Vicky McGrath --Aurora council candidate
Yorkregion.com
September 18, 2018
My name is Vicky McGrath and I recently registered as a candidate for Aurora council. I thought I should introduce myself and give you some information about me. I have been an Aurora resident twice, the first time in the early 2000s and now since 2016 in the new construction area at St John's and Leslie. I am a self-employed, small business owner of Nurse Next Door Home Care Services, employing approximately 50 staff, many from Aurora. I have a husband, Jeff, 13 year-old daughter, Sydney and an eight year-old whippet, Chesney.
My "platform" is summarized as:
* Livable community
* Strong voice for business
As the population of Aurora and York Region ages, special consideration must be given to supporting an accessible, age-friendly and pedestrian-oriented community, with access to greenspace, employment, business, recreation, entertainment and shopping.
I have volunteered on the board of directors and advocacy committee for the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, I volunteer weekly at Southlake hospital and have participated in tree plantings in the community. My business, Nurse Next Door, has been a sponsor for the Run/Walk for Southlake and I have also participated in the event. In addition, my dog Chesney and I have recently become part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program where we will visit retirement communities, hospitals and other locations and assist with community events.
With over 20 years in sustainable community-building in the municipal and provincial government sectors, an undergraduate degree in environmental studies from Trent University and a master's degree in sustainability leadership from Cambridge University, I have skills and experience I would like to share with Aurora and be a strong voice for the community. I would very much like to better understand the concerns of residents and businesses. Should I be elected, I hope to have an opportunity to share ideas and strategies and communicate openly with the community.
