Last night, a Special Meeting of Council was called by four members of Council to overturn the veto I issued regarding the motion on February 25, 2025.
I want to take a moment to thank all the residents who attended the meeting — whether to express their support or opposition to the veto, or simply to gain a better understanding of the Strong Mayor Powers (SMP) and the processes within municipal government. Your engagement is vital to our community, and I deeply appreciate your involvement.
As our solicitor explained during the meeting, my use of the veto was aligned with Provincial legislation and its requirements. Ultimately, the result of the meeting was that the veto was upheld, as the necessary two-thirds majority required to overturn it was not achieved.
For transparency, I want to reiterate that this marks the third time I have utilized Strong Mayor Powers outside of the budget process:
Restructuring Council Meetings: Recognizing the need for a more efficient and effective decision-making process, I used Strong Mayor Powers to restructure our Council meetings dissolving our twice monthly general committee meetings into a single monthly committee of the whole. And since this shift, Council has spent 33 per cent less time in meetings, while getting through roughly the same number of agenda items .These changes have streamlined discussions, allowing us to focus more on delivering results for residents and less on procedural delays
Vetoing the Proposed 42.6% Compensation Increase for Council: When 4 members of Council voted in favor of giving themselves a 42.6% compensation increase, I heard your voices loud and clear: this was unacceptable. I used my veto power to block this increase in compensation, ensuring accountability to the people we serve.
Infrastructure: I used Strong Mayor Powers to ensure that lands (14452 Yonge street) purchased for infrastructure purposes remain dedicated to that purpose — as this site is critical for current and future infrastructure needs, including essential municipal services that may be expanded to support housing growth and that may be necessary for future development in southwest Aurora and the Yonge Street corridor, both key growth areas in the Town’s updated Official Plan and both which would assist the Town in meeting its provincial housing targets
As I have always said, I take these responsibilities, entrusted to me by the province, with the utmost seriousness. And, I make no apologies for utilizing the tools available to me as Head of Council under the Municipal Act to ensure the best interests of our Town and residents are served.
I am deeply honored to serve as your Mayor, and I will continue to put Aurora first — not only for today but for generations to come. #YourMayorYourVoice #AuroraUnited
26 Responses
Thanks, this communication is very appreciated and the decision of not building a shelter is the right one for the fabric preservation of this lovely town
Thank you Mayor! 💪
EXCELLENT recap!
Well done Mayor Mrakas!!
Keep up with the good job?
Best
Ki Kit Li
I was there yesterday, and it was wonderful to see the residents of Aurora united in fighting for our right to be heard.
I’m so proud to be a resident of Aurora!
We are privileged to have you as our Mayor. My full support to you.
i read again- i think your strong mayor decision was maintained – one day democracy not one man rule will be restored and all people will be free- good luck mr mayor
Thank you, Mayor, for doing a good thing for the residents of Aurora. On behalf of my family, I support your work. Thank you.
Thank you Mayor Tom, it’s a good decision for Town Aurora and taxpayers here. Really appreciate.
Thank you Mayor! You spoke for us, and we stand with you!
Dear Major,
Thank you very much for the transparency to share all the related details regarding the three vetos. As residentsof Aurora, our family fully support you on the vetos and we believe it’s the voice of majority of Aurora residents. We would like to continue to support you in next year’s election.
Thank you, Mayor, for the veto. Thank you, Councillor Thompson and Councillor Kim, for supporting the veto. Democracy is with the residents of Aurora!
This entire experience has made me realize just how important elections are. I sincerely hope that everyone who participated in this process will also take part in next year’s election—because our voices matter.
I am truly shocked by the way these four council members have handled this issue. This discussion has been ongoing for three years—three years—and what have they done? They have not addressed our concerns. They have not listened to us. They have not taken any real steps to improve the community or prepare for what we all want to achieve. Instead, they have spent their time shaming people, attacking those with different opinions, and morally pressuring anyone who dares to have a question – as if disagreement itself is evil. What they have done, over and over again, is deny, deny, deny. They dismiss people instead of listening to them. I believe this is why so many residents finally decided to stand up and why so many are furious—because as ordinary Aurora residents, we feel ignored. And we’ve had enough. Enough!
This situation has given me a clear view of the arrogance and bias of these four council members. It has reinforced the importance of elections for me. Next year, we must take this seriously. We must value our votes and elect representatives who genuinely listen to the people, who work to bridge gaps and bring the community together—not those who are arrogant, biased, and attack or dismiss people with different opinions.
I also want to sincerely thank you, Mayor, for having the courage to make the right decision during such a difficult time. It takes strength to do what is right, even when it is hard. And to all the council members—whether you supported us or dismissed us—thank you as well. As we said in the meeting last night: you brought us here. You forced Aurorians to come together, stand up and unite!
