I visited the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning,  and to shamelessly borrow from the movie Network, I came back mad as hell and I don’t want to take any more!

 

I’m not mad at the Farmer’s Market. I had some great coffee and pea meal on a bun. I had good conversations with people. Picked up some produce for dinner.

 

So, what am I mad at?  

 

The fact that two more people came up to me and said they want to help me in my campaign, BUT, they have to keep quiet because of what “THEY” will do to them. (I have now lost count as to how many times I have heard this).

 

“THEY” will intimidate me;

“THEY” will give my business a hard time;

“THEY” will give my spouse a hard time;

“THEY” will pull my permit;

“THEY” will, etc., etc., etc.

 

I do know this is a real concern, as “THEY” have tried intimidation tactics on me and my wife (interesting because anyone who knows my wife knows “THEY” wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell – but I digress).

 

What kind of CRAP is this?

 

I was lead to understand that Canadians enjoyed the rights of Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Association.  A lot of Canadians have died protecting these rights. We went overseas to help other countries maintain those rights. We have Canadians overseas right now to help other countries gain those rights.

 

I guess we don’t get those rights  in Aurora unless what you say and who you say it to is vetted first.
 
Is this the kind of culture we want in Aurora?

 

July 10, 8:13 AM

YRT Adds York University Route
 

Great news for Aurora residents: Aurora Mayor missing in action!
 

I was just made aware that York Regional Transit (YRT) will be adding a new route (so new, it's not even on their web site yet) to serve York University. Route 22A will essentially restore the old GO 64 route from Newmarket to York University. It will closely mirror the the time schedule of the former GO route.
 

Instrumental in getting YRT on side with this were MPP Frank Klees and King Mayor, Margret Black. Sadly missing? Aurora's current Mayor. I guess photo-ops are more fun than bus routes!

It's official! I had my official campaign kick-off last week at St. Andrew's Valley Golf Course and it was a great party! Over 100 people came out to share their thoughts about where Aurora should be going and how we can get there. Electing Geoff Dawe as Mayor was one of the ideas that appealed to the entire crowd.

I was especially pleased to have Matthew Penstone as the Master of Ceremonies, and to have Stephen Forsey and Peter Dickens provide introductory remarks. Matthew has a marketing business here in Aurora and is also an auctioneer of note for many local charities. Stephen has a local investment advisor business, has been very active in the community and is currently the head of the York Old Timer's Hockey League. Peter is new to Aurora, but quickly became involved with the Chamber, where he has put his leadership talents to good use. Peter is currently working on his PhD in Leadership Studies.

The main issues I heard that night were the same ones that I have been hearing for months, and the ones that I am building my campaign around: Leadership, Community, and Accountability.

The residents of Aurora are obviously looking for a new type of politics – one that will put people before popularity and productivity before profile. They are looking for a type of politics that are based on collaboration, not self-serving cronyism; respect, not personal attacks; accountability, not dictatorship.

Residents are looking for an Aurora we can once again be proud to call home!

I am looking forward to working with you as we revitalize our community, return accountability to our politicians and build the type of leadership culture in Aurora that brings out the best in each of us!