Endorsements

It is with much pleasure and am very proud to endorse Rachel Gilliland for re-election of Councillor of Aurora in the 2022 elections. 

Rachel has always been dedicated to our community, with commitment and support for local businesses. Rachel and husband Brad have supported our family business for many years, through good times, and as well through the pandemic with food to go. 

We have been in business in this incredible town of Aurora for over 30 years, and we cannot thank Rachel and her followers enough for all their support and assistance over the years. 

David Myers, Filly & Co. Owner 

Theatre Aurora is greatly appreciative of the consistent support we have received from Councillor Rachel Gilliland. She has demonstrated her understanding of the importance and quality of the arts and culture opportunities in the community and the need for disseminating this information to Aurorans. 

Rachel attends each of our productions every year, stays after the performances to meet the cast, and offers her congratulations. She has always made an effort to help promote the production details on social media outlets and continues to support the arts and culture sector. 

Thank you, Rachel!

Judi Cragg

VP Productions

Theatre Aurora

 I first met Rachel when we moved to Aurora and our children got involved in organized sports. Even before her leadership role she was well informed about our community, its history, opportunities to enhance it and had a keen ear for what events mattered to people. She was listening and engaging as a citizen first in a very Ernest and sincere way. 

We became fast friends. As her political work began I became particularly impressed with the positive changes she championed and continued openness to engage and listen to issues that mattered across the many individuals and groups she met. 

She has proven to be a true leader in sustainable living initiatives, a great citizen in Aurora with a strong and compassionate voice on Council. I see her supporting so many cultural and festive events each and every week. I suspect she does this to continue to engage, listen and act. It’s in her nature - A true leader and asset for Aurora.

I endorse Rachel for Ward 2. 

-  Melanie McClagen, President

Impetus3 Inc

Hi, I'm Tyler Barker. I stand with Rachel Gilliland. 

She is independent, a free thinker, and stands for positive change!

She will have my vote and she should have yours too!

- Tyler Barker, Aurora Resident, Federal Accessibility Committee contributor, Past Member of the Town of Aurora Accessibility Committee

I've known Rachel for the past 4 years and she's been a wonderful person to deal with.  Rachel has consistently proven herself to be a dedicated and loyal councillor for the Town of Aurora residents and businesses.  

I can indeed say that with all the dealings I've had with Rachel, she leads by example. Rachel, is a leader that communicates with both younger and older people alike, and always stays cheerful and friendly.

She is very approachable and always willing to attend any event and cheer on our local teams.  

Rachel will represent Ward 2 and our Town, with integrity and passionately, and will alway go that extra mile! 

- Joe Bentolila, President
Aurora Minor Hockey Association

Our restaurant Wicked Eats Kitchen & Bar is centrally located in Ward 2 of the Town of Aurora. Therefore, the continuity of the Ward with strong consistent leadership is paramount considering all the uncertainty of the last few years. It is within this context, that WE endorse the incumbent Councillor Rachel Gilliland to remain in Office and represent our concerns and interests within the trade area.

WE had the pleasure of having Rachel engage with our staff and the community during numerous visits on our Friday evening get togethers. She also dropped by to officially open Wicked Eats on June 27th, 2022 for our 1year anniversary. Rachel is very active in her Ward and the Town of Aurora supporting local initiatives and business interests.

I had the pleasure of speaking with her at great lengths about her and her family history in the hospitality business and the empathy she shares with the local restaurants during the pandemic. 

It is a comfort to know that there is someone out there that visits the local businesses throughout their elected term listening to their concerns; not just on the weeks that proceed and election!

Sincerely,

Robert Stewart, Owner

Wicket Eats Kitchen & Bar 

Having lived in Aurora for almost 50 years and absolutely love where we live,  it's important for me to feel like things are getting done by our representatives. Rachel does just that, gets it done.

Rachel and I first met during the pandemic through the restaurant coupon book campaign. Through our conversation it became very apparent that our town means just as much to her as it does to my family and I.

I find Rachel genuinely engaging, real and willing to listen. I'm not political on any level and don't buy into any agenda other than the greater good for our town, that includes hard decisions. We look for real people to be our voice in chambers and people with a backbone, we feel Rachel is a perfect representative.

With Ward 2 being our area, we are more than happy to endorse Rachel for council for Ward 2.

Ray McDonald, Life Long Aurora Resident

My career within a few global companies has taken our family throughout several communities in Ontario and New York. When our family was moving back to the GTA from New York 14 years ago, we had a blank canvas to choose a great community to raise our young family. Through our research and conversations with local friends, we chose Aurora for its balance of city amenities and recreational opportunities coupled with its small-town charm. It was a community with spirit and balanced approach to growth and a safe place to raise our kids.

Jennifer and I have known Rachel and her family for most of our time living in Aurora. We have watched Rachel and her family grow and enjoy all that Aurora has to offer. With both of her daughters off to university, I applaud Rachel making the choice to give back to our community by choosing to enter the race for Aurora Town Council. I know that Rachel can be counted on to listen to our community questions, concerns and ideas for the responsible growth of our community – ensuring that Aurora continues to be a place of opportunity with a small-town feel. I look forward to voting for Rachel and would welcome anyone in the community to get to know Rachel and her views and how she can have your voice heard on our Town Council. 

- Andrew Bulmer, CEO and Aurora Resident

I’m writing this letter for my recommendation for Ms.Rachel Gilliland to be the next councillor in Ward 2 Aurora.

Rachel has been a great community builder in the past term on council. She has done an enormous amount of work moving our Arts and Culture movement forward in Town. 

Rachel is a consensus team builder and is of sound character, fit to continue in her role as a leader in our community. I have full trust in Rachel and her abilities to do what is best for the citizens of Aurora.

It is with great pleasure that my Endorsement of Rachel will continue to move our Town forward in the 2022 term.

Yours truly

Ron Kellman

Rachel and her husband Brad moved into Aurora in 1996.  I have known Rachel since 2018 when she was first elected as a Councillor for the Town of Aurora.  Over the past 4 years, as a Councillor, Rachel has attended most of the Town council meetings and she is very active in the community.   I find her to be an excellent communicator and she is aware and sensitive to the citizens’ concerns to social, economic and political issues.  Rachel has good problem solving skills and she is a true leader.

Rachel has visited the Aurora Food Pantry and has been involved in food drives this past year.  For example, Rachel and her oldest daughter organized a food drop off at the Town Park Family Day event. She is also involved in improving the outdoor fitness parks, protecting and maintaining greenspaces, and toured the exciting new Fire Station, at the north end of Town.

Rachel is involved in the community.  For example, mental health is an important part of our lives, according to Mrs. Gilliland, and identified a need by creating a dedicated mental health resource web page, so residents of all ages and genders can quickly and easily find the support systems in Town. She is also a supporter of the Yellow Brick House and women's safety, green infrastructure in support of climate change and adaptation, encourages the growth of vibrant arts in the community, and addressed the education strategies of invasive species and insects.

It is my pleasure to write an endorsement for Rachel Gilliland as a councillor for the Town of Aurora in the next municipal election in October, 2022.  Rachel fights for the rights of the citizens in Town.

Jim Jackson, Aurora, ON

Jim is a former professor, Sociology, at Humber College in Toronto.  He has lived in Aurora since 1990 and he and his wife, Corey, have raised two boys.

Jim is involved in the community and he has had several articles and letters to the editor published in the Auroran and the Era Banner over the years.

 I highly endorse Rachel Gilliland in her run for member of the Municipal Council of Aurora.  Over the past 3 years she has been an incredible asset and resource for our school community.  Rachel has continuously offered her time and support which is a strong reflection of her incredible dedication and work ethic.  During this time, the culture & spirit of our school has flourished and grown, much to the continued work that Rachel has put forth. Furthermore she is exceptionally passionate!  My students leave her workshops feeling pumped and prepared! It is through this balance of drive and compassion that makes Rachel the perfect candidate as a member of public office. Although I am not a resident of Ward 2, I would absolutely offer her my vote. I have no doubt that Rachel will bring her strong work ethic and compassion to every project and task- all for the betterment of the community.    

Mr. Scott Johnson, YCDSB Educator

I have the pleasure of writing an endorsement for my wife Rachel, who is running to become a member of Council for the Town of Aurora.

Rachel has been a wonderfully supportive partner of mine for over 25 years and she has done an amazing job in raising our two beautiful daughters who are now away at University. It’s obvious that I will say Rachel is committed, responsible and cares deeply about the community that we hand-picked to raise our family in. She has a limitless amount of energy – running her own business, a passionate volunteer in both community and organised sports and dedicated countless hours to school programs over the last 20 years. With our daughters grown, Rachel wants to turn that energy, passion and attention to representing the citizens of the Town of Aurora on Council. Accountable – check. Capable – check. Committed – check. Putting the political speak aside…….

Like many, we moved to Aurora when we were starting a family. We lived in Toronto but we wanted to raise our children in a true community. Since moving here in the 90’s we have lived in four homes and watched our Town grow. Like you, we have played in the parks with our kids and walked our dogs in our trails. Like you, we've raced home to get to practice, watched fireworks and listened to music in our parks. Our great friendships have been built through school and sports and we cherish them all. We are both very proud to call Aurora home, loving the history and excited for the future.

What I’m trying to say is, sure, Rachel is all the political speak: accountable, capable and committed. But more important to me, she is real, she is a mom, a local businesswoman, a volunteer coach, a community advocate with no hidden agenda that is ready to serve. She has walked in your shoes and I believe that a vote for Rachel Gilliland is a vote for you and your family too.

- Brad Gilliland, Proud and Supportive Husband

Hi my name is Soheila Zarrabi, I’m writing to recommend the honourable Rachel Gilliland for re-election of Aurora Town Councillor in Ward 2!  

I’ve known Rachel Gilliland since 2018.

I have been lucky to work with her on a few campaigns, who is honest, hard-working and passionate to get good results.

• Rachel’s positive energy and knowledge always brings positive results to the people in the Town of Aurora.

• She works hard around the clock 

• She never gives up on her purpose of improving and upgrading the service and products for Aurora. 

• She is a great Councillor because of her innovative ideas and nonstop research for a new projects and problem solving ideas.

- Sincerely Soheila Zarrabi, Artist

The Town of Aurora is lucky to have Rachel Gilliland as a candidate in this election. Rachel is truly one of a kind! She is insightful, genuine and hardworking, (among many other amazing things). I have known Rachel for several years and she has always stood up for what she believes in.  Her incredible energy and motivation to make positive changes in the community make her the perfect addition to Council.   I have no doubt that Rachel will do amazing things for Aurora. Vote Gilliland!

- Rachel Katz, Paralegal

 I have known Rachel for many years now and am witness to her impeccable leadership and organizational skills. I believe she is the right person for the much needed socio-economic changes required in the Town of Aurora. She will be the voice of the local community and is one of the most approachable people I have met. If the people of Aurora want meaningful change, then she is the person to vote into council. She will bring a positive fresh perspective to the community and I wish her the very best in this great endeavour. 

- Ammar Sikandar, President 

Kingsmen Capital

When you're thinking every candidate for the position of Councillor in Aurora claims to be...

- a great leader

- a great business person

- a great listener

- a great problem solver

- a great motivator

- devoted to public service

- hard working 24/7

- AUTHENTIC!

  Remember, RACHEL GILLILAND IS THE REAL THING.

Yours truly, Judy Wallace

Happily Retired!

Way to go Rachel for running for Aurora Town Councillor.  I know once you become passionate about something, you work hard to get it done & get it done 100% right.  I’ve seen you help out with so many school activities, sports & town events over the past 18 years that I’ve known you.  Your passion & interest in helping our community is commendable.  I look forward to seeing you  make a difference as an effective Town Councillor in Ward 2. Good luck!  

-  Paul & Aniko Just

Retired YRDSB Teacher and Small Business Owner

In the time I have known Rachel, she has always been a positive leader, who helped me when I needed it the most. She is an authentic hardworking human who will represent the residents of Ward 2 with heart and sincerity.

- Vicky Tan

Marketing Brand Manager

I had a recent conversation with Rachel and have observed her involvement in the community... and I must say I am impressed with her passion and dedication to bring Aurora the positive change that it deserves. Her vision of fiscal responsibility, a smart balance between development, growth and preservation, while protecting our green space is on point. I admire her keen desire to get things done in our Town and she has proven to be committed to the task. She is quick to advocate for small businesses in Town and believes in supporting local. Rachel Gilliland would continue to be a great voice around the Council table and I encourage others to vote for her in Ward 2!

- Troy G.

 Rachel and Brad were the first in the family to move to Aurora 26 years ago. She has been a strong advocate for the Town and has always loved its charm and community feel.  Since then, our whole family has followed suit, moving to this tiny gem. She has been involved in many ways, such as coaching, volunteering inside schools and her local rate payers associations. Rachel's dedication and keen desire to get things done would be an asset to our Town by helping protect your best interest of the community. 

Rachel Gilliland, you have our vote!

- Wendy Klein

A personal thank you to everyone who believes in my character, my authenticity, leadership, passion and commitment to this Town. Without your support, I would not have this opportunity to serve.

Kind Regards and Humbly Yours,

Rachel Gilliland