Half of county council will be new
Warden J. Murray Jones wrapping up fifth term, is longest serving in role
A new Peterborough County council will take shape on Dec. 1 when recently elected and acclaimed lower-tier municipality mayors and deputy mayors are set to be sworn-in.
Eight new faces will make up the new 16-member municipal council — Trent Lakes Mayor Terry Lambshead, Trent Lakes Deputy Mayor Carol Armstrong, Asphodel-Norwood Township Mayor Patrick Wilford, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Deputy Mayor Hart Webb, Selwyn Township Deputy Mayor Ron Black, Douro-Dummer Township Mayor Heather Watson, Douro-Dummer Deputy Mayor Harold Nelson and Cavan Monaghan Township Deputy Mayor Ryan Huntley — following the Oct. 24 municipal election.
The current council’s final meeting was held on Nov. 2.
Eight outgoing council members — Trent Lakes Mayor Janet Clarkson, Trent Lakes Deputy Mayor Ron Windover, Asphodel-Norwood Mayor Rodger Bonneau, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Deputy Mayor David Gerow, Selwyn Township Mayor Andy Mitchell, Cavan Monaghan Township Mayor Scott McFadden, Douro-Dummer Township Deputy Mayor Karl Moher and Douro-Dummer Mayor and Peterborough County council Warden J. Murray Jones — each received a plaque in recognition of their service.
Most had not sought re-election to another term, except for Bonneau who was defeated by challenger Patrick Wilford for mayor
Jones, who did not seek reelection, is wrapping up his fifth term as warden. First elected in 2010, he is the county’s longestserving warden.
“The final meeting was quite emotional for me, that’s for sure,” Jones told The Examiner. “I did my best to thank the many councillors I’ve worked with over my 19 years on county council. I tried to remind everyone that whatever accomplishments we’ve made, we’ve made them together for all the right reasons.
“I also saluted our chief administrative officer, Sheridan Graham, and all our staff, who work so hard behind the scenes. It’s time for me to take a break after my 11 years as warden. It’s been a highlight of my life.”
Moher, who did not seek reelection after serving four terms on Peterborough County council, said Jones embodied what it means to be a leader.
“It’s been very pleasant working with him over the years. We’ve worked well together,” Moher said.
Through his trademark wit and strong rapport with provincial and federal leaders, Jones was able to build longlasting relationships that benefited the county, Moher said.
Moher, reflecting on his time on county council, credits the concerted efforts of council members and staff in being able to move important projects along.