Divisive rhetoric, the defunding of vital, equity-centered research, programming, and hiring practices across sectors, disinvestment in historically disenfranchised communities, and the overall violation of civil rights are having a moment in American politics. While this dangerous trend is often perpetuated by our nation’s political leaders and permeates government at every level, a different movement is arising in local politics.
A cohort of young politicians are stepping forward with plans to restore civility, accountability, and community-focused governance to public office. From New York City to Aurora, their voices are being raised. Aurora’s newly elected City Council members Alli Jackson, Amy Wiles, Gianina Horton, and Rob Lee Andrews combined resources, knocked doors together, and plotted a path forward.
“We truly built a coalition as candidates, especially in those last couple of months, identifying our shared values, identifying where we could share resources, and where we could tag team,” said Horton, Aurora City Council Ward 1 Representative. “And that is where, with all of our collective efforts, we were able to succeed. It wasn’t one of us leading the way. It wasn’t any of us backing out. It was coming together and figuring out how we win this. And that speaks volumes, and I’m excited to see how that translates into our governing.”
Horton didn’t come from a politically engaged family, but after years of waking up to the realities of systemic injustices facing those around her, running for office became a no-brainer. As the oldest of six children, her experiences growing up as the eldest sibling in a multiracial family, as well as being the daughter of an immigrant, molded her personality and leadership style.
Among her priorities during her term, she plans to focus on establishing greater oversight of the Aurora Police Department by securing a civilian monitor, as well as building more accessible and affordable housing for residents.
Tensions among the Aurora City Council and with community members have been high, as demonstrated by well-publicized interactions over the years. Community members have reported the exclusion of their voices and disparaging rhetoric by the council about residents, as well as mistreatment of people of color by the Aurora Police Department.
Rob Lee Andrews, a husband, father, and longtime businessman, has been demonstrating his commitment to restoring unity both on the council and within the community through his actions. From setting up meetings to get to know his new colleagues to hosting block parties for Aurora residents, Andrews has made bringing people together a central focus of his leadership. During his first year in office, he plans to usher in the relocation of the registered apprenticeship program to Aurora, work with the Aurora Police Department to restore community policing, and develop workforce housing to incentivize those working in healthcare, education, and public safety to live, work, and play in Colorado’s All-American City. Pointing out the challenges ahead, he acknowledges there may be disagreements, but he vows not to be disagreeable.
Alli Jackson, a 30-year-old wife, mother, and social worker, considers herself a true “Aurora baby.” Born and raised in the city, she got her first taste of City Hall as a child, trailing behind her mother, who worked for the Aurora Police Department. Watching her mom serve the community inspired Jackson’s own sense of responsibility to care for the same city that cared for her. The youngest of five in a mixed-race family, she is no stranger to diversity or embracing the culture of others. When she began hearing what she described as racist and discriminatory language used by Aurora council members directed at her neighbors, she knew she had to be the change she wanted to see.
Now that Democrats hold a majority on the council, Jackson hopes they can “really pass some policies to reshape how the city flows,” from criminal justice to housing development.
Amy Wiles, newly elected Ward 2 City Council member, is a mother, grandmother, longtime Aurora resident, and community advocate, which seems to be her edge. Having previously served on the City of Aurora Human Relations Commission and the Community Advisory Council for the Aurora Police Department Consent Decree, she has experience navigating city government, although she never really saw herself as an elected official.
After years of feeling ethically and morally misaligned with her Ward 2 representative, and believing he was not acting on behalf of her community, she ultimately decided to run. Now that she’s won, her focus will be on securing more retail grocery options for residents, improving infrastructure, investing in safer roads, and building much-needed libraries and recreation centers for residents to enjoy and experience a true sense of community.
“You can build a bunch of houses, but houses alone do not build a successful community,” said Wiles. “You need all the other things that bring people together.”
