Alderman Bob O’Connor will serve out the remainder of Tom Weisner’s term as mayor of Aurora. Weisner will step down Nov 1.

The Aurora City Council has nominated Alderman-at-Large Robert J. O’Connor to serve as Acting Mayor for the City of Aurora after current Mayor Thomas Weisner steps down on Nov. 1.

According to state law, the City Council must select an Acting Mayor from among its members to fill the remainder of Mayor Weisner’s current term, which ends in April 2017.

“Bob O’Connor is one of those people who has served selflessly with dedication and dignity,” said Weisner in a statement. “As he finishes his eighth term, Aurora will be in great hands with Bob as Acting Mayor during this interim phase. He knows City Hall, but most importantly he knows the people of Aurora and will always look out for the greater good of our city.”

O’Connor was first elected to the City Council in 1985 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the City Council.

“We have made such great strides and improvements over the years, and I look forward to working with the City Council, City staff, and the residents of Aurora to keep that momentum going,” O’Connor said. “While my time as Acting Mayor is finite, the commitment and care I have for the City of Aurora is beyond measure.”

A 1962 graduate of East Aurora High School, O’Connor graduated from the University of Illinois in 1966 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1969. He is an attorney in Aurora and practices law in the areas of estate planning, wills, trusts and real estate representation.

In addition to serving on the council, O’Connor serves as a director on the boards for the Exchange Club of Aurora, Aurora Police Foundation, State of Illinois Council on Aging and Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. He and his wife, Mary, who is a retired elementary school teacher, have raised two sons, Tom and John, in Aurora.

Last month, Weisner announced his decision to step down early to focus on his health. His last day in office will be Tuesday, Nov. 1 where he will lead his final Aurora City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting beginning at 5p at Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.

After Weisner adjourns the meeting, a special City Council Meeting will be called to order during which the appointment of O’Connor will be confirmed by the City Council and he will be sworn-in as Acting Mayor.

— Aurora City Council nominates O’Connor to serve as acting mayor —