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

As Mayor, it will be my goal that all residents and guests feel safe living, working, and visiting in our city. I believe our citizens should be free to exercise their constitutional right to free expression through peaceful demonstration.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

As Mayor, I will further develop the Civilian Review Board by improving representation to reflect the diversity of our community. In addition, I would like to explore the idea of “set aside” funds to provide capital to minority owned entrepreneurs with an interest in operating businesses in Aurora.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

I have witnessed a remarkable commitment by our nation’s citizens, including the citizens of Aurora, to social distancing, mask wearing, and hand-washing, etc. Many businesses in Aurora and across our nation, have taken costly measures to continue to serve their customers safely. It is my hope that in the foreseeable future, as we continue to address the pandemic through vaccine distribution, our businesses can safely reopen without restriction. As mayor, I will follow the advice of the CDC and local health authorities in relation to mask mandates, etc.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

Aurora is unique in that we are served by four different units of county government. I believe city leadership needs to step in to coordinate the distribution of vaccines and other resources. I do believe that we will see an improvement in case numbers as more citizens are vaccinated. One area we can look at is a “low tech” option for citizens with lack of access to or knowledge of the internet who wish to secure vaccination appointments. These are often the citizens who are most vulnerable, the elderly especially, to the effects of the virus.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The most critical difference between my opponents and myself me is my plan for city finances. Through the current mayor’s irresponsible fiscal management, he has added over $65 million to our budgets with no substantial benefit to residents or guests. With city revenues down, and many taxpayers fighting to keep their homes and businesses, now is not the time to add to our spending.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current mayor has failed our community through ineffective capital projects and non-essential spending. Furthermore, lack of communication and inclusive management between the Alderman, staff and police probably has contributed to increased crime in the city. All stakeholders need to have a voice for the city to move forward.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The issues that define my campaign are fiscal responsibility, public safety, and economic development. We can serve residents and provide needed city services in a fiscally responsible way through managing debt, operating within a budget, and improving efficiency. We need to bring all stakeholders to the table to improve the safety of our city. Public safety is central to economic development. Finally, we need to improve our city’s revenue generating resources such as the downtown, riverfront and the airport. Encouraging economic development within the city is a key component to our revenue stream and budgetary shortfalls.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been a resident, a business owner, and a community volunteer in Aurora for more than 25 years. I have successfully operated my business within a budget and navigated obstacles and challenges to improve my businesses. As an elected member of the Aurora City Council since 2017, I have an informed awareness and knowledge of the issues facing our city and I am ready to propose solutions. As a resident of Aurora, I have given my time to improve the city for all residents through groups such as Aurora Business United, a networking group I founded, which has grown to over 2,500 members. As a result of my work with Aurora Business United, and as an attorney and real estate broker, I have brought more than 30 new businesses to Aurora. In 1992, I founded a successful non-profit, Streetwise, an organization that works to help Chicago’s homeless population. Over 13,000 people have gained employment and attained self-sufficiency because of this organization, and it still helps people to this day. These are examples of the bold leadership, good management skills, unwavering commitment, and strong passion that I will bring to the office of Mayor.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I will consider my term in office as Aurora’s Mayor a success when the city adopts and maintains a balanced budget, cuts its debt, and is able to reduce property taxes and fees while providing excellent service to our residents.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters can be confident putting their trust in me because I have demonstrated my trustworthiness through my work representing my constituents on the Aurora City Council. I have further demonstrated my character through my commitment of service to the community though my volunteer work with Hesed House, the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Aurora Green Fest, Simply Destinee, Rita’s Ministry, and the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I have a strong track record on the city council as a fiscal watchdog. I am often the lone “no” vote on increases in spending where there is no significant benefit to citizens. As mayor, I will continue this record until spending is under control and the budget is in balance.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

I will be fully committed to the citizens of Aurora as their Mayor. I do not take that commitment lightly and would not abdicate that responsibility.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I have been given is: “Trust your instincts and believe in yourself.” I believe, with my experience on the city council and from listening to residents and working in the community, that I know better than my opponents what Aurorans want and need, and as a result I will do better for Aurora.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like the voters to know of the deep commitment I have to Aurora and its residents.

As a result of changes that I have seen in our city over the last few years, I have been called to action. I have a strong desire to contribute to a future where Aurora is “the city” in Illinois where people want to live, work, and enjoy all our city has to offer.