With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election closing on August 21, Peterborough voters are looking for answers from candidates for city councillor who have filed their nomination papers.
In a multi-story series, kawarthaNOW is contacting all registered candidates in each of the City of Peterborough’s five wards — Ward 1 (Otonabee), Ward 2 (Monaghan), Ward 3 (Town), Ward 4 (Ashburnham), and Ward 5 (Northcrest) — for their position on key election issues such as housing, affordability, and council transparency, with comments from new candidates added as required.
In the first series of stories, kawarthaNOW asked candidates to introduce their campaigns by answering three questions: why they are running, what the biggest challenge is in their ward, and what makes them a unique candidate for councillor.
In Monaghan Ward, three first-time candidates have put their names forward in AJ Shearer, Jen Lacey, and Ashley Flynn. They join incumbent councillor Matt Crowley in the race.
kawarthaNOW asked each of the four candidates to respond to the three questions in email, and is publishing their answers verbatim with no editing.
Incumbent councillor Don Vassiliadis has not yet declared whether he will seek re-election; if he chooses to run, this story will be updated with any response he provides.
1. Why have you chosen to run for ward councillor?
Matt Crowley
I love my city very much. I was born and raised here, it’s my home, and I care deeply about where it’s headed. So four years ago, I looked around and saw a city facing some significant challenges like an out-of-control tent encampment, insufficient housing, aging and crumbling infrastructure, and a deep feeling that the city wasn’t pointed in the right direction.
I decided that instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining about it, I’d put my name on the ballot and try to be part of the solution.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far and feel like we’re now on the correct course, but there’s still more to do. That’s why I’m asking residents to reelect me as their Ward Councillor.
Ashley Flynn
For years I’ve heard people say they don’t feel heard, and honestly, I understand why. I believe the role of a councillor is to represent the people who elected them, not to push a personal agenda.
I reached a point where I realized I had no right to keep complaining about the direction of our city if I wasn’t willing to step up and be part of the solution. As a local business owner and employer, I solve problems every day. I make decisions, manage budgets, work with people who have different opinions, and I’m accountable for the results. I want to bring that same practical approach to City Hall.
I’m running because Peterborough has incredible potential. We need councillors who will listen, communicate honestly, and advocate relentlessly for the people they represent. My job is to be your voice, not the other way around.
Jen Lacey
I have spent my life investing in Peterborough. I was born here, I grew up here, I went to school here, started my career here, and I am raising my family here. This community has shaped who I am.
I have worked on the front lines supporting children, families, seniors, and vulnerable residents. That experience has given me a unique perspective on both the strengths of our community and the challenges people face every day. I have seen how issues like housing, mental health, affordability, transportation, and access to services affect real people.
I also understand the limitations of government systems. Good intentions alone are not enough. We need practical solutions, better coordination between all levels of government, responsible financial decisions, and a council that listens to residents before making decisions that affect their neighbourhoods.
I am running because I believe Peterborough is at critical moment. I want to be at the table because my experience is needed.
AJ Shearer
Every municipal election is an opportunity to decide what kind of city we want to be over the next four years. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us but we’re also facing rising costs, aging infrastructure and the need to accommodate growth in a way that benefits both current and future residents.
I decided to run because I believe I can bring a practical, balanced perspective. My background in engineering, business consulting and real estate taught me how to look at issues from multiple perspectives and make evidence-informed decisions.
Timing is also right for me personally. My family is at a stage where I can dedicate the time and energy this role deserves, both during the campaign and over the next four years if I’m fortunate enough to be elected. I want to help build a city that’s more affordable, more prosperous and well positioned for the future.
2. What is the biggest challenge in your ward?
Matt Crowley
I think the biggest challenge is balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s responsibilities.
Peterborough is growing, and that’s a good thing, but we’re also catching up after years of previous councils underinvestment in infrastructure while also dealing with housing shortages, affordability pressures, and some increasingly complex social challenges.
Residents expect the city to maintain roads, parks, and recreation facilities, support economic growth, and keep taxes as affordable as possible, and they absolutely should expect all of those things.
The challenge as a councillor is making decisions that solve today’s problems without creating bigger ones for the next generation. That means planning ahead, spending appropriately, and building a city that’s ready for the future.
Ashley Flynn
Like many parts of Peterborough, Monaghan Ward is feeling the effects of rising taxes, pressure on infrastructure, housing affordability, and concerns about community safety. But I believe many of those issues share the same root problem: we haven’t done enough to grow our local economy.
