New Ward 7 Alderman Unanimously Approved By Aurora City Council

AURORA, IL — Aurora City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to appoint Brandon Tolliver as the new alderperson for Ward 7.

The 34-year-old takes over the position from Scheketa Hart-Burns, who died unexpectedly June 19 due to surgery complications. She was elected to the seat in 1991 and went on to serve for more than 30 years.

"Without question, I am certain Scheketa would be proud of our choice to carry the baton," Mayor Richard Irvin said. "Brandon is focused, committed, and ready to jump in with both feet, bringing new ideas and vision to Ward 7."

Born and raised on Aurora's west side, Tolliver graduated from West Aurora High School in 2007 and studied at Northern Illinois University, where he got his bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in public law and policy.

Tolliver went on to pursue a career in the insurance industry. He currently works as a commercial construction underwriter for The Hartford Group, where he is also a member of the Black Insurance Professionals Network and the Employment Engagement Committee, allowing him to help direct community service projects in Aurora and the broader region, city officials said.

The Aurora native was one of seven finalists for the Ward 7 aldermanic seat. One person dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and Mayor Richard Irvin then narrowed it down to three finalists before Tolliver was brought before the City Council Tuesday for a vote.

He will serve until the next general election in 2025.

"This is a surreal honor of a lifetime," Tolliver said in a statement. "I look forward to serving the residents and businesses of Ward 7 as we build upon the legacy of Alderwoman Hart-Burns and forge a new path toward a bright future for the ward and our city."

Tolliver was privately sworn in by the city clerk after the vote, allowing him to immediately begin his new duties. A formal public swearing-in swearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 in downtown Aurora.

RELATED:

• Final 3 Candidates Selected For Ward 7 Alderman Seat In Aurora
• 7 For Ward 7: Finalists Selected To Fill Scheketa Hart-Burns's Seat