Streator Mayor Jimmy Lansford has announced his retirement after 16 years. In a Facebook post, Lansford says he’s leaving due to health and personal reasons.
He was first elected to city council in 2005, and then was appointed to mayor to fill the vacancy after the death of Mayor Ray Schmitt. He would first be elected mayor in 2011 and then re-elected in 2015 and 2019.
Before working in government, Lansford served in the U.S Marine Corp and Army, and worked for St. Mary’s Hospital and Union Bank in Streator. He also coach youth sports and served on different boards around the county.
His last day will be December 31st. It hasn’t been announced yet who will fill the position at this time.