When I first ran for council in 2022, I did so without realizing there was compensation. I hadn't really given compensation a lot of thought, I just wanted to make a difference and believed that sitting on council was a great way to do that. I was and remain against a massive increase in council compensation.

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There were numerous issues at play when Council Compensation was brought to the table, not once, but multiple times.

Ultimately the majority of residents were not thrilled by the massive increase in council compensation, and I am thankful that at the end of this term an increase was not approved.

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Being a councillor in Aurora is a part-time job, if elected you are not obligated to leave any other part time or full-time employment. Councillors are obligated to three council meetings a month – averaging two to three hours – with the odd one running maybe four or five if it is a busy night or the topics are “hot”. This amounts to ten hours a month at what is currently $42k a year.

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Yes, I am aware that there is homework in the background – in fact I have done it myself without being an elected councillor, and yes I am aware that there are events you can opt to attend – but ultimately, council should be able to prove that they work 40 hours a week if they want residents to be able to stomach a 42.6% compensation increase.

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Accountability is clearly important to residents and candidates this year – given I think every single candidate is using the word. If elected, an increase in council compensation beyond COLA should come with additions to Aurora’s by-laws. Councillors should be able to account for the hours worked on town matters, have proof of milage driving around Aurora, and it should only ever be considered for future terms of council.

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What are your thoughts on the matter? Tell me below!