July 31st, 2008 - The Beacon News
Why Aurora needs a mayoral primary
State law now allows cities to opt out of holding a primary election in cases where there are four or fewer candidates running. Common sense dictates that if ....... read more

July 29th, 2008 - The Beacon News
Hometown considers overnight parking permits
AURORA -- On Thursday, the HomeTown Homeowners Association will propose a solution to the parking problem they have faced for years: parking permits for ....... read more

July 28th, 2008 - The Beacon News
Puerto Ricans are encouraged to be proud of island heritage
AURORA -- Latin music drifted down Benton Street around noon on Sunday.
The mix of tunes blasted from rolled-down car windows and convertibles, each one draped with the Puerto Rican flag.
Winners of Teenage Miss Puerto Rico from a range of years stood beside the spotless cars, dressed up in their high heels and....... read more

July 18th, 2008 - The Beacon News
Openness in government, but in secret
What's wrong with this picture?
The Aurora City Council is considering an ordinance, supposedly aimed at promoting transparency in government, that would set rules for how much money businesses with city contracts can contribute to elected officials or candidates. A three-member committee would determine the merits of any complaint by holding private ....... read more

June 25th, 2008 - The Beacon News
Campaign finance talks fire up
AURORA -- The city's first conversation of two campaign finance proposals produced lively exchanges during a City Council committee meeting Tuesday.
In the last month, Mayor Tom Weisner, as well as mayoral candidate and Alderman Rick Lawrence, have introduced rules to limit contributions to city officials and those seeking office in Aurora from businesses and individuals doing work ....... read more

June 15th, 2008 - The Beacon News - Author: Dan Campana
Aurora mayor candidates building their game plans
AURORA -- Nearly a year's worth of campaigning starts with planning, and all three of Aurora's mayoral candidates appear deep in that process these days.
Outside of walking Aurora's neighborhoods to court voters, they're not all doing the same things.
Putting together campaign staffs, designing voter outreach strategies and raising money are just part of the game plans being drawn up ....... read more

March 28th, 2008 - The Beacon News - Author: Dan Campana
Offering vets better shot at job Alderman proposes including veterans in city hiring ordinance
AURORA - Military veterans and reservists seeking jobs or promotions with the city of Aurora would benefit under a proposal to expand scoring boosts on civil service tests. Already crafted to be more inclusive than a revised state law approved in 2005, Aurora's current ordinance on "preference points" gives any honorably discharged military veteran who spent more than six months on active duty an additional five points on testing for a city job. Alderman Stephanie Kifowit wants ....... read more

March 26, 2008 - The Beacon News - Author: Beacon News Staff
Kifowit set to launch mayoral bid next week
AURORA - Alderman Stephanie Kifowit has set a date to formally announce her run for mayor. Kifowit will launch her campaign at 6 p.m. April 4 at Long Island Sound Banquets on New York Street. The event will be catered, with entertainment provided by A Little Night Music DJ service. Kifowit 's announcement party is free and ....... read more

February 20th, 2008 - The Beacon News - Author: Andre Salles
Kifowit plans run for mayor of Aurora
AURORA - The 2008 primary election is barely over, but the 2009 mayoral election already is shaping up. Alderman Stephanie Kifowit , 3rd Ward, announced Tuesday that she is planning a run for the city's top office. She has not formally announced her candidacy, but plans to in the next few months. Kifowit, a mother of two and former U.S. Marine, was elected to the City Council in 2003. She was re-elected in a landslide last year, defeating challenger Jim Nesbitt. Kifowit pulled in ....... read more