Aaron Peer, the top vote getter in the Orion Mayoral race, joined WRMJ for an in-depth interview. Peer was elected by a 3-to-1 margin earlier this month but is currently unable to be sworn in due to a 24-year-old felony conviction that disqualifies him from taking the oath of office under Illinois municipal law.
Peer previously served as a sewer trustee in Orion, believing he was eligible. In the interview, he explains how the issue surfaced only two weeks before the mayoral election following an anonymous tip to village officials. He also shares his understanding of the law, the frustration with the timing, and his feelings about possibly not being able to serve despite winning a clear majority.
“It’s on me,” Peer says. “If the law says I can’t hold it, then that’s on me and I take responsibility for it.”
Now in his 40s, Peer reflects on the felony from when he was 18 and how his life has changed over the years. He’s raised four children, completed a welding program at Black Hawk College, and has worked for nearly two decades at the Rock Island Arsenal.
“We all make mistakes when we’re young,” Peer told WRMJ. “I was honest with voters. I told them my story, and they still chose me.”
While Peer explores legal options like clemency and expungement, the Village of Orion will consider how to proceed at its May 5th meeting. If Peer cannot take the oath, the board may appoint someone to serve a two-year term as mayor.
Hear Aaron Peer’s full story — from the election, to the legal challenges, to what comes next — during Focus on WRMJ at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, on 102.3 WRMJ and streaming live at wrmj.com.