Aurora Votes 2026: Mayoral candidates weigh in on Council cohesion

September 10, 2026 · 0 Comments

It is a four-way race to Aurora’s top job in this municipal election campaign, and those vying to be Head of Council in the 2026-2030 term have weighed in on what they would do to foster cohesion amongst members around the table – or, in the case of incumbent Tom Mrakas, how such cohesion could be furthered.

This week, Aurora’s mayoral candidates were asked, “In speaking to Council candidates, a common theme that has emerged is Council cohesion. If elected, what would you do to foster/further foster cohesion amongst members at the table?”

Here’s how they answered:

SHAWN DEANE

“First, my new leadership will immediately end the proliferation of any past resentment and patterns of minority voting blocks. Next, I have already promised to delegate my Strong Mayor Powers back to Council, thereby returning their equal voice and voting power. This will also reassure Ward Councillors and their constituents that majority decisions will never get vetoed. Cohesion is better paired with democracy. Additionally, I will strive to ensure that Council feels valued, respected, included and trusted. Fostering these sentiments can be achieved in various ways such as, eliciting their views on key York Region matters, including their representation at all community activities, providing opportunities to Chair Committees, making myself available to participate in their Ward initiatives and publicly praising their work.”

JOHN GALLO

“Council cohesion does not mean everyone agrees. Healthy disagreement is an important part of democracy. What matters is how we disagree and whether we can continue working together afterwards. After 14 years on Council, I have seen Councils function best when members feel respected, informed and included. As Mayor, I would work to create that environment. That starts with leadership from the Chair. I would encourage open discussion, ensure every member has an opportunity to contribute and treat differing opinions with respect. I would also work collaboratively with Council and staff so members are informed and included as important issues develop. We also need to move away from allowing disagreements to become personal or political. Once a decision is made, we all champion the decision the majority has made.

I will not expect Councillors to agree with me. I will expect us to listen, debate respectfully and remember we were all elected to serve the same community.”

TOM MRAKAS

“There will always be differences of opinion around the Council table, and that is a healthy part of local democracy. I believe Council cohesion is based on mutual respect, a willingness to listen to understand each other’s perspective, and then working together in the best interests of Aurora. My ideal approach is to create an environment that encourages that to happen. If re-elected, I would continue to maintain the open-door policy I have had for the past eight years in which I invite each member of Council to meet monthly one-on-one to provide support, discuss any issue, or work through concerns. I will look for every opportunity to solicit input, and work together on budgets, major Town initiatives and the day-to-day issues that matter to our residents. That has been my ideal approach for the past eight years, and it will continue to be my preferred approach moving forward. It is my hope members of the new Council will see the next term as a fresh start and take advantage of the opportunity to reset and work more collaboratively.”

YAFANG SHI

“If elected, I will put respect and collaboration at the centre of how the Council works. I will end the use of Strong Mayor powers that contributed to division on the current Council. I will respect each Councillor’s mandate to represent their constituents and ensure that all voices around the council table are heard. I will be transparent about my vision and decision-making and work to build consensus rather than division. My goal is to bring the Council together around our common priorities and work collectively to build an inclusive, thriving, vibrant, and sustainable Town.”

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter