HB 16-1311 perpetuates a false premise that municipal courts jail the poor without taking into account someone’s ability to pay a fine.” “As written, defendants will be compelled to pay their fines only if they voluntarily appear at their hearings. “This bill sets forth definitions and procedures for courts to determine a defendant’s ability to pay a fine and removes court’s ability to enforce the requirement of a defendant’s appearance in court for a hearing on failure to pay,” said the CML. The Colorado Municipal League opposed the bill. “As a general practice, we do not report unpaid government fines,” said the spokesman. “They just won’t go to jail for it.”īut a spokesman for LGBS told us Wednesday night that if people still don't pay - those fines will not go on their credit report. Zelda DeBoyes, court administrator for the Aurora Municipal Court. “People aren’t going to get away without paying fines,” said Dr. The city said it will no longer jail a "person who lacks the ability to pay." Instead, the city will now forward unpaid fines to the collections agency LGBS, LLP, which will still require people to pay. This week, Aurora's City Council authorized its municipal court to throw out 4,400 outstanding warrants for criminals who have failed to pay their fines. “They're going to continue to commit crimes until they have a consequence," said another man. “I think there are a lot of people out there that do have fines that literally cannot pay them ," said one Aurora resident. Supporters of the bill said it will also reduce jail overcrowding. That's because the city is tossing out more than 4,000 arrest warrants for people who just can't afford to pay their fines.Īurora city officials said this move helps them comply with a new state law, signed by the governor earlier this month, which prohibits municipal courts from jailing poor defendants who can't pay fines if the fine creates an undue hardship.
Mayor Mrakas believes in leadership that delivers results by actively engaging the community in identifying priority issues and working collaboratively with colleagues to implement solutions to those issues.Thousands of criminals with arrest warrants won't be going to jail in Aurora. He supported the revitalization of Aurora’s downtown core, Aurora Town Square and Cultural Precinct plan. Prior to entering politics, Mayor Mrakas ran a small business and understands the importance of supporting small business and their contributions to local economy. This committee included municipal delegates from across Ontario who advocated on behalf of municipal governments for greater control in land use planning disputes and decisions affecting their communities. Mayor Mrakas is recognized provincially and nationally for his work on OMB reforms and served as Chair of the OMB Working Group and Planning Committee. Member, Board of Directors, Cultural Centre Member, Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Mayor Mrakas has been a member of a variety of committees and boards:Ĭhair, Trails and Active Transportation CommitteeĬhair, Citizen Recognition Award Committee He has volunteered and participated in several fundraising and community events such as the Magna Hoedown, the Terry Fox Run, the Big Bike for Heart and Stroke and many more. Mayor Mrakas has resided in the Town of Aurora for over 14 years and has been actively involved in the community. Mayor Mrakas represents the Town of Aurora at Regional Council as part of his Mayoral duties. Prior to being elected as Mayor in 2018, he was a Councillor from 2014 to 2018. Mayor Mrakas is currently serving his first term as Mayor for the Town of Aurora. If you have questions or concerns, I would be happy to speak with you. This site offers an abundance of information about life and business in Aurora, a beautiful community with an ideal combination of small town friendliness and modern urban amenities.
On behalf of The Town of Aurora and Aurora Town Council, I would like to welcome residents and visitors to our website. Welcome to the Office of the Mayor! Mayor Tom Mrakas was sworn-in on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.