Lindsay lawyer Jason Ward has issued a statement that he no longer plans to run for Kawartha Lakes mayor in the 2022 municipal election, citing personal health and family reasons.
Ward, who owns Wards Lawyers PC in Lindsay, had announced his intentions to run for the mayoral position last fall. He previously ran as the Liberal candidate for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock in the 2003 provincial election, when he was defeated by Laurie Scott.
Below is Ward’s complete statement about his decision to withdraw from the race.
Dear CKL, friends and family:
I withdraw from our mayoral race this year.
Truthfully, I struggled profoundly with my decision — it has been many pensive months in the making, even a few tears. I am upset with myself for not pursuing this opportunity.
Seeking mayorship is in my mind the best way for me to give back to a place that has given so much to me and my family.
But I know this about myself — I could not have been your mayor without giving it everything I have, leaving nothing on the table.
I am very proud of WARDS LAWYERS, to which I also gave my everything — at a personal price. As it turns out, in my own journey, I neglected one, important thing, my own mental health and wellbeing. It is time for me to take better care of myself. Actually, I have no other choice.
I also know how much I love, admire and need to be with my wife and children, who deserve their Dad’s unconditional, undistracted love and support — I must assiduously seize this opportunity, while I still can.
I love our city — a dynamic, altruistic amalgam of so many vibrant, but individualized, communities. We cannot keep only to the past; progress is at our doorstep and must be embraced and managed, but without comprising our community values and way of living. Prosperity beckons, but only if we seek it together. This is my home, alongside you. We are poised to live better, all of us. Our new leaders must embrace growth and change — it is here, like it or not.
Unity will lead us to more prosperity, together. Divisive jingoism will only make us suffer missed opportunities and live at less than our potential.
Sharing our common interests, goals and resources is the prosperity that new leadership can provide — make the right choice.
I will always be giving back in other ways. There are many ways to do so. Giving back is what many of us do everyday — we all live better consequently. Everyone must find a way to give back in their own way; only then will we truly prosper and improve our lives and those of others we know and love.
This is very difficult for me, but I know I am making the best choice for myself and my family. Please understand.
I am very hopeful and optimistic for November — I know, collectively, we will rally and inaugurate leadership who will tirelessly exemplify our values, goals and willingness to benefit from positive change. Now is the time; truly great leadership will lead and take us where we all strive to be.
I hope to see you.
Thank you.
Jason Ward
