Longtime North Aurora resident, trustee running for Village President

NORTH AURORA – North Aurora Village Board Trustee and longtime resident Mark Gaffino has announced he's running for North Aurora Village President.

In a news release, Gaffino states that he is running because he "truly cares" about the village.

"Having been born and raised here, it has become a part of my identity. But more importantly I care about the people who make up our great village; my neighbors, my fellow business owners, the faith communities and certainly those who have committed their lives to serve and protect.  A village is not a village without the people,” Gaffino stated in the news release.

The release states that Gaffino has served the village for 25 years, including as Village President pro tempore, has served as a trustee for more than 15 years and serves as the chair of the North Aurora Services Committee and the North Aurora Days Committee. He is also a past member of the Planning Commission Board and past chair of the Police Commission.

Gaffino has been a member of the North Aurora Lions Club for 12 years, and has served a club treasurer. He has coached baseball and basketball and is on the Board of Directors at The Orchard Church.

In the release, Gaffino stated that he feels it is critical to elect experienced leaders who understand the village's needs.

“Through a cooperative and unified spirit among the board and staff we have grown and sustained a business-friendly environment, and by doing so we have provided excellent local services to the people of North Aurora while providing some stabilization in the local tax structure,” he stated in the release.