One of my biggest priorities will be advocating for more industry and investment in Peterborough. When we create good-paying jobs and grow our commercial and industrial tax base, we reduce the burden on homeowners while creating opportunities for people to build their lives here. That also gives the city more resources to invest in infrastructure, housing, roads, parks, and the services residents rely on.
I want us to stop thinking one budget at a time and start making decisions that set Peterborough up to succeed for the next generation.
Jen Lacey
Property tax increases and economic growth. Property tax increases are no longer sustainable for families in Monaghan Ward. It is not appropriate that there’s an expectation that families budget their household finances in order to pay their taxes, when city hall is not doing the same. With property tax increases you would expect better municipal services. Is this the case? Do you feel more safe? Many people say no.
We need to make is easier for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs. Growth happens when we listen to the experts. The experts in Monaghan ward are the people. Regular consultation, engagement and discussion is key to addressing challenges and barriers.
AJ Shearer
The issue I hear about most is affordability.
Residents are concerned about the cost of housing, rising property taxes and whether they’ll be able to continue living comfortably in the community they’ve built their lives in.
While municipal government can’t solve every affordability issue, property taxes are one of the largest costs that it does influence, and they’ve increased a lot in recent years. Two main things can be done to help address that, delivering city services as efficiently as possible and supporting responsible economic growth that expands our commercial and industrial assessment base. The broader our tax base becomes, the less the burden falls on homeowners alone.
I believe council’s job is to be conscientious with taxpayers’ money while making the decisions today that help keep Peterborough affordable tomorrow.
3. What makes you a unique candidate for councillor?
Matt Crowley
As the current councillor for Monaghan Ward, I’m the only candidate currently running with experience serving residents at council. Over the past four years, I’ve worked through some of the biggest challenges Peterborough has faced, from housing and affordability to infrastructure, economic development, and long-term financial planning.
Experience matters, but it’s only valuable if you use it well. I believe people know what they’ll get from me as their councillor. I answer my phone, I return emails, I try to make my constituents aware of any current issues, and I’ll explain my decisions to residents in my ward even when they’re unpopular. I’m not someone who disappears between elections.
My approach to decision-making has always been to ask questions, understand the facts, listen to residents, and make decisions based on what’s in the best long-term interest of Peterborough.
If residents choose to re-elect me, they’ll be choosing someone with experience, a proven record of showing up when needed, and someone who will continue working every day to earn their trust.
Ashley Flynn
I think what sets me apart is that I’m a builder — not just by profession, but in how I approach problems.
I’ve built a successful local business, created jobs, managed complex projects, and worked with people from every walk of life. Those experiences have taught me how to listen first, make informed decisions, and follow through on commitments.
I’m also someone who will tell people the truth, even when it’s not the most popular answer. Residents deserve honesty, transparency, and someone who is willing to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo when necessary.
Most importantly, I’m a doer. If I say I’m going to work on something, I’ll work on it. I won’t promise miracles or make commitments I can’t keep, but I will always advocate for my community, communicate openly, and work hard to leave Peterborough stronger than I found it.
Jen Lacey
I have spent my whole career making decisions to complex situations. I have been able to bring different perspectives together, find where we agree, where we don’t, and develop a solution. I am able to navigate complex policy with the ability to see how it impacts individual people in the community. I have been the bridge between people and policy, and I am very comfortable being in that position. I bring a perspective that no other candidate for councillor and no current councillor has. This perspective is extremely relevant in municipal government.
I am also a parent. I understand the day-to-day challenges of juggling work, raising children, managing household finances, coordinating schedules, and making sure everyone’s needs are being met. There are never simple solutions, but rather using the information you have at the time to make a decision that is in the best interests of everyone.
AJ Shearer
I feel my background sets me apart.
I’m an engineer by education and spent years helping public and private companies improve their businesses before returning home to Peterborough just over eight years ago. Today, as a real estate broker, I have a practical understanding of housing, growth and the challenges our community faces.
Returning home also gave me a new appreciation for what makes Peterborough special as well as where we can do better. My experiences have taught me to ask questions, understand the facts and look for practical solutions that deliver long-term value rather than short-term wins.
I believe that combination of professional experience, local perspective and investment in Peterborough’s future allows me to bring something different to the council table.
kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.
