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Bob Gehm has stepped down from his Ward 3 alderman seat, ending a 16-year run of public service to St. Charles that included three years on City Council and 13 years on the Liquor Control Commission. His resignation took effect May 1.
Mayor Clint Hull paid tribute at Monday's council meeting, singling out Gehm's habit of stopping to talk with city crews he'd spot working in the field on road repairs, water main breaks, and similar jobs — just to tell them he appreciated the work.
Here's what to know:
The seat is open now: The city is accepting applications for the Ward 3 vacancy through May 25 at 4PM. Submit a letter of interest and resume to Mayor Hull at City Hall (2 E. Main St.) or email [email protected].
Interview day is June 1: Candidates must be available for a 30-minute interview between 4–6:30PM that day. The mayor will make the appointment with council approval.
Term runs through April 2027: Whoever is appointed will serve until the next consolidated election, when the seat goes to voters.
Residency required: Candidates must have lived in Ward 3 for at least one year. The city's ward map is available here.
The appointment process gives Hull and council roughly six weeks to fill the seat before the target start date of June 15.
More details from the city’s release:
In accordance with 65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-5, persons interested in elective municipal office must meet the following criteria:
Be a qualified elector of the municipality
Have resided in the municipality at least one year preceding the election or appointment
Not be in arrears in the payment of a tax or other indebtedness due to the municipality or been convicted in any court of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony
Reside in the ward that the person seeks to represent at least one year preceding the election or appointment.
In addition, the Government Ethics Act requires a statement of economic interest be filed with the Kane County Clerk’s Office.
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