Dear Mayor,
I am still enjoying the victory last night. After reading your letter, I admire your heart and courage even more. With your faith leading the way, I believe Aurora will have a better tomorrow.
Thank you Mayor Marakas
Thank you Mayor, for your continued commitment to the long-term development of the Aurora community. Your leadership demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and a dedication to implementing practical solutions. We appreciate your efforts to make our community safer and more inclusive.
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the dedication and leadership you have shown in serving our community. Your leadership has not only improved the quality of life in our town but has also inspired many of us to become more involved in local matters.
It is rare to see such a combination of vision, perseverance, and care for the people you serve, and I want you to know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your work is truly valued by all of us, and we are fortunate to have you as our mayor.
Thank you for your continued dedication to making Aurora a better place for everyone. I look forward to seeing the continued positive change you bring to our community.
This is a great result. It presents majority Aurora residents’ voice. We will support you all the time.
Thank you Mayor Mrakas and all of our Aurora neighbors who participated and made our voices heard last night.
We all love our community and hope a long term healthy growth for our home community, and we will always support our Mayor and councils who considering the real interests of our community!
Thank you, Mayor! You spoke for us, and we stand with you
Thank you Mayor and two Councilors：Harold Kim and Michael Thompson. With integrity and courage, you have upheld the traditional values of our society and safeguarded the region‘s stable development . You have honored your responsibilities and the authority granted by law, defeating those who are irresponsible and hypocritical.
As you have dedicated yourselves to protecting Aurora, We will wholeheartedly stand by you.
Thank you Mayor Mrakas for listening to your residents and standing up for us.
As other commenters mentioned, these events have emphasized how important it is to vote and you have my vote.
I cannot express how betrayed and disappointed I feel with councillors like Mr. John Gallo. I am also shocked by the constant attacks from the newmarket.ca articles.
A typical middle-class day in Aurora: taking the GO Train to work in the morning, coming home in the evening, taking the kids to the park to play, and then watching a hockey game at night. For most of us, we usually don’t pay much attention to what happens at City Hall every day—we have always been part of the silent majority.
That was until the end of last month when we heard what had happened. We realized that we could no longer remain silent; we had to come together and make our voices heard. That’s why you saw so many unfamiliar faces at City Hall yesterday. For many of us, it was the first time stepping into City Hall because this motion could truly damage our most fundamental interests and ruin this beautiful town!
We felt betrayed by those four councilors, so we had to stand up and show them what the real majority looks like. They will pay their price next year!
The Mayor’s Veto is a Stand for Good Governance
The mayor’s veto is not a rejection of compassion—it is a commitment to responsible governance. It upholds financial accountability, urban planning integrity, and the well-being of our town. This proposal has created unnecessary division in our community. Moving forward with the veto allows us to reunite as a town and work toward real, effective solutions.
Prioritize the needs of our residents, and stand with the people of Aurora. Let’s ensure our resources are used wisely, that our town remains safe and prosperous, and that we focus on effective solutions rather than rushed, ill-conceived projects.
Thank you.
This shows us the importance of voting. Keep notes on our councilors and how they act, be it in our best interest or specifically theirs. It is well known what motivates some, while others realize this role is a role of representing the people, not themselves.
Mr Mayor, although we may not always agree, I can honestly say I believe your heart is in Aurora and for the people. To me, the right decision was made and supported.
Thank you Mayor Mrakas for giving us the opportunity to witness the critical role of a veto in safeguarding democracy. This experience has reinforced the fundamental principle that elected officials must genuinely represent the voices of their residents. This veto serves as a wake-up call for Aurora residents—a reminder to vote wisely in the next elections and elect Councillors who truly represent us.
Aurora is fortunate to have a leader like you—one who listens, represents, and upholds the core values of democracy. Thank you once again for holding elected officials accountable and continuing to advocate for a government that truly serves its people.
I want to sincerely thank our mayor for doing the right thing for his community. In my view, many Aurora residents were unaware of the transitional and emergency housing proposal before the mayor’s veto, and once informed, many opposed it. This lack of awareness is a direct result of the failure of councilors in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5 to adequately inform, consult, and listen to the residents they represent.
True democracy requires meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, not merely informing residents when a decision is nearly finalized. Transparent and fair decision-making is essential. If councilors support this proposal, they should provide clear evidence explaining why Aurora was chosen and how local resources will support the shelter.
Most importantly, all residents’ voices deserve to be genuinely heard — not just those of a small group of supporters. The mayor’s veto ensured that Aurora residents had the opportunity to express their concerns, preventing a rushed decision that could have long-term consequences for our community. Without this veto, many residents would have been silenced, as councilors from Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5 appeared to prioritize the perspectives of their inner circles over the broader public opinion.
At its core, the real issue is the failure of these councilors to represent the best interests of the majority of residents. That, in my view, is what is truly undemocratic.