Let's Put The Aura Back in Aurora

Earning a position of leadership is about integrity -- abiding by principles that are easily understood, that people can rely on.

They must also be concrete so people can hold you accountable to those principles.

As Mayor, I will direct Council's energies in the following 3 key areas; Leadership, Community, Accountability.

LEADERSHIP

Integrity
Integrity cannot be legislated. The Code of Conduct has been an unacceptable use of resources and counterproductive to a collaborative team environment. I commit to initiating the immediate suspension of the Integrity Commissioner contract and a public review of the need for a Code of Conduct/Integrity Commissioner within the first year.

Freedom of Information
It is troubling when residents must resort to Freedom of Information requests to find out how Council is spending their time and our money. I commit to full public disclosure of Town of Aurora business -- including legal fees (internal and external) -- unless this information is restricted by an order of the Court.

Strong Regional Representation
Aurora needs a strong voice at the Region. I commit to improving our attendance and participation record and work with fellow Regional Councillors to secure a second seat on Regional Council for Aurora. 

Focus on Policy, Not Implementation
I will work with Council to re-focus our efforts on policy -- and then hold staff experts accountable to implement those policies to the highest possible standards.

COMMUNITY

Community Input
Council decisions must be made with input from all community interests -- unlike the Parks and Recreation Master Plan which was re-written by a small group of individuals with no accountability to the citizens. I commit that consultant reports will be presented to Council, in their original form, so that Council may make the decisions they were duly elected to make based on complete unfiltered information.

Committee Membership
This term, a small group populates a disproportionate share of committees. The Town is not leveraging the diverse population to get the broadest input. I commit to encouraging diverse participation and will not support the selection of any of my key campaign team to any Town committee.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Town Facilities
Town owned facilities continue to sit empty or underused. These facilities cost taxpayers' money and provide no value in return. I commit to review the inventory and develop a plan for utilization within the first year of my term. 

Planning
Developing an Official Plan is mandated by the Province. Council has overridden expert staff and consultant advice and not met their deadlines. Resultant decision-making has been stripped from this Council and is now in the hands of the OMB. I commit to leveraging internal and external resources to ensure that complex processes, such as the Official Plan Review and long term financial planning, will be completed in a timely manner. 

Strategic Plan
Developing a Strategic Plan for our community will be a first order of business for this Town

I am committed to a culture of Collaboration, not Confrontation; of Productivity, not Profile.

With your vote, we can put the Aura back in Aurora.