AURORA — Less than two months after Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan announced he was battling cancer, the public servant of 34 years says he will enter home hospice care.
“To tell you the truth, I have never been much of a believer in term limits. I wanted you to know that my time as Mayor of Aurora will end sooner than I had desired,” Hogan wrote in a Facebook post.
Hogan initially announced his diagnosis on March 26, saying he would begin treatment the following week. It was at that time he also said he would not be running for re-election in 2019.
In Wednesday’s post, Hogan talks about his love for the city of Aurora, while also encouraging others get involved in public service.
“Please know that for yesterday, today and hereafter, my cause of life is public service.”
Here is the letter in full:
Dear Friends:
To tell you the truth, I have never been much of a believer in term limits. I wanted you to know that my time as Mayor of Aurora will end sooner than I had desired. I have entered into home hospice care, with the understanding that my future days will be lived with dignity, grace, and in peace.
Please know that for yesterday, today and hereafter, my cause of life is public service. It has been my distinct honor to serve first as a State Representative, then a Councilman and finally as Mayor of Aurora. Thirty four years of elected office, many more of consequential service, have passed far too quickly. I am most proud that each day I gave my best efforts and heart for the betterment of this great city, region and state. I would respectfully encourage each person reading this message to embrace the honor of public service—continually seeking to enrich the lives of our fellow residents. It is in this honor, in this service, where leadership and inclusive governance will flourish.
Aurora is my heart. She has gracefully transitioned from a gateway suburb on the plains to the 54th largest city in the country. Our parks, libraries and city services foster great pride and lend to the remarkable character of our neighborhoods. Even more, the people of Aurora define this city. We have grown, we have grieved, we have overcome and we shall continue to prosper together. A heartfelt thanks to my former and current colleagues and to all the city employees—what an honor it has been to serve with each of you.
Aurora, a new dawn awaits. Thank you for allowing me to live my best life.
Hogan, a Republican, has served as the mayor of Aurora since November 2011. Before that, he served six terms on the Aurora City Council.
