John Abel --Aurora mayoral candidate

Yorkregion.com
September 18, 2018

My wife Tracy and I moved to Aurora 23 years ago because of the vibrant community and good schools. We raised our two children here, and they have grown up to become responsible and productive adults. As many parents do, we volunteered to support our kids’ activities, as coach, manager and convener in boys’ and girls’ hockey, baseball and soccer. We also volunteered for competitions and recitals at Somerville Dance Academy. I received a 10-year pin from Aurora Minor Hockey and was named 2005 Coach of the Year and 2003 Volunteer of the Year.

I entered politics in 2010 at age 55 and have served two terms as deputy mayor. I bring a pragmatic approach to every issue and weigh the merits of any potential solution against two fundamental criteria: Does it makes fiscal sense and will it be good for the citizens of Aurora?

Education: Three years at the University of Toronto, studying science, mathematics, and economics (did not graduate).

Background: 20 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, culminating as owner of a restaurant/pub in the Yonge and Eglinton area.

Deputy Mayor of the Town of Aurora: Eight years.

Achievements: Rescued Mavrinac Park from development; instrumental in approval of Bayview high school; acquiring the historic Aurora Armoury from the Department of National Defence; advocate of responsible development of Library Square.

Boards:

Aurora Sport Hall of Fame --Six years

Aurora Seniors Association --Three years

Music Aurora --Two years

Cultural Centre (2013 to 2014)

Important issues: Maintain stable and safe neighbourhoods, Go station congestion, downtown revitalization, multicultural diversity, accessibility, affordable housing, repurposing the Aurora Armoury, and developing Library Square and the Hallmark Lands at zero cost to the taxpayers --the current plan will cost taxpayers $50 million.

“Most importantly, my goal is to restore fiscal responsibility, transparency and trust to Aurora’s town council.”

I am ready, willing and able to assume the leadership role as mayor of Aurora. Politics should be about improving people’s lives --nothing more, nothing less.

Website: JohnAbel.ca