Vaughan

Mayor Bevilacqua readily accepted an interview request with Whatever
Vaughan, and on a snowy Saturday afternoon in February, I make my
way to City Hall, located on Major Mackenzie just east of Keele Street.
As I approach the tree-lined path, a friendly security guard is waiting.
The great atrium of the new City Hall is silent; only the echoes of his
footsteps and mine are heard. I am escorted to the fourth floor to
wait for the Mayor’s arrival.
I am left to my thoughts and somewhat nervous at the
prospect of forgetting questions, but Mayor Bevilacqua’s
cheery welcome immediately puts me at ease.
We entered and sat opposite each other in his Zen-like
office; a quiet sanctuary this Saturday. Normally it is
the hub and heartbeat of the
building in which it resides,
where important meetings
take place and critical
decisions are made.
What began as a casual
interview soon turned
into a powerful, inspirational
and frank conversation about life,
leadership and spirituality. The subdued
chocolate brown décor and elegant yet
simple surroundings mirror the demeanor of a calm,
sure-footed, yet charismatic Mayor who never once
stumbled on his words. The floor-to-ceiling windows,
which he demonstrated as an example of total physical
transparency, was also a metaphor for his leadership style
and philosophy in business and life in general.
The Mayor’s style is more understated rather than
flamboyant, but he is passionate, open, approachable,
friendly and sincere with a good sense of humour. Over
the course of two and a half hours, he took Whatever
on a journey of politics, philosophy and life. He spoke
of his humble beginnings and how he got to where
he is now. It is a story of hope, optimism
and gratitude.
Maurizio Bevilacqua was born in the small Italian
town of Sulmona, Abruzzo. His mother was a
seamstress and his father owned a small bicycle
business. His father was also a champion cyclist
in his younger days and exemplified hard work
and dedication. The second of four children,
young Maurizio experienced some tough
years in his early life. Out of necessity, his
father journeyed to Canada, leaving his
family behind in search of a better life and
brighter future for his children. The six-yearold
boy would not see his father for
four years.
Bevilacqua believes that this time, growing up
without his father, made him a stronger and
more self-reliant person. “What do you learn
from a seamstress who is raising three children
on her own?” asks the Mayor. “You learn that
it’s a vocation that is deeply rooted in love.
You create dresses for others, in service of
others. You want people to look their best,
feel their best. In providing a service,
you manifest a giving spirit. The joy
you bring to others also becomes
your joy.”
Photo: MATTHEW ORLANDO
WHATEVER VAUGHAN 15