With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Peterborough County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.
Residents of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes— will be voting for members of their lower-tier councils whose leadership makes up the membership of county council.
In this multi-part series, kawarthaNOW is publishing responses from candidates in each municipality to the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” Stories in the series, presented by municipality, will be updated as required to include additional responses received after publication.
The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors elected at-large.
Incumbent members running for re-election are mayor Jim Martin, deputy mayor Hart Webb, and councillors Jerry Doherty and Beverly Flagler,
David Sharpe is challenging Martin for the mayor’s seat, while incumbent councillor-at-large Kathy Clement is challenging Webb for deputy mayor.
In addition to incumbents Doherty and Flagler, the other candidates for councillor-at-large are Dan Graham, Stephanie Parray, Bill Seabrook, Krista Thomas, Paul Wood, and Richard Wood.
Mayor
Jim Martin (incumbent)
I am running for re-election in Havelock Belmont Methuen for Mayor. I feel my experience, and knowledge and leadership ability will help keep our Municipality moving forward.
David Sharpe
My name is David Sharpe, and I have been a resident of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen for 48 years. My family moved here from the Peterborough area in 1977, settling on McLean Street in one of Havelock’s oldest homes. As a young boy, I spent much of my time exploring the Mathison property just north of our house. Those experiences gave me a strong sense of place, rooted in nature, family and community.
It is that sense of place that makes me a unique candidate for Mayor.
My connection to this community has always motivated me to contribute. It was the catalyst behind the Havelock Community Outdoor Rink and Havelock’s Fire and Ice Festival, projects that brought people together and turned ideas into something tangible for our community.
I also bring more than 30 years of experience as a local entrepreneur and business owner. In 2022, I completed a certificate in Local Economic Development at Toronto Metropolitan University, strengthening my understanding of how municipalities can support economic growth while building strong, sustainable communities.
I know Havelock-Belmont-Methuen not only as a lifelong resident, but as a business owner, entrepreneur and community builder. I understand what makes our municipality special, and I also understand that protecting what we value requires thoughtful planning for what comes next.
I believe my deep roots, practical experience and record of community involvement will allow me to bring informed, forward-looking leadership to both the municipal and County levels.
Deputy Mayor
Kathy Clement
I would just like to say that I am currently the Councillor at Large for Havelock Belmont Methuen. In the past four years, I have been successful in bringing in the Foodcycling Program and I have also worked with the lake associations to bring together a brochure on shoreline preservation. That brochure is available to everyone and it is also on our website and most of the Lake Association websites.
I believe that the past four years have made me very informed of what is going on in our community and I look forward to continuing working for and with them.
Hart Webb (incumbent)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Councillor (three to be elected)
Jerry Doherty (incumbent)
First and foremost, I am seeking re-election because I value the opportunity to continue giving back to the community and contributing in a meaningful way. Having now served one term, I have gained a better understanding of the role, the issues we face, and the importance of thoughtful and responsible decision-making. After 38 years of experience in business and finance, I believe I can continue to bring valuable perspective, sound judgment, and practical experience to the team.
I also recognize that effective service requires more than simply attending meetings. During my first term, I have seen firsthand the importance of being prepared, understanding the issues, listening to different perspectives, and asking thoughtful questions. I am committed to continuing that approach and to building on what I have learned during my first term.
At this point in my life, I have both the experience and the flexibility to make that commitment. I would welcome the opportunity to serve a second term, continue building on the work we have started, and use what I have learned over the past 38 years to help make thoughtful, responsible decisions for our community.
Beverly Flagler (incumbent)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Dan Graham
I’m running because I care about Havelock and believe residents deserve to be heard and represented. I want to bring fresh ideas, energy, and a willingness to listen to the Council table.
What makes me unique is my background in the music and entertainment industry, my experience working within logistics, planning, and in community events, and the perspective of someone who chose to move here, build a home, and become part of this community. Additionally, and quite frankly my age makes me a unique candidate, I believe I am younger than most candidates running, and am fortunate enough to have the flexibility in my work to be able to serve. I want to bring those experiences forward while making sure the conversation isn’t just about my ideas, but about what residents want for Havelock.
Stephanie Parray
I decided to run for council because, at its heart, I simply wanted to help my community. When I moved to Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, I was new to the area and didn’t know many people. As I began getting to know the community and the people who live here, I started to feel that this was somewhere I wanted to contribute to, not just somewhere I lived.
I have always enjoyed helping people, and I realized that serving on council would give me an opportunity to do that in a meaningful way. I want to be someone residents can talk to, someone who listens to their concerns and takes the time to understand what matters to them.
I think what makes me unique is that I am a first-time candidate bringing a fresh perspective and a genuine desire to serve my community. I’m not running because I have always wanted to be a politician. I’m running because I care about my community and believe I can make a positive contribution.
Being new to Havelock-Belmont-Methuen also means I see the community with fresh eyes. At the same time, I know there is so much I can learn from the people who have lived here for years and understand its history and challenges. I want to bring those perspectives together.
I believe our community has so much potential, and I want to be part of its progression. Most importantly, I want to listen, learn, help where I can, and work together to make HBM an even better place to call home.
Bill Seabrook
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Krista Thomas
I’m running for council because I want to bring a fresh, practical perspective to the table. As a mom of seven, I’ve spent years balancing a family, a household and everyday challenges that many working families face.
What makes me unique is that I’m not just talking about the issues affecting families-I live them. I understand the importance of making every dollar count, having reliable services, safe roads and a community where families can build a future. I’m willing to listen, speak up and bring the concerns of everyday residents forward. I’m running because I care deeply about where we live, and I believe our community deserves someone who truly understands the people who call it home.
Paul Wood
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Richard Wood
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.
