Latest news with #Laesch
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Clayton Muhammad, called the ‘voice of Aurora,' set to leave city government
Clayton Muhammad, Aurora's chief engagement and equity officer hailed as 'the voice of Aurora,' is set to leave his role at the city. Over more than 10 years, Muhammad has acted as one of Aurora's main spokespersons and promoters. At a city meeting on Tuesday, he was honored for his service to Aurora both within and outside of city government. 'The fingerprints that you've left all over the city, and these huge shoes to fill — just incredible,' Mayor John Laesch said. In a proclamation naming 'Clayton Muhammad Day' as July 22, his birthday, Laesch said Muhammad has been a 'dedicated and distinguished public servant' who has done the job 'with unwavering commitment, integrity and professionalism.' Since joining the city as the first Director of Communications in 2013 under former Mayor Tom Weisner, Muhammad has played a 'vital role' in the city's engagement, community outreach and communications efforts, according to the proclamation. Laesch also said during the event that Muhammad has earned the respect of his colleagues, elected officials and community partners because of his 'love of Aurora, institutional knowledge and tireless work ethic.' Videos shown at Tuesday's meeting featuring city employees and community members talking about Clayton backed up the proclamation's claims. Multiple people in one of the videos, when asked for one word to describe Muhammad, said he is 'phenomenal.' 'He is known far and wide, and beloved. I don't know if I've ever come across someone who didn't like Clayton,' Aurora Assistant Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson said in a video. Others featured in the video spoke of Muhammad's work ethic, his care for others and the impact he has had on so many throughout the city. Representatives from Chicago area media were also among those who spoke highly of Muhammad in videos played at the Tuesday meeting. 'You really put Aurora on the map locally,' NBC 5 Chicago's Christian Farr said to Muhammad in a video played at Tuesday's meeting. Muhammad said at the meeting that, having been born and raised in Aurora, he loves the city. His 12 years working at the city, plus his 10 years working as the spokesperson of East Aurora School District 131, has been 'the honor of a lifetime,' he said. Before working as the director of Community Relations and district spokesman for East Aurora School District, Muhammad was first a sixth-grade teacher at Waldo Middle School in the district and then worked at the Quad County Urban League. Muhammad also founded the Boys II Men organization, an Aurora-based mentoring group. According to Laesch's proclamation, Muhammad leaves behind a 'lasting legacy of excellence in public service.' For his efforts, the city of Aurora also presented Muhammad with a custom-made brooch officially declaring him 'The Voice of Aurora.' rsmith@
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Clayton Muhammad, called the ‘voice of Aurora,' set to leave city government
Clayton Muhammad, Aurora's chief engagement and equity officer hailed as 'the voice of Aurora,' is set to leave his role at the city. Over more than 10 years, Muhammad has acted as one of Aurora's main spokespersons and promoters. At a city meeting on Tuesday, he was honored for his service to Aurora both within and outside of city government. 'The fingerprints that you've left all over the city, and these huge shoes to fill — just incredible,' Mayor John Laesch said. In a proclamation naming 'Clayton Muhammad Day' as July 22, his birthday, Laesch said Muhammad has been a 'dedicated and distinguished public servant' who has done the job 'with unwavering commitment, integrity and professionalism.' Since joining the city as the first Director of Communications in 2013 under former Mayor Tom Weisner, Muhammad has played a 'vital role' in the city's engagement, community outreach and communications efforts, according to the proclamation. Laesch also said during the event that Muhammad has earned the respect of his colleagues, elected officials and community partners because of his 'love of Aurora, institutional knowledge and tireless work ethic.' Videos shown at Tuesday's meeting featuring city employees and community members talking about Clayton backed up the proclamation's claims. Multiple people in one of the videos, when asked for one word to describe Muhammad, said he is 'phenomenal.' 'He is known far and wide, and beloved. I don't know if I've ever come across someone who didn't like Clayton,' Aurora Assistant Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson said in a video. Others featured in the video spoke of Muhammad's work ethic, his care for others and the impact he has had on so many throughout the city. Representatives from Chicago area media were also among those who spoke highly of Muhammad in videos played at the Tuesday meeting. 'You really put Aurora on the map locally,' NBC 5 Chicago's Christian Farr said to Muhammad in a video played at Tuesday's meeting. Muhammad said at the meeting that, having been born and raised in Aurora, he loves the city. His 12 years working at the city, plus his 10 years working as the spokesperson of East Aurora School District 131, has been 'the honor of a lifetime,' he said. Before working as the director of Community Relations and district spokesman for East Aurora School District, Muhammad was first a sixth-grade teacher at Waldo Middle School in the district and then worked at the Quad County Urban League. Muhammad also founded the Boys II Men organization, an Aurora-based mentoring group. According to Laesch's proclamation, Muhammad leaves behind a 'lasting legacy of excellence in public service.' For his efforts, the city of Aurora also presented Muhammad with a custom-made brooch officially declaring him 'The Voice of Aurora.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Aurora mayor warns residents that property tax hike likely: 'They know we're in trouble'
