Bill Croker
Former Business Partner – Friend – Resident
I was Geoff’s business partner longer than many people have been married. We met in community service as members of our church’s management board almost 30 years ago. We started our partnership with a napkin and a handshake 19 years ago, and now our high tech company serves Fortune 500 clients throughout North America.Even in the most controversial and confrontational situations, Geoff’s passion for a collaborative and cooperative effort often drove us to achieve more effective and desirable results than one would think possible. If anyone can change our dysfunctional Town council into a respectful thoughtful team, he can.
Jim Wasyliw
Retired – Manager – Scotiabank
“I’ve known Geoff for several years and had the pleasure of serving with him for about 3 years on the Executive Group of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. This provided me with the opportunity to view his management style which included chairing meetings, financial management and human resource issues. Geoff has a high level of competence; he understands prudent financial management, is well organized and has good ‘people skills’, always a good listener and very respectful of the opinions of others. While he was President of the Chamber, in addition to running his own business, he devoted a significant amount of time to Chamber affairs, a testament to his dedication to the organization and his passion for Aurora. The Town has gone through 4 years of turbulence and a change is needed now! I believe Geoff will be an excellent Mayor and I urge everyone to support him.”
Alison Collins-Mrakas
Resident, Aurora Councillor
As both a member of the current Aurora Town Council and Aurora Public Library Board, I have had firsthand experience with two very different leadership styles. In contrast to the kind of leadership I witnessed at the Council table, I have found that Geoff Dawe, as Chair and member of Aurora’s Public Library Board has demonstrated that he has the key skills necessary for a leader — respect for and acknowledgement of the opinions of those at the table, respect for and reliance on the skills and expertise of staff, and respect for and experience with the necessary rules and procedures; roles and responsibilities that make both a Council and a municipality run efficiently and effectively. I support Geoff Dawe as Mayor of the Town of Aurora, because he is the leader this Town needs to meet the challenges and pursue the opportunities with which our community will be presented both now and in the future.
Dennis R. Hopps
Resident, Seneca College, Business Program
Our Town of Aurora demands an Aurora Town Council that works . . . only Geoff Dawe possesses the key leadership and management competencies necessary to lead our Aurora Town Council through the next 4 years. Our Town of Aurora expects and deserves a stable, non-confrontational Aurora Town Council . . . only Geoff Dawe possesses the interpersonal and communication skills necessary to lead our Aurora Town Council through the next 4 years. Our Town of Aurora’s Town Council has an immediate need for CHANGE . . . only Geoff Dawe possesses the economic, efficient and effective focus necessary to lead our Aurora Town Council through the next 4 years.
Don Constable
Resident, Optimist, Community Volunteer, Small Business owner, former Aurora Councillor
As a former Councillor for the Town of Aurora, I know how important it is to have a Council that works with staff and each other in a respectful way. I know that to have a functional council, it takes a leader who respects the roles and responsibilities of staff – and Council – lets them do their jobs. I have watched the current Council under Mayor Morris erode that sense of mutual respect between staff and Council and lose any sense of decorum at Council meetings. We need to restore decorum, respect and order to the Council chamber. Geoff Dawe understands that respect is earned not granted. That one must give respect to get it in return. I support Geoff Dawe because I know he is capable of being the leader this Town needs.
Jim Clark
Resident
Geoff is exactly the person that we need to lead Aurora at this point in time. I have known him personally and professionally in his business for over 20 years. His collaborative leadership skills and savvy awareness of people and how to best utilize their strengths for the betterment of the whole community will serve our town well. Pride in community will be restored and enhanced with this refreshing change to Geoff Dawe as Mayor of Aurora.
John Rogers
Former CAO Town of Aurora
I have known Geoff Dawe for a number of years as Chair of the Library Board and the President of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and I have no hesitation in recommending Geoff for Mayor of the Town of Aurora. His enthusiasm for the well being of the Town and his ability to develop consensus on issues will be a tremendous asset for the Town.
Marion Howell
Resident, Executive Coach
As an executive coach I spend my day working with senior professionals in a wide variety of sectors. It is through that experience that I have come to really appreciate Geoff’s ability to lead. He listens. He asks questions. He seeks out many points of view that will expand his view. These are all qualities which I believe will make Geoff an excellent mayor.
