Aurora Mayor Dawe looks forward

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 4, 2014
Teresa Latchford

Mayor Geoff Dawe hopes collaboration and co-operation is the common theme for the next four years.

Town crier John Webster enticed people to take a seat, marking the start of Aurora’s inaugural ceremony earlier this week. The newly elected members of the 2014-2018 term were piped in by Jim McGillivray and marched to their seats around the council table by a colour guard made up of members from the Aurora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and members of the Queen’s York Rangers.

The national anthem rang loud and clear as Joseph Likuski’s voice filled town hall.

It was standing room only in the circular council chambers as four religious leaders from local houses of worship took to the podium to lead everyone in prayer. Ontario Justice of the Peace and Aurora resident Douglas Clark recited the Declaration of Office, which the mayor and each councillor repeated and signed.

Dawe took to the podium, thanked all in attendance, and recognized council, the staff and special guests before he began his inaugural address.

“Four years ago I stood here and believed it was not only a new beginning for me but I believed it was a new beginning for the Town of Aurora,” he said. “Aurora wanted positive change and a council that would work together to bring value to tax payers for their hard earned tax dollars.”

Reflecting on the past four years of council, he felt much had been accomplished including the youth centre which had been discussed for 17 years, the development of a road and 10-year capitol forecast to more accurately understand future needs and the reworking of the town’s resource strategy to ensure the town was prepared for those needs.

“Tonight we begin a new term of council,” Dawe added. “I believe this term of council is read to continue to get things done.”

He committed to providing leadership with integrity, continuing to listen to both the community and council colleagues to work toward a culture of collaboration, engagement and dialogue.

“I believe that when you belong to something, you work harder to nurture and grow it,” he said.

He believes it is an exciting time for Aurora and that the future holds great promise. But with that will come challenges requiring “made in Aurora” solutions.

“Tonight I challenge you to engage your friends and neighbours to make this an exceptional four years where we build a community that reflects our shared vision,” he said, directing his comments to residents. “Your contributions are valued and after all, we’re all in this together.”