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 Otonabee-South Monaghan’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors, with one elected at large and one elected in each of Otonabee Ward and South Monaghan Ward.
Three positions on council were acclaimed after the closure of the nomination period, as only a single candidate was nominated in each position: incumbent councillor at large Mark Allen as deputy mayor, incumbent Otonabee Ward councillor Nick Powers, and incumbent South Monaghan Ward councillor Terry Holmes.
With incumbent mayor Joe Taylor not seeking re-election, incumbent deputy mayor Bonnie Clark (who also currently serves as Peterborough County warden) is seeking the top chair, with Scott Tower challenging her for the seat.
Tara Loucks and Joe Crowley are competing for the councillor at large position.
Mayor
Bonnie Clark
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Scott Tower
OSM, specifically Keene, is the community in which my wife and I chose to raise our children. After 19+ years, I now have the free time to invest in growing our community rather than running after my sons. We have enjoyed the small town feel of OSM throughout these 19 years. Partaking in events such as Keene Pumpkin Fest, Assumption church dinners and Lyons Club fish fries. Our boys played soccer, fished and visited Lange pioneer village. My wife and I have walked the trails with our dogs discussing our dreams for the future.
After a brief journey travelling as a family through the US and Mexico, we chose to return to this community that we love. As our sons step into their careers, relationships and grow their own families, it has raised questions as to where they will choose to grow roots. And if that is possible for them in this same community. It is with this question in mind that I am seeking election to OSM council. OSM has not seen a change in leadership in the last 19 years. I wonder if I could be that change. Bringing a younger, fresher perspective to our community. Seek to define the direction of OSM, be it residential or agricultural. Helping to shape OSMs future while maintaining that small town feel that drew us here to begin with.
Deputy Mayor
Mark Allen (acclaimed)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Councillor at Large
Joe Crowley
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Tara Loucks
I deeply care about the future of Otonabee – South Monaghan Township and for this reason I am running for Councillor at Large. The strong sense of community, rural setting and quality of life OSM offers makes it a special place to call home.
As our township continues to develop, I believe it is important to balance responsible growth with the preservation of community priorities. I want to help ensure everyone has a strong voice in the decisions that will shape our township’s future.
For the past 27 years I have worked as an educator building a career focused on listening, problem-solving, collaboration, and advocacy. In my current role as an Itinerant Teacher for children with low vision, I work closely with students, families, educators, and community partners to ensure each individual need is taken care of in an effective manner.
I believe local government works best when residents feel informed, included and connected to the decision-making process. I am committed to listening to residents, strengthening communication between council and the community, and representing all residents with integrity, common sense, and respect.
Otonabee Ward
Nick Powers (incumbent, acclaimed)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
South Monaghan Ward
Terry Holmes (incumbent, acclaimed)
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.
