Election 2014: Change or Status Quo?

October 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

With election day nearing, Aurorans are faced with an important decision.
Has anything really changed over the past four years? Who should they vote for? There is lots of rhetoric and there have been some promises for a better future for the town. That is the norm for elections. Just look to the Toronto campaign for some examples of political hoopla!
Why has transportation been put on the back burner?
Is there an effort to advocate for better GO Train service which includes noon hour trains, to and from Toronto? Has there been a concern for advancing the infrastructure in the downtown now?
The sidewalks are in poor condition and there are no park benches along Yonge Street for people to rest. Why can’t we see any significant signs to show progress in these areas now? Is the downtown area inviting to attract shoppers? Why do we look at other towns in the area as examples of progress and have attractive downtown streets?
Aurora is growing in population at a fast rate and the demographics are changing.
Will we have a council elected that represents this social change? Why is the ward system called threatening? What is wrong for a councillor to be responsible for an area of town that they lived in then?
Our neighbourhoods have different demographic needs and expectations. Some areas of town are brand new developments while other areas have been established for several decades.
So, what is wrong for the councillor to be accountable and responsible for his/her ward?
It is incorrect to say that wards will take away the small town feeling of Aurora.
Communities exist in larger cities and offer cultural diversity for the town.
Parks, cultural and sport facilities, and new businesses need to keep pace with the population growth. Will we get this development and improvement in our community if we vote for the established group of politicians; or do we need political change in 2014? You can decide on Oct. 27!

Jim Jackson
Aurora