Peter Blakely
President, Blakely & Associates
As a successful businessman — President of Quality Integrators Corporation and Past President of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce — Geoff’s business and financial acumen would be a huge plus for the Town. Geoff knows to put Town business first, and he can ensure that every tax dollar spent will be to the benefit of the citizens of Aurora.
Steve Hinder
Resident, former Aurora Councillor
As a long time volunteer in the Aurora community, I have known Geoff as a person of good character, with a strong sense of values. This is particularly evident in the way he interacts with other volunteers and works towards building consensus that benefits the overall goals ahead of his personal goals. That together with his business savvy and passion for our Town makes him an ideal candidate to lead our community.
Jim McAlpine
Resident, President – McAlpine Capital Advisors Inc.
I have known Geoff Dawe for more than 15 years. We first met through the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and subsequently we served as co-chairs of community fundraising for Aurora’s spectacular public library. In these and other endeavours I have witnessed first-hand Geoff’s innovation and leadership skills as well as his ability to get the job done with integrity and without confrontation or anger. He’s a “what you see is what you get” person with no hidden agenda who believes strongly that transparency is a sign of character and strength. As a community I believe we are fortunate that a person of Geoff’s character and intellect has chosen to seek public office in our Town. I am proud to call him a friend and proud to provide my enthusiastic endorsement of his candidacy for the position of Mayor of Aurora! Go Geoff Go!!
Bruce Walkinshaw
Resident & Business Owner
I have known Geoff for thirty years in many capacities; as a friend, dedicated volunteer, parent, customer, respected community leader, business owner. We are veterans of several community boards including Aurora Rotary Club, Trinity Anglican Church, Aurora Public Library Fundraising & Camp Enterprise. Geoff has always believed that it is important to give back & for over thirty years he has unselfishly given back to our Aurora community with integrity, dedication and persistence; core values this town needs as we look to the future. He has the business acumen, experience, vision, consultative approach & dedication to run our 50 million dollar Aurora “corporation” effectively to provide the citizens of Aurora with a government that they can be proud of & with value for their tax dollars.
Chris Sorley
Resident, former Aurora Councillor, Lawyer, Sorley & Sills
As I grow older, I pay less attention to what politicians say and just watch what they do. When one reviews the actions of the outgoing mayor, compared with the hyperbole espoused at the start of the term, one can only come to the conclusion that we can and deserve to be better served. I believe you are the person to do that.
Helen Anderson
Resident
As a person who lives and works in Aurora, I am enthusiastic about having a Mayor who listens to the needs and concerns of our community and Geoff is certainly the man to bring people together for our collective good. His leadership invites collaboration and consultation with all members of the community. As a long-time resident, I have chosen to campaign for Geoff as I believe whole-heartedly in his ability to lead our community into the future with vision, integrity, strength and compassion.
Jackie Thornton
Resident
Geoff is genuinely interested in the welfare of our community; I would feel well-served to have a leader of his experience, wit, intelligence and integrity representing Aurora,
Jennifer Greavette
Resident
Geoff is a conscientious, caring individual who is passionate about Aurora. I am confident his business knowledge and experience, ethics, people skills and vision for Aurora will move us in a positive direction that we will all be proud of.
Carol Nerling
Resident; Head of Community Based Education, Aurora High School
I have known Geoff for over twenty years through his involvement with the Aurora Rotary Club, Aurora Chamber of Commerce and as a highly respected community partner in the co-op education program at Aurora High. Geoff will be a phenomenal mayor because he exemplifies leadership, has extensive involvement in community events and holds solid experience within our town. Geoff knows Aurora–where it’s been, where it is and where it’s going. Geoff consistently amazes me with his ability to work with people in diverse situations. Geoff has a particular talent to draw out people’s natural strengths and abilities.
Eric Goulden
Resident, Neighbour, Business Associate, President Telonix Communications
I have known Geoff for over 35 years. In that time I have seen Geoff act with uncompromising integrity, vision and a strong work ethic. Whether in business or as a family man, Geoff consistently demonstrates strong core values.
Of all the candidates, Geoff is superbly qualified — his years of proven, relevant and translatable leadership experience overshadows any other candidate.
