News   

Roy's Interview &
Article by Brock Weir
of THE AURORAN

Endorsements &
Support from Aurora's
Community

Vote October 27

 

 

 

 

MY PLATFORM


As your councillor I will bring a fresh perspective on issues facing Aurora. Here are some of the key priorities I will focus on if I earn the honour of representing you on Council:


     Work towards no new increases in residential property taxes


     Ensure quality of sports and leisure services meet or exceed provincial standards


     Listen to and consider all responsible concerns & ideas and work towards fair solutions


     Inspire positive leadership & teamwork on Council with a distinct focus on Aurora First
 

 

Although I will need some time to ensure I listen to and consider all facts before making important decisions, I would like to share some of my thoughts, views and positions:

WHY AM I RUNNING FOR COUNCIL

As a long term Aurora resident I am deeply inspired by our beautiful community to get involved by representing your interests on Council. I am strongly motivated to work hard to bring genuine leadership that will ensure a strong and sustainable foundation for a new prosperity for all of our citizens. I believe I can make a difference by being your loyal representative on Council and always placing Aurora First.

TOWN BUDGET, TAX INCREASES, STAFFING

Council must assure the taxpayers of Aurora that we are making the best, most efficient use of the tax revenue we already have. Proformas should be required for every new position and current positions and contracts should be reviewed to ensure delivery of maximum value and accountability. Especially in the current economic climate, we need to focus on streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and getting the most out of each dollar spent before we ask you, the taxpayers, for any more of your hard earned money. I am committed to work hard to find creative ways to save you money and to limit the need for any new residential property tax increases.

QUALITY SPORTS AND LEISURE SERVICES

Sports and Leisure activities are an integral part of a healthy community and an important measure of our overall quality of life. I am a firm believer that we need to focus on providing high quality Sports and Leisure Services that are inclusive, affordable and, at the very least, up to Provincial Standards. We must demand transparency, accountability, cooperation and direct input from each Aurora centric sport and leisure organization to ensure their specific resource needs are addressed in the official Town plan.

POSITIVE LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK

I will work diligently to instil positive and effective leadership on Council with a distinct focus on serving Aurora First. I am not interested in old conflicts. Council has to start fresh with the proper focus on the important issues facing our community. I will promote teamwork and encourage respectful exchange of opinions and ideas. Although councillors have to be able to voice their concerns without fear of offending others, this has to be done in a professional and respectful manner. We have many tough decisions ahead of us, many of which require new creative approaches to arrive at fair solutions. Teamwork creates results that cannot be achieved by individuals working alone. Council owes it to the citizens of Aurora to work together to set policy that will guide Aurora through these challenging times.

THE ROLE OF COUNCIL AND TOWN STAFF

The role of Council is to represent the community by providing leadership and setting policy that reflects our citizens' needs. The role of Town Staff is to implement and manage the Town affairs bounded by the policies set out by Council. We must ensure we foster an appropriate environment of efficient and effective communication between Council and Staff that has the citizens' best interests at heart.

COUNCIL TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

I support a productive, accountable and transparent Council, where issues are addressed and tough decisions are made. Elected officials serve the community. They are accountable to the electorate for their conduct, actions and decisions. Deliberations and information about Aurora should not be kept a secret from the citizens of Aurora.

COUNCIL CONCENSUS

Consensus that satisfies the majority of Council is not always possible and not necessarily required. A healthy debate allows for valuable consideration of different views from the community before important decisions are made. Every member of Council has the responsibility to the citizens of Aurora to dynamically contribute to all deliberations in a courteous, professional and respectful manner, even when holding views diametrically opposed to that of other councillors. The guiding principle of any solution finding process should be always Aurora First.

CONDUCT OF COUNCIL

We need a Council that takes seriously their obligation to the citizens of Aurora to respect the democratic municipal forum and show proper consideration for the views of our community represented by all members elected to Council. I believe our citizens are capable of ensuring that any dysfunctional and unproductive members are not elected to office next time around.

AURORA FOOD PANTRY & HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

As councillors we have an important duty to address all issues and needs within our community. I have always been an advocate and supporter of great causes and the Aurora Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity will continue to receive my encouragement and support.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The need for Affordable Housing is very real and deserves the attention and support of Council. We must work hard to find creative and effective ways to integrate this important community responsibility within the scope of an official plan.

LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY

I strongly believe in listening to and respecting everyone's ideas and points of view. I am eager to attend and participate in many community events, meetings and forums. I will continue my involvement in community activities and will make myself available and accessible to all of our citizens.

VOTE ROY COHEN FOR COUNCIL

I am inspired by our beautiful community and I will work very hard to earn the honour of representing the people of Aurora on the 2014 Aurora Town Council.


On October 27th, Vote for Aurora First!

VOTE ROY COHEN FOR 2014 AURORA TOWN COUNCIL!