Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas sets his sights on a second term as he enters municipal election race

'The past four years have been filled with wonderful opportunities and extraordinary challenges,' he says

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 12, 2022
Lisa Queen

Mayor Tom Mrakas is running for re--election.

He registered Aug. 9 to run for the town’s top political spot in the Oct. 24 election.

Mrakas said he has spent the last four years as mayor working for residents and businesses, focused on the day--to--day work that needs to get done to keep the community moving forward in a positive direction.

“The past four years have been filled with wonderful opportunities and extraordinary challenges ---- and this council has much to be proud of,” he said in a statement.

“We have seen once--in--a--generation initiatives such as moving forward with the Town Square but we also had to work together to navigate the impact of the pandemic on our lives and businesses and other worthwhile initiatives. Both proof that leadership that gets things done is leadership that works with, and for, our community.”

Looking forward, Mrakas said there is more work to do.

“This work requires leadership that is focused on community first. I am proud of my track record of working collaboratively with council and residents to build our community together,” he said.

“From strategic developments, to bringing day business to the core, furthering the revitalization of our downtown to support for local businesses that are the lifeblood of our community, from fostering the further growth of arts and culture initiatives to the protection of our built and natural heritage, my vision remains firmly on community building, (which is) maintaining our small--town charm while continuing to provide the amenities our residents expect.”

Mrakas’ statement does not include details on specific issues, although more information would be expected to come out during the campaign.

Issues requiring attention from the next council could include the completion of Library Square and adopting an official plan, which sets out a road map for the town’s future over the next 30 years, development and economic development.

For the first time, Aurora will move to a ward system after the election.

Up to this point, councillors have always been elected at large.

The new system will see the town divided into six wards.

Mrakas is being challenged by Phiona Durrant, founder of the Aurora Black Community Association.