The Brief Mayor John Laesch says Aurora faces a fiscal crisis after years of tax giveaways and rising costs. The city must borrow $88 million, and a property tax hike is likely on the table. Laesch promises transparency and says residents are prepared for tough choices. AURORA, Ill. - Aurora's new mayor isn't sugarcoating the financial state of the city—and says a property tax increase may be unavoidable. What we know It isn't often that a mayor enters office telling residents he's going to have to raise their property taxes. But that's the situation John Laesch says he's inherited in Aurora from two-term Republican Richard Irvin. Laesch took over as leader of the state's second-largest city last Thursday after defeating Irvin in the April runoff election. He says the town has to borrow $88 million just to make ends meet — because the previous administration has given tens of millions in tax incentives to development projects — some have panned out, many have not. Big picture view Laesch says residents elected him because they knew that a financial mess would have to get cleaned up. "We didn't get into this mess overnight and we're not going to get out of it overnight," Laesch said over a cup of coffee at downtown café Society 57. "I've got a lot of support from the community. They know we're in trouble. I think they're going to be patient as I work through some solutions as long as I communicate with the community on where we're at, and I plan to be open and transparent moving forward." Laesch says some of the big spending involves infrastructure for the new Hollywood Casino facility on Farnsworth Road, as well as incentives and tax breaks given to developers with connections to former Mayor Irvin. He says that half the projects that the town helped fund are now underwater. He also says the former mayor signed generous public employee labor contracts, saddling the town with escalating costs — thus the potential for a tax hike. "I let the public know that was a likely outcome. I'm going to do my best to cut back, but many of these contracts that were signed are already a done deal," Laesch said. The Source FOX 32's Paris Schutz reported on this story.
Chicago Tribune
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Paramount ending season with high-flying musical and plenty of angst
The first time I saw 'Cats' in Chicago back in the days of young motherhood, I hated it, an aversion that likely had something to do with the fact I was getting the flu. But even then I could tell this campy, whimsical musical from jolly old England was not my cup of tea. That's why, when the Paramount Theatre made 'Cats' part of its 2014 Broadway Series, I had minimal expectations, and was, therefore, pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it, although it was a far cry from one of my favorite downtown Aurora productions and not one I'd want to see again. Boy, was I wrong. Both literally and figuratively, Paramount's current 'Cats' production – playing through June 15 – lifts this Tony-winning Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to a whole different level. A really high level, in fact, because those in Director Trent Stork's reimagined production can not only sing, dance and mimic a feline's most adorable – and annoying – characteristics, eight of the 32 cast members are also acrobats, aerialists and contortionists who, under a spectacular big top set, fly through the air – on ropes, trapezes and suspended swaths of silk – with the greatest of ease. And, I have to add, with the greatest of confidence as they do so without a net. Think 'Cats' and Cirque du Soleil and you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. In fact, like any three-ring circus, there's so much going on, it's hard to figure out where your eyes should land. While a professional critic might think of that as a distraction, it made me just want to see the show again and again. Speaking of which, one of the many thoughts going through my head during these two hours of sensory overload was the wish that Aurora's new mayor would see it at least once. It's hardly news there's plenty of angst about the future of the Paramount with John Laesch taking over the city reins from Richard Irvin, whose administration was the Paramount's biggest cheerleader. Laesch admits he's no fan of theater. But what he really hates is the 'serious debt' the city is facing, thanks to what he considers the past administration's free-spending ways. And he's been plenty upfront about the need to slash the budget, which would significantly impact the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), the nonprofit that oversees the Paramount, Copley and Stolp Island theaters, as well as RiverEdge Park. In the days after his April 1 victory, Laesch declared ACCA's proposal for a fourth downtown Aurora entertainment venue – the City of Lights Center – to be pretty much dead in the water, although he tempered that in his inauguration speech on Tuesday by declaring it to be 'on hold' for at least the next four years. That's not exactly music to the ears of Paramount President Tim Rater, who sees this 4,000-seat theater as the fourth and last piece of Aurora's entertainment puzzle, and 'a way forward in perpetuity.' In other words, the venue would make it possible for ACCA to stand on its own without financial help from the city. That statement, Rater said, is backed by carefully prepared data from CH Johnson Consulting, which he presented to Laesch at a recent meeting he described as 'productive and positive.' 