During this election, you will hear a lot about “transparency.” Candidates will talk about accountability, openness, and the need for fewer meetings behind closed doors.
On that we agree!
That’s why this term of Council has seen the lowest number of closed session meetings of any 4-year term in Aurora’s history.
Let’s look at the facts:
- 2006 Council term (Mayor Phyllis Morris) — 129 closed session meetings
- 2010 Council term (Mayor Geoff Dawe) — 84 closed session meetings
- 2014 Council term (Mayor Geoff Dawe) — 100 closed session meetings
- 2018 Council term (Mayor Tom Mrakas) — 70 closed session meetings
- Current 2022 Council term — only 58 closed session meetings with only 7 regular meetings remaining this term
That’s not rhetoric. That’s results. A sharp reduction in closed door meetings.
Plus, during my first term as Mayor, Council approved recording closed session meetings a motion by Councillor Thompson to ensure there is a clear and accurate record of discussions.
Worth noting, 1 candidate voted against that accountability. Repeatedly.
John Gallo voted AGAINST recording closed session meetings in the 2006 term, again in 2010 and again in 2018.
He also sat on the 2006 Council alongside Wendy Gaertner, the same Council that holds the record for the most discussions behind closed doors in Aurora’s history.
For me, transparency is not political rhetoric or a slogan. It’s a proven record.
I’m proud that under my leadership, Aurora has seen more decisions made publicly, more accountability, and fewer discussions happening behind closed doors than ever before.
The facts speak for themselves. And the facts show that during my two terms as Mayor, Aurora Council has conducted less business behind closed doors than ever before.
#LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone
