Alison Collins Mrakas, manager, research ethics, in York’s Office of Research Ethics was elected as a councillor in the Town of Aurora in the Nov. 13 municipal election.
Collins Mrakas holds both a BSc and BA from the University of Toronto, a masters in environmental science from McMaster University and is close to completing a masters of law in dispute resolution at Osgoode Hall Law School. She was an environmental consultant for nearly a decade providing research on environmental issues such as waste management and impacts, nuclear waste management and sustainable 
development.
Right: Alison Collins Mrakas
In her platform statement, Collins Mrakas said, "Aurora is a town with a strong sense of community. Safe streets, clean parks, places to live, grow and learn -- quality of life concerns are paramount in our community. As your councillor, I will make a positive contribution to the Aurora community by working collaboratively with fellow councillors to create initiatives that address Aurora’s current and future challenges. I will create workable solutions to address important issues such as: combating graffiti/property offences, revitalizing the downtown core, and planning the future of Aurora with respect for our unique past."
She regards growth and its impact on the community as the most important issues facing the Town of Aurora, citing the provision of improved and appropriate infrastructure and services to meet the municipality’s expanding needs and changing demographics. "We as a community need to address what growth means to Aurora in terms of impacts to our quality of life, our natural environment, our sense of community, our vision for the future," said Collins Mrakas.