Former Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard seeks Aurora mayor's seat

Ballard joins crowded race with incumbent Geoff Dawe, councillors John Abel, Tom Mrakas

Yorkregion.com
July 10, 2018
Teresa Latchford

Former Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard has announced he is joining the mayoral race in Aurora.

Following rumours floating around town, Ballard sent the Aurora Banner a statement to put an end to the speculation. Following the provincial election, when Ballard was defeated by PC Christine Elliott, Ballard's supporters in town recruited him to run.

“After much urging by residents and business owners, I’m excited to announce I will run for mayor of Aurora in this fall’s municipal election,” he wrote in his statement. “It’s time to get Aurora back on course.”

He joins incumbent Aurora Mayor Geoff Dawe, and local councillors John Abel and Tom Mrakas in the race to sit at the head of the table in council chambers.

Ballard said he was honoured to serve the people of Aurora as MPP and wants to continue his track record of helping constituents.

“I got into politics to help people,” he said. “That has been, and will always be, my focus.”

Ballard added he will soon file his election papers to become an official candidate and looks forward to a vigorous campaign in the weeks to come.