The City of Batavia is under new leadership following the resignation of longtime Mayor Tom Drish, with Aric Jensen appointed to serve as his successor.
Drish officially stepped down from the position on April 1st, ending more than two decades of service to the community. His public service included over 20 years with the city and five years on the Cardinal School Board.
In a conversation, Drish said his decision to resign had been under consideration for several months and was ultimately driven by personal and family commitments.
“I’ve been talking with the council about it for quite a while,” Drish said. “It’s time for new people, new ideas, and I just don’t have as much time anymore.”
Drish noted that although he did not originally seek reelection in the most recent cycle, he was written in and agreed to continue serving temporarily to help the city through a transition period, including the replacement and training of a new city clerk. With that process now complete, and Jensen stepping forward to take on the role, Drish said the timing felt right.
“We had Aric that stepped up and said that he would go ahead and do it, so it was just a good time for me to step aside,” he said.
On a personal level, Drish said his family situation has changed significantly in recent years, making it more difficult to give the position the attention it requires. His oldest daughter recently graduated college, got married, and moved away. He also has a daughter attending Pekin High School and a soon-to-be two-year-old at home.
“A lot of things have changed over the last couple of years, and I’ve been serving for 20 years,” Drish said. “It’s just time for someone else.”
“It’s just a lot on my plate right now, and if I can’t make the city my top priority, then it should be someone else doing it,” he added.
Community members have credited Drish with playing a key role in numerous local efforts over the years, praising his dedication and long-standing commitment to the Batavia community.
Aric Jensen now takes over as mayor as the city looks ahead to its next chapter.
Picture courtesy of Tom Drish.
