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As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on Aurora’s first full year under the strong mayor system. This year, Aurora was one of 46 municipalities where the Mayor was entrusted by the Province with additional tools to help move our communities forward, and I’ve approached this responsibility with a focus on serving you, the residents of Aurora. Outside of the budget process, I have used these powers sparingly and strategically, with two key actions that I believe reflect your priorities: 1. Restructuring Council Meetings: Recognizing the need for a more efficient and effective decision-making process, I used the strong mayor powers to restructure our council meetings. These changes have streamlined our discussions, allowing us to focus more on delivering results and less on procedural delays. 2. Vetoing the Proposed 42.6% Salary Increase for Council: When Council voted in favor of a 42.6% salary increase, I heard your voices loud and clear: this was unacceptable. I used my veto power to block this increase, ensuring that we remain accountable to the people we serve. In addition to these actions, we delivered two responsible, balanced budgets that provide the necessary services our residents expect—at the best price possible, moving our Town forward in a positive direction. Fiscal responsibility and efficiency have been at the core of every decision we’ve made this year. And that is reflected in Aurora continuing to be the 8th lowest tax rate in the entire Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) The strong mayor powers are a tool to enact meaningful change, and I am committed to using them responsibly and where necessary to uphold the values and expectations of our community. As we head into 2025, I remain focused on delivering good governance, fiscal responsibility, and a clear vision for Aurora’s future. Thank you for your continued engagement and support—together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Aurora. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone https://mrakas.ca/reflecting-on-auroras-first-full-year-with-strong-mayor-powers/

As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on Aurora’s first full year under the strong mayor system. This year, Aurora was one of 46 municipalities where the Mayor was entrusted by the Province with additional tools to help move our communities forward, and I’ve approached this responsibility with a focus on serving you, the residents of Aurora. Outside of the budget process, I have used these powers sparingly and strategically, with two key actions that I believe reflect your priorities: 1. Restructuring Council Meetings: Recognizing the need for a more efficient and effective decision-making process, I used the strong mayor powers to restructure our council meetings. These changes have streamlined our discussions, allowing us to focus more on delivering results and less on procedural delays. 2. Vetoing the Proposed 42.6% Salary Increase for Council: When Council voted in favor of a 42.6% salary increase, I heard your voices loud and clear: this was unacceptable. I used my veto power to block this increase, ensuring that we remain accountable to the people we serve. In addition to these actions, we delivered two responsible, balanced budgets that provide the necessary services our residents expect—at the best price possible, moving our Town forward in a positive direction. Fiscal responsibility and efficiency have been at the core of every decision we’ve made this year. And that is reflected in Aurora continuing to be the 8th lowest tax rate in the entire Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) The strong mayor powers are a tool to enact meaningful change, and I am committed to using them responsibly and where necessary to uphold the values and expectations of our community. As we head into 2025, I remain focused on delivering good governance, fiscal responsibility, and a clear vision for Aurora’s future. Thank you for your continued engagement and support—together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Aurora. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone https://mrakas.ca/reflecting-on-auroras-first-full-year-with-strong-mayor-powers/