J. Murray Jones returns to county warden’s seat
Improving rural internet service a priority for Peterborough County
Newly minted Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones highlighted the need for everyone to work together after the Chain of Office was once again positioned around his neck on Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about us. We’ve got to join arm-in-arm and do everything we do for the right reason,” the Douro-Dummer Township mayor said during his inaugural speech after the new county council was sworn in. “We’re all in this together guys, so, let’s make the best of it.”
The longest-serving warden for the county in its current makeup, Jones served as warden from 2010 to 2016 before Joe Taylor was elected for the past term.
Jones was acclaimed to the role after Taylor opted not to run again to concentrate on his new duties as reeve of Otonabee South Monaghan Township.
In his address, he highlighted a lack of cellphone and internet service in rural Ontario, including the county, as a key challenge. “Having appropriate internet service the way big cities do is absolutely critical to put us all on the same playing field.”
Jones also saluted staff and praised the leadership of CAO Troy Speck.
The biggest challenge everyone faces is the unknown, the warden said, particularly when it comes to government grants and transfer payments.
“All of these things are sitting up in the air and we have no idea,” he said. “There is only one pocket where all this money comes from for us to do all of these wonderful things … and we need help from the provincial and federal governments.”
The James A. Gifford Causeway is a prime example of infrastructure the county can’t afford on its own, Jones said.
The warden welcomed back former county councillors Janet Clarkson, Andy Mitchell and Jim Whelan and newcomers Bernadette Vanderhorst, Matthew Graham, David Gerow, Bonnie Clark, Carolyn Amyotte and eight returning members.
“Anytime you get 16 people sitting around the table with different life experiences and personalities, usually, the right decision is made,” he said.
“Each and every one of us are here for the right reason and that is to make Peterborough County a better place.”
Jones thanked his family, including his wife Anne. “Without Anne, I wouldn’t be here today. I think these chains are partially around her neck.”
He was acclaimed because his nomination, which was moved by Coun. Jim Martin and seconded by Coun. Wayne Bonneau, was the only one submitted.
The meeting lasted less than an hour, with a regular meeting scheduled for Friday. It began with councillors reciting the Declaration of Office and signing their oaths.
Each was introduced, as were the CAO, deputy clerk and county solicitor and auditor.
Guests included township administrators, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and new Peterborough County OPP detachment commander Insp. Lisa Darling, who started in the role Monday.
While offering his congratulations, Smith — a Douro-Dummer resident — joked about how long it has been since Jones’ faced an election before seriously addressing his acclamation. “It is fitting that you were acclaimed because you were the right choice for warden.”
Therrien and Jones invited each other to walk up and down “the hill” in Victoria Park any time to visit each other.
“Like you said, it’s all about us. We’re in this together … I look forward to a good working relationship for the next four years,” she said.
Councillors also selected a nomination committee, the fivemember body which will appoint members of various committees of council for two-year terms.
Andy Mitchell, Jim Martin and Scott McFadden were chosen after Jim Whelan withdrew his nomination, forgoing the need for an election.
They will be joined by Jones and the new deputy warden — a role that will be announced by the warden on Friday.
He encouraged anyone interested to email him by 4 p.m. Thursday outlining why they would make a good fit.