'It's clear that there is a strong mutual interest in continuing a collaborative relationship between the city and the Paramount,' he wrote in a staff email later. 'While the city is facing some financial pressures, I'm encouraged that we will continue to receive meaningful support. 'Although it's unlikely we'll receive the full amount of subsidy we originally anticipated, I'm confident we will maintain a strong partnership that allows us to sustain our mission and continue serving our community and patrons at the highest level.' It's a hopeful message, but those last few words present a tough balancing act. There's no denying the impact Rater and his talented staff have had on Aurora's downtown, which is enjoying new life and a much-improved reputation. Thanks in large part to the Paramount, headlines about murder and mayhem have been replaced by stories about new restaurants, new businesses, new apartments and new shows that are drawing rave reviews and audiences from the Chicago area and beyond. That includes the Copley Theatre BOLD Series, which puts on high-end productions in an intimate setting and therefore, along with the Paramount School of the Arts, could be the most vulnerable, and 'Million Dollar Quartet,' which the Paramount just announced has been extended at Stolp Island Theatre through Jan. 4. But all these high-quality shows come at a price. And the million-dollar question right now seems to be what dollar amount the city is willing to put on that line item next to ACCA. Thus the angst. While Laesch was not in the audience for the opening night of 'Cats,' his new chief of staff was. Like me, Shannon Cameron has never been a fan of 'Cats' but was more than impressed with Stork's production, describing it as 'beautifully done,' and noting how 'very lucky we are to have that level of artistry in the heart of our community.' She would know. Cameron comes from a theater background, arriving in Aurora in 2017 to be in charge of the Paramount School of the Arts under Rater. But like her new boss, she insists 'tough decisions have to be made in the best interest of the community' and if that means 'making cuts or trimming down, we have to find ways to be more sustainable.' 'There's no question the Paramount is the jewel of downtown, with many businesses, particularly restaurants, depending on its success. But that puts a lot of pressure on one organization' which 'has grown too quickly,' insists Cameron, noting ACCA's budget has gone from $20 million to $30 million in the last 10 years. 'We want to be good partners. We see very much how important it is to the growth of downtown,' she continued. 'But we need to be responsible to taxpayers. Everybody has to make hard choices at one time or another, and this is one of them.' Rater points out that, by all industry standards, the Paramount is considered highly efficient, operating at 70% earned revenue. But what must also be considered is it can't be viewed as just another business that needs to pay its way in order to survive. Much like the library – or police and fire stations, for that matter – it provides a valuable service to the community. In this case that's bringing people together to Aurora's downtown and exposing them to the performing arts. Which as as far as I can tell, is working quite well. I wish I had a dollar for every time I've talked to a new Paramount fan in the last year alone. Many are people who were never theatergoers but now rave about the show or shows they just saw. And, caught up in the excitement of what they experienced, they're spreading that enthusiasm to others. It's no coincidence subscriptions to the Broadway Series are expected to hit and possibly exceed a new high of 41,000 by the end of the year, putting it above its pre-pandemic levels, according to Rater, who also points to another 3,000 BOLD Series subscribers. Cameron says she'd like to see higher ticket numbers from Aurora residents, with more emphasis on community engagement that would provide artistic opportunities for all segments of the city, including its large Hispanic population and growing number of Indian residents. 'Ultimately there do need to be changes,' she said, also referring to more reliance on fundraising and cost-cutting measures. 'Sometimes simple storytelling can be more impactful than all the spectacle in the world. 'But that's what makes the Paramount so special. They have the ability to do it all so well.' Which brings me back to 'Cats' and just how unique and fun this show is. The Paramount's very creative Trent Stork got the idea of doing 'circus 'Cats'' while working as the assistant director on the original version at the theater back in 2014. The now-director has always been professionally fascinated with circus performers and wondered what it would be like to partner with Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, who's known as the 'queen of Chicago circus' choreography. When 'Cats' was on the table again as a future production. Stork decided to try and turn a long-held dream into reality. Much to everyone's delight, the Paramount and Hernandez-DiStasi not only said it could just fly, everyone worked through the 'major roadblocks' of combining circus acts with musical theater. Trust me, this production might provide a visual smorgasbord but as Stork put it, ''Cats' has no business sounding this good. Every member could lead their performance … it was meant to be.' Less certain is the future of the Paramount. Rater insists that whatever number appears next to ACCA on the city's budget line, 'we will do our best' to continue bringing high level magic to downtown Aurora. 'We just need a runway to do it,' he said.
