Matthew Abas --Aurora council candidate

Yorkregion.com
September 18, 2018

Name: Matthew Abas

Position: Councillor, Town of Aurora

Matthew Abas is an accessibility advocate. Matthew is a lifelong resident of Aurora, born and raised, accumulating knowledge of issues in Aurora. Matthew is well known for advocating for persons with visible and non-visible disabilities. He has challenged the town on building code and accessibility issues, leading to an increased number of power-doors in Aurora.

As part of a strong council, a mix of candidates is needed. As Aurora’s youngest candidate I am essential for fresh ideas and to ensure residents are properly represented. I will help Aurora thrive, by helping business in Aurora thrive. Investing in local businesses is an investment in the people of Aurora. Youth that can not find part-time employment can not save for an education, which creates a pending poverty issue that is leading to increased vandalism. As a town councillor, I will endorse activities that promote micro-tourism and local shopping.

With my technology background, I bring fresh ideas, an awareness of the threats that new technology like artificial intelligence brings and its impact on local business, and local job loss.

Aurora needs to spend wisely, invest in our future. Ensure property values remain strong into the future. This should include the internet. Ensuring the 5G strategy includes all sections of the town and making sure we are included with Newmarket and Toronto.

I believe that, all town staff providing services that deal with the public, and volunteers should be trained in accessibility. 

Mitigating liability for accessibility and environmental issues allows for more funds to be directed to economic development in Aurora.

Listening to the residents is key to identifying gaps and improving our response to Aurora residents. Council needs to record, categorize and publicly report issues, providing a decision framework so residents have a clear and transparent council.

There is much more information on my website: mabas.ca.