BACK MATT RAPID REPLY

12/08/2010

My Friends,

We have learned today that my Alderman for Aurora’s 9th ward Leroy Keith has
resigned his position as Alderman.
I know that many of the voter within our ward feelings for Alderman Keith. Some
loved him and other did not. I can only say that when a man of his stature takes
hold on a community and give of himself to our community, we should applaud
and thank Mr. Keith for his service to Aurora’s 9th Ward.
I wish the Alderman all the best in his future endeavors; I only hope that our
Mayor is committed to having an open opportunity for people to apply for this
vacant position.
I myself will be forwarding a letter to our Mayor asking for a meeting to be a
candidate considered for the open position of 9th ward Alderman.
I would be honored as well as humble if chosen to become the Alderman for
Aurora’s 9th ward. It is truly an honor to be asked to serve my community.
I ask you my friends and supporters to call and write to the Mayor as well as our
local Alderman, State Senator, State Rep. and County Board members to insure
a fair and open process.

Sincerely
Matt Harrington
Aurora IL.
Keith resigns from Aurora council
By Andre Salles asalles@stmedianetwork.com Dec 7, 2010 9:34PM
AURORA – He’s represented the 9th Ward for as long as it’s been in existence. This
month, that era will come to an end.
On Tuesday, Alderman Leroy Keith announced that he’s stepping down from the city
council to move back to his old hometown of Atlanta, Ga. Keith’s resignation is effective
Dec. 31.
Keith said he is headed off to join the United States Department of the Army, a partiall
-civilian group that reports to the Department of Defense. Keith will help run a mobile
laboratory that he expects to be up and running in August.
Keith works in the DuPage County sheriff’s crime lab, and was first elected to the newly-
drawn 9th Ward in 2003. He was re-elected in 2005 and 2009, and will end his tenure
having served his far East Side constituents for seven years and eight months.
Keith kept his comments to a minimum Tuesday night, as did his colleagues. He said his
choice to leave was an easy one — he originally moved to Aurora 12 years ago to give
his children a chance at a better education than he believes they would have received in
Georgia. His youngest, he said, will graduate high school next year, and the rest of his
family will join him in Georgia after that.
According to Aurora Election Commission Director Linda Fechner, Keith did not resign
in time to trigger an election for the rest of his term. If a seat is vacated 130 days or more
before an upcoming election, voters will choose the replacement.
That deadline was Nov. 26. Since Keith resigned after that, Mayor Tom Weisner will
choose his successor, subject to City Council approval.
Keith said he has someone in mind for his job, but did not name names. Weisner said he
will solicit candidates, and conduct an open process.
He also said Keith will be missed.
“I don’t think anyone came to Committee of the Whole or City Council more prepared,”
Weisner said. “He’s very energetic, very involved. I’d say he’s a model (alderman).”
The City Council will vote to accept Keith’s resignation, and pay tribute to him, next
Tuesday.