The Rogers TV Debate

The Rogers TV debate was this week. It was the first of the 4 all-candidate sessions and it was a lively affair.

It was also a first for me.

It was the first time that I have experienced a session where the sole goal is to attack and embarrass the other person in the discussion.

Frankly, I found it difficult to step away from my personal approach which is collaboration versus confrontation. But I understand that this is what is necessary to demonstrate a point of difference and win an election.

My campaign team have been very clear in telling me that running for Mayor is different than being Mayor. That said we all remain committed to conducting ourselves and running a race that does reflect our core values.

Most of the questions reflected the same issues we have been hearing from the 1,000s of residents we have met through door to door canvassing.

Residents are concerned about transit, growth and the state of our downtown. They are concerned with the value they are receiving compared to the tax dollars they are paying. 

Residents are concerned that they are not listened to – that their input is not valued.

Residents are concerned about the behaviour of Council, the lack of leadership, the substantial growth in Town Staff

Without a doubt though, the most amazing part for me was when Phyllis Morris said with a straight face, that based on their voting record, "Aurora Council had set the gold standard in democracy"!

Yes, that is on tape.

I wonder how many of the residents who signed petitions, sent emails, or appeared at Council to lobby for a by-election when there was an early-term Council opening would agree with that remark.


My Perspective: As I mentioned, this was a first for me, and that's good. We should always look for ways to expand our comfort zones. However, my preference is working with people in a collaborative & productive environment.

If elected Mayor, I look forward to bringing back those characteristics to Council.