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Alderman Ted Meziakos reflects on 14 years representing Aurora’s 3rd Ward
Summary
In a City of Aurora communications interview, 3rd Ward Alderman Ted Meziakos reflects on growing up locally, his immigrant family background, community programs he helped start and what 14 years in office has taught him about neighborhood service and volunteerism.
Alderman Ted Meziakos said serving Aurora’s 3rd Ward for more than a decade has been "an honor and a privilege," describing a path that began with his parents’ immigration from Greece and led to a career in architecture and local public service. The conversation, recorded for the City of Aurora’s Meet Your Aldermen series, covered his early life on the Southeast Side, programs he helped start and the lessons he draws from constituents.
Meziakos recalled living next door to his childhood home and returning to raise his family nearby, saying his parents’ volunteer example motivated his public service. “My parents always volunteered…they really planted the seeds of what I am today,” he said.
Asked about his first year in office, Meziakos described the steep learning curve for new aldermen and noted that it is mandated by city ordinance to meet department heads early in a term to learn city functions. He said those early contacts and relationships with staff and fellow aldermen helped him grow into the role.
Meziakos told stories that illustrate his neighborhood-focused approach: an early dispute between two neighbors over lawn care that he defused and later turned into a curbside‑appeal award program; an informal snow‑shoveling effort he started to help seniors; and community events such as a Posada celebration that rely on volunteer participation. “If there’s a will in the community and the residents wanna participate, help me with these programs,” he said.
On his professional background, Meziakos said he targeted architecture early, studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and returned to open a practice in Aurora while remaining active in community projects.
Meziakos closed the interview by advising young residents that Aurora offers opportunities for careers and family life, and reiterated that he considers himself a public servant rather than a politician. The episode was produced by John Zagloul, communications director for the City of Aurora.