Chicago Tribune
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Column: New Aurora mayor's inauguration matches his agenda, personality
Much like his predecessor, new Aurora Mayor John Laesch chose to focus on diversity and unity at his big night on Tuesday. A large – and yes, diverse – crowd of about 1,100 nearly filled the Paramount Theatre at the inauguration of Aurora's 60th mayor. 'I was surprised,' Laesch told me early Wednesday morning as he waited to go into his first meeting in his new job leading the state's second largest city. The new mayor was humbled and grateful so many people showed up to celebrate his hard-fought win over two-term incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin. But was he excited? I put that question to Laesch for a reason: A week earlier he'd informed me 'I don't get excited' when asked about what he was feeling as he prepared to take on such a challenging role. While the huge crowd 'invigorated me,' Laesch said he was upset by a political move at the City Council meeting earlier that day. And he told me his elation was also 'suppressed' by 'the enormity of what is ahead,' referring to slashing the budget to deal with the city's 'serious debt' that he admitted to the audience will already require raising property taxes. All of which must be done, of course, while trying to maintain the momentum that has put this once crime-riddled city on the map as an entertainment destination. It was the Debbie Downer part of his acceptance speech, for sure, but 'I want people to know what to expect,' in his quest to 'pull back the PR machine' and the flurry of ribbon-cuttings to figure out ways to make Aurora 'a more solvent place,' said Laesch. Unlike Irvin, whose initial inauguration in 2016 – and pretty much every State of the City address that followed – was filled with pomp and circumstance and the energy level of an old-fashioned tent revival, Laesch went more low-key (and less expensive). It was a mood matched by Aurora Director of Communications (and evening emcee) Clayton Muhammad who, as Laesch correctly pointed out, always does a 'masterful' job of quickly reading the audience and matching the mood of the moment, which in this case was certainly celebratory but had the 'authenticity' and 'matter of factness' the new mayor deemed necessary. That being said, the evening was certainly entertaining, with musical performances by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoati and Paramount School of the Arts. And it had moments of high energy, not to mention stirring words that did indeed focus on unity and diversity, starting with Laesch's father Jim, a one-time missionary who, before giving the invocation, spoke about his family's experience working in a village in Liberia, where John Laesch was born and raised until 13, and where the emphasis was on all voices being heard for the good of the community. Then there was Ald. Dan Barreiro, 1st Ward, who used a significant chunk of his acceptance speech to praise the opponents who ran against him; new Ald. Jonathan Nunez, 4th Ward, who focused on the words 'pride' and 'responsibility' when recalling the legacy of his Hispanic family, who arrived in Aurora in 1917; new Ald. Javier Banuelos, 7th Ward, who ran for public office as a way of 'giving back' to those who were 'here for me' when his daughter died of cancer two years ago; new Ald. Keith Larson, at-large, who moved to Aurora from Geneva because of the city's diversity and did what more should do – instead of complaining about how things are run, get involved to make a difference. And I have to mention Abigail M. Dior, an Auroran who represented the Liberian Embassy, and had the timing of a stand-up comedian as she described how she first heard about a 'man named John' from Liberia who was running for mayor of the state's second largest city, and her subsequent grilling of him to make sure he truly was from that tiny West African nation. Like I said, there was plenty of diversity on display, much of it on stage when members of Laesch's large volunteer campaign team surrounded him as he took the oath of office and then delivered his inauguration speech that focused on the positives going forward as well as the negatives. While the new mayor may come across as cool and calm, he got plenty emotional when he stood at the podium to thank Aurora for putting him in this tough but important job. And included in his many thanks were words of praise for former mayors, including Irvin, for all the work they did in 'bringing downtown back to life.' There's no question plenty of angst still remains, at City Hall and in the neighborhoods, about the next four years under a mayor with a different personality and a different agenda. But Laesch, who says his number one priority is to get the city's financial house in order, insists he's ready to listen. And so, I just had to ask: If 'excited' doesn't describe Aurora's new mayor as he takes office, what words fit? 'Calm,' he replied. 'And ready.'
