Public commenters at Aurora meeting urge support for police, question RiverEdge costs and criticize mayor

AURORA, Ill. — The public comment period at the Oct. 7 Committee of the Whole meeting featured three speakers who addressed separate issues: policing and budgets, project costs at RiverEdge Park, and criticism of the mayor’s public remarks.

Sun Knight: policing funding Sun Knight told the council he opposed a proposed 20% cut to the police department and said cuts would lower morale and risk public safety. “Police officers are essential keeping communities safe,” Sun Knight said, arguing the mayor’s office should consider reductions before cutting police funding. The meeting’s public comment rules were read aloud before speakers were recognized; the city clerk and staff were directed to follow up on concerns within the scope of the city’s authority.

Sandy Schmidt: RiverEdge Park costs and alternatives Sandy Schmidt (Ward 5) raised questions about the RiverEdge Park jumbotron change order and overall project finances. “The 800,000 is a change order and not part of the original budget,” Schmidt said and asked whether the change order is inclusive of power, wiring and audio equipment or is only for the screens. Schmidt also asked whether staff had performed a cost comparison of concert revenue over the last three to five years to test the return on investment and suggested alternatives if the city chose not to proceed with permanent screens — “family events,” movie nights and picnic days, among others. Schmidt urged caution because the project is funded with bonds and said leftover funds should be reserved for unforeseen issues or used to pay down debt.

Theodia Gillespie: Quad County Urban League, mayoral criticism Theodia (Theodosia) Gillespie, identified earlier in the meeting as representing the Quad County Urban League, accepted a proclamation on the organization’s 50th anniversary and then raised concerns about the mayor’s public rhetoric toward community leaders. Gillespie said the organization appreciates the proclamation but warned that “the mayor’s ongoing tolerance ... in injection of divisive rhetoric throughout the community is just not acceptable,” and urged the mayor and council to show leadership that aligns with the Urban League’s stated principles. Gillespie asked the mayor to meet with Black community leaders and to act on concerns the Urban League has raised.

What the city will do: The clerk read the public-comment rules and staff were instructed to follow up on matters raised during public comment “within the scope of the city’s authority” after the meeting. Several speakers specifically asked the council to consider alternatives, provide more detailed financial data for capital projects, or engage directly with community leaders.