“Who is the ‘toxic one?” asks reader

May 14, 2014 · 0 Comments

(Re: Dawe officially launches re-election bid, posing question to Aurorans, May 1, 2014)

It is humorous that Mayor Dawe has started to throw mud already as he announces that he is seeking re-election.
He says that “residents were fed up with the antics of the last council – antics that created a toxic atmosphere”.
He then goes on to say that his challenger, John Gallo, was “representative of that toxic atmosphere.” During the past four years, Dawe has been the toxic one by criticizing those who did not agree with him. He did it to John Gallo, Chris Ballard and Wendy Gaertner as they were not part of his inner circle.
He goes on to say that he did not want to return to the past with embarrassing headlines.
I thought that he was speaking about his mentor, Tim Jones, who, in my opinion, created the toxic atmosphere that Dawe speaks about.
Yes, the Phyllis Morris era was not the best, but there seems to be a misconception that the Morris era was the worst
Mayor Dawe really does believe his own press releases. He states that he stabilized the staff morale and the staff turnover. Mayor Dawe, please tell us how many employees have left during your term, especially in the senior level.
He speaks of the booming housing market.
Well these homes are not part of his term but rather the councils of the past. New homes do not happen in a four year term. He mentions the York Regional Police moving their senior management to their new headquarters. Again, he had nothing to do with that. This again was past councils. Ditto with Bulk Barn moving to Aurora.
He takes aim at councillors who dare to question staff about taxes and the mechanisms of how to do things.
Well, Mr. Dawe, you have shown your true colours by taking such a toxic attack on John Gallo.
He does not deserve this verbal attack from you. I personally believe that Mr. Gallo has worked hard to stay on track under your leadership. I did not agree with how John first got on council (being appointed) but he more than made up for it by getting elected in the last election.
In my opinion, Tim Jones took this same approach when she defeated him to become Mayor.
Keep that negativity going. Please.

Nigel Kean
Aurora