Aurora council backs DuPage mayorsand managers legislative program despite FOIA concern

The Aurora City Council on Jan. 28 approved a resolution endorsing the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference legislative action program for the 2025 legislative session, despite vocal opposition from one alderman who said parts of the program would "water down" the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

Alderman Lesh said during discussion, "the watering down of the Freedom of Information Act is something that I'm absolutely opposed to." He said that while he supported some measures in the program, he could not accept those he viewed as weakening FOIA protections.

Alderman Patty Smith responded during the exchange by pressing for distinction between opinion and fact, asking whether the claim of watering down was a factual assertion or an opinion. Alex Boyd, of the mayor's office community affairs, clarified the council's position and what the DuPage proposal targets. Boyd said, "the amendments to the Freedom of Information Act that the city is supporting through DuPage mayors and managers is very specific to the issues related to commercial requests, which would be, for example, people requesting body camera footage and then posting it online to make money off of it... This is specific to people monetizing, the Freedom of Information Act. That's what these requests are specific to." He added the proposed changes would not affect legitimate media or individual requests.

After discussion, the council approved the endorsement by roll call vote, 11 yes and 1 no (Alderman Lash). The mayor presided during the vote.

Why it matters: The endorsement signals Aurora's policy priorities for Springfield lawmakers and directs the city's municipal delegation and staff to support the positions set out by the DuPage mayors and managers group during the 2025 legislative session.

The resolution was moved by Alderman Patty Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco. No further action beyond endorsement was recorded at the meeting.