People and business have a choice of where they work and live — and they expect exceptional value for their tax dollars. Geoff has the experience, wisdom and dedication to exceed those expectations and make Aurora a place we can all be proud of.
Steve Forsey
Resident, Business Owner
In the past 10 years I have known Geoff in a number of different capacities — as a dedicated volunteer, a respected community leader and a person of integrity.
I am confident his proven ability to quickly make people feel at ease in order to understand the key issues will be put to good use as Mayor of Aurora. In my opinion he has the necessary attributes and commitment to serve us well as Mayor.
Todd Graff
Professional Colleague
I have known Geoff Dawe for 10 years in many capacities: as a former employee, a service provider, a mentor, and a friend. In all those capacities, Geoff has always been professional, patient, and focused. He has consistently provided leadership through guidance and vision.
Geoff has fostered a welcoming collaborative environment even when others opinions differed from his. As a mentor and friend, he has taught me that hard work and persistence does pay off and values never need to be sacrificed.
Colleen Abbott
former CEO, Aurora Public Library
I am very pleased to support Geoff Dawe in his candidacy as the next Mayor of Aurora. I am especially able to speak to Geoff’s strong experience as the leader of a municipal governance body within the Town of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library Board. Geoff’s many years of leadership of the Library Board were very successful ones, especially concerning two key areas of municipal leadership – his understanding of the role of a governance body and his ability to lead that body.
Through his years of experience, Geoff demonstrated a clear understanding and appreciation for the distinct and separate roles of the Board in establishing policy for the delivery of community services and of the staff in supporting the Board in researching and recommending policy and then implementing policy as approved by the Board.
Geoff’s leadership of the Board was deliberate, clear, efficient, and collegial. A great deal was accomplished by the Board members and staff working together in a very cordial and professional environment.
Dennis Collins
Resident, former Separate School Trustee
I have had the privilege of working with Geoff Dawe over many years as he has given generously of his time and talent as Co-Chair of the Fund Raising for the new Aurora Library, Chair of the Library Board, and his years of service and leadership with the Chamber of Commerce.
A successful entrepreneur, Geoff brings out the very best in others. He will provide the vision, leadership and collaborative atmosphere the Aurora community wants and deserves.
Elizabeth Bishenden
Resident, Community Organizer
Geoff understands the role that policy development has for organizations, and he works hard to make sure the policies developed recognize the values of the community he serves. Geoff is a great person to work with on a committee to implement a new plan. He’s committed, enquiring, and encouraging. His logical approach means that the committee can easily work with policy recommendations to form a plan of action.
Geoff backs up the people in our community who go into action. He encourages, celebrates, and praises those actions that make our community better. When there’s a mistake, he recognizes effort, and helps to make things better by avoiding the blame game and focussing on new actions that follow the policies and history of the organization.
Peter Dickens
Resident, Leadership Expert.
I have worked with Geoff Dawe for three years as a member of the Board of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and have been particularly struck by three things.
First, his leadership. Geoff exemplifies the qualities of service and integrity that are vital to leadership today. He does not try to force his vision or priorities but engages with the whole board to co-create a vision to which we can all be committed.
The second thing I have come to appreciate is Geoff’s grasp of the needs of businesses in a global, knowledge-based economy. Aurora has the potential to be a model of new economy business but it will demand a partnership between the business community and the town and as a successful entrepreneur, Geoff understands both the potential and the strategies needed to achieve that potential.
Finally, I admire Geoff’s commitment to equity and the fair treatment for all. His is typically the first voice at the table focusing attention on those who might be disadvantaged by a specific decision and ensuring that we take a balanced and well measured approach.
For these reasons I fully endorse Geoff Dawe’s candidacy for Mayor of Aurora.
Rosalyn Gonsalves
former General Manager, Aurora Chamber of Commerce
As a long time board member, Geoff has always demonstrated respect for fellow members, integrity and perceptive insights about the issues that concern Aurora business, both locally and in the global arena. Geoff does not micro manage, is non-confrontational and has the ability to bring out the best in people. His leadership and consultative approach has resulted in the Chamber’s new strategic plan and vision for the future. I have known Geoff Dawe for well over fifteen years, am proud to endorse his candidacy for Mayor of Aurora, and know that our town will be well served. Let Aurora, once again, be a place we are all proud to call home!