Mayor-elect Tom Mrakas looks to keep getting things done in Aurora

Development of Library Square is biggest priority

YorkRegion.com
October 24, 2018
Teresa Latchford

Moving forward with the development of Library Square tops the new Aurora mayor’s to-do list.

Earlier this week, Tom Mrakas stood in the lobby at town hall anxiously watching the results screen to see if he would dethrone current mayor Geoff Dawe. The first round of voting results showed Mrakas in the lead, a lead he maintained as the results from all 34 polls flashed on the screen. In the four-way race for the chain of office, Mrakas was victorious against Dawe, Chris Ballard and John Abel.

“I’m very proud of the campaign I ran but I couldn’t have done it without my supporters who all worked really hard,” he said. “I’m proud of what I have accomplished in the last four years as councillor but couldn’t have done it without all of those who sat at the table. I look forward continuing to get things done.”

While continuing with the plan to redevelop Library Square is high on his list, he admitted there are a few major projects he plans to unveil for council to discuss in the near future but isn’t ready to reveal just yet. He hinted that one may include the creation of a vibrant and energetic place within the downtown core.

As for advancing the town’s fiscal responsibility, it may come down to going through each department’s budget line-by-line to find savings, efficiencies and funds that can be redirected to a better use.

Mrakas is also looking forward to working with the returning and new members of council to create and enhanced culture of collaboration, tapping into the strengths of each councillor.

“Most of all I look forward to working with residents and getting to know everyone,” he said. “At the end of the day it’s about being everyone’s neighbour.”

Dawe won’t officially leave his post as mayor until the end of November. He is proud of the positive campaign he ran and is thankful for his dedicated supporters.

“The chips fell where they may,” he said the morning after the election. “I believe Aurora is a better place than it was eight years ago.”

Dawe has had a number of highlights in his eight years as mayor and leaves his post with Aurora having more jobs, more businesses and sitting in the top 25 places to live Canada.

While he may be leaving his current seat, he won’t be turning a blind eye.

“I want to see the new council continue with the development of Library Square,” he said.

Dawe also believes it is possible that headway could be made in the revitalization of downtown in the next four years. He pointed out that new developments are bringing people to live in the downtown core and in turn will create demand for boutiques, coffee shops and other businesses along Yonge Street.

He also has his fingers crossed the new term of council will not reverse the decision to construct two ball diamonds on the former Hallmark lands as he believes it would be a move in the wrong direction.

Aurora council for 2018 to 2022:

Mayor: Tom Mrakas.

Councillors: Harold Kim, Wendy Gaertner, Sandra Humfryes, Michael Thompson, Rachel Gilliland and John Gallo.