BACK MATT RAPID REPLY 12/08/2010

My Friends,

We have learned today that my Alderman for Auroras 9th ward Leroy Keith has resigned his position as Alderman. I know that many of the voter within our ward feelings for Alderman Keith. Some loved him and other did not. I can only say that when a man of his stature takes hold on a community and give of himself to our community, we should applaud and thank Mr. Keith for his service to Auroras 9th Ward. I wish the Alderman all the best in his future endeavors; I only hope that our Mayor is committed to having an open opportunity for people to apply for this vacant position. I myself will be forwarding a letter to our Mayor asking for a meeting to be a candidate considered for the open position of 9th ward Alderman. I would be honored as well as humble if chosen to become the Alderman for Auroras 9th ward. It is truly an honor to be asked to serve my community. I ask you my friends and supporters to call and write to the Mayor as well as our local Alderman, State Senator, State Rep. and County Board members to insure a fair and open process.

Sincerely Matt Harrington Aurora IL.

Keith resigns from Aurora councilBy Andre Salles asalles@stmedianetwork.com Dec 7, 2010 9:34PM AURORA Hes represented the 9th Ward for as long as its been in existence. This month, that era will come to an end. On Tuesday, Alderman Leroy Keith announced that hes stepping down from the city council to move back to his old hometown of Atlanta, Ga. Keiths resignation is effective Dec. 31. Keith said he is headed off to join the United States Department of the Army, a partiall -civilian group that reports to the Department of Defense. Keith will help run a mobile laboratory that he expects to be up and running in August. Keith works in the DuPage County sheriffs crime lab, and was first elected to the newlydrawn 9th Ward in 2003. He was re-elected in 2005 and 2009, and will end his tenure having served his far East Side constituents for seven years and eight months. Keith kept his comments to a minimum Tuesday night, as did his colleagues. He said his choice to leave was an easy one he originally moved to Aurora 12 years ago to give his children a chance at a better education than he believes they would have received in Georgia. His youngest, he said, will graduate high school next year, and the rest of his family will join him in Georgia after that. According to Aurora Election Commission Director Linda Fechner, Keith did not resign in time to trigger an election for the rest of his term. If a seat is vacated 130 days or more before an upcoming election, voters will choose the replacement. That deadline was Nov. 26. Since Keith resigned after that, Mayor Tom Weisner will choose his successor, subject to City Council approval. Keith said he has someone in mind for his job, but did not name names. Weisner said he will solicit candidates, and conduct an open process. He also said Keith will be missed. I dont think anyone came to Committee of the Whole or City Council more prepared, Weisner said. Hes very energetic, very involved. Id say hes a model (alderman). The City Council will vote to accept Keiths resignation, and pay tribute to him, next Tuesday.