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 Douro-Dummer’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors, with one elected at large, one in Douro Ward, and one in Dummer Ward.

Incumbent members running for re-election are mayor Heather Watson, deputy mayor Harold Nelson, councillor at large Thomas Watt, and Douro Ward councillor Ray Johnston. Incumbent Dummer Ward councillor Shelagh Landsmann is not running for re-election.

After a four-year retirement following nearly 25 years on council, J. Murray Jones will re-enter the race for municipal office, challenging incumbent Watson for mayor. Jones has previously served as a councillor, mayor, and Peterborough County warden. Peter Leahy is also running for mayor.

Challenging incumbent Nelson for the deputy mayor position are Samantha Turner and Melissa Webster.

Challenging incumbent Watt for councillor at large are David France, April Hope, and Marilyn Turton. Challenging incumbent Johnston in Douro Ward are Rob Lyall and Sandra Vaughan. In Dummer Ward, the candidates are Jane Cooper, Nadine Ellis-Maffe, Regan James, and Terry Little.

Mayor

Peter Leahy

My name is Peter Leahy. As a lifelong Douro Dummer resident I’ve decided to run for Mayor to restore some of the principles that we were founded on. I recognize that our ancestors came to Douro Dummer to make a better life for themselves and their descendants. We all feel compelled to do that for future generations and I intend to contribute as the mayor.

I intend to emphasize fiscal responsibility, community engagement and progress.

My heritage, agricultural roots and involvement in the community have given me practical experience that will benefit our council. The farm where we live has been in the Leahy’s for 200 years. Now it is our responsibility to make thoughtful decisions for future generations

Douro Dummer is a fiercely proud community and we need a vibrant council that represents what’s important to us.

J. Murray Jones

After a four year absence, I am simply offering my experience and community dedication. My job as Mayor is to provide the leadership that allows all members of council to work together. Making responsible and well thought out decisions is the end game. Keeping any tax increases to a minimum, respecting our environment and treating all residents, permanent or seasonal, with respect. We must live within our means. It should be noted that … “One person does not a council make …”

I have served on Douro Dummer Council for 24 years, filling every seat … starting with Dummer Ward Councillor in amalgamation year. I have served as the township’s Reeve/Mayor for 16 years and was elected as Peterborough County Warden for 11 years. I was also elected chair of the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network which provided much needed and improved internet & cell service to Eastern Ontario.

NOTHING gets done without a majority of council agreeing to it. I will completely support an open and transparent atmosphere that will allow residents to express opinions and ask questions in a respectful and friendly manner. “We are all in this together.”

I was honoured to be inducted into the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame in 2024.

Heather Watson (incumbent)

I am running for Council because, having served as Douro Ward Councillor and Mayor, I am determined to continue the demonstrable progress we have made on behalf of the people of Douro-Dummer Township. In particular, I am most proud of our accomplishments in terms of infrastructure and road improvements, community engagement and the standard of our financial undertakings.

I am running to advance that progress in six focused areas: engaging with the community; supporting businesses and farmers; creating affordability for residents; investing in infrastructure; modernizing to find efficiencies in government; and ensuring public safety. I am also focused on responsible processes that can speed up the approval of development and the issuance of building permits.

My qualification as a candidate stems from a unique combination of experiences, including prior involvement with government and political offices, my performance as a business founder and manager; and my record of community-based activism and volunteerism. As Mayor, I have attempted to earn community trust and support through high quality public service based on the principles of openness, accountability, collaboration, financial responsibility and hard work.

As always, I remain energized by the prospect of moving forward with a modern agenda of community service, while always honouring the traditions and heritage of our shared rural values.

Deputy Mayor

Harold Nelson (incumbent)

I am Harold Nelson and serve Douro Dummer Township as Deputy Mayor this has been my first term on council, I was a former staff member of Douro Dummer Township and former staff of Peterborough County! I look forward to representing Douro Dummer in the upcoming election and thank the residents for their continued support!

Samantha Turner

I don’t believe good municipal government needs to be so complicated. Douro-Dummer has been screaming for change, and I hope to offer a glimpse of it if elected Deputy Mayor. It deserves leadership that listens, asks tough questions, and isn’t afraid to set better expectations. Residents deserve financial transparency, better communication, clear accountability, while protecting the legacy of what its people have historically accomplished. My local business success, diverse experience, communal connections, and overall desire for growth will provide our residents with a council they trust.

Residents should understand what Council is considering before major decisions are made, not after. I want clearer communication, easier-to-understand budgets and reports, more accessible opportunities for residents to participate, less red tape and bureaucracy within the building division, real expectations, and a culture where questions and concerns are treated professionally and respectfully. I don’t come from politics. I come from business, agriculture, and a successful career in real estate. Industries where budgets matter, timelines matter, customer service matters and decisions have real life consequences.

I have experience building teams, creating local employment, managing significant operating costs and making the same difficult financial decisions that businesses and families across Douro-Dummer have to make every day. That means asking questions, challenging the status quo when something isn’t working and being willing to find practical solutions. Douro-Dummer doesn’t need to become something different. It needs leadership willing to protect what works, fix what doesn’t and plan confidently for what comes next.

Melissa Webster

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Councillor at Large

Dave France

I’m running for Councillor at Large because I care deeply about Douro-Dummer and want to help build a strong future for the community that has been my home for most of my life. I’ve lived, worked, and volunteered here for years, and I believe our township deserves a council that listens, has honest conversations, and makes thoughtful decisions that benefit both today’s residents and future generations.

What makes me a unique candidate is that I bring both hands-on local experience and a fresh perspective. As a local millwright, I understand the needs of working families, local businesses, and the importance of responsible planning and infrastructure. Through years of volunteering with Douro Diamonds, Peterborough Thunder Volleyball, and Douro Minor Hockey, I’ve seen firsthand how strong families and volunteers are the foundation of a thriving community.

I’m committed to being accessible, transparent, and accountable. I’ll listen to residents, work collaboratively with council, and make practical, financially responsible decisions that put people first while moving our community forward.

April Hope

I was born and raised in Douro-Dummer with my four brothers. I bought a property just a line down from where I grew up, where my parents still live. My husband and I run our custom cabinetry business, Joe North Custom Cabinetry, out of our shop here. This community isn’t just where I live, it’s where I work and where our family’s past and future is tied.

That’s exactly why I’m running. Over the past three years, I’ve attended nearly every council meeting and delegated on development and financial accountability issues, only to be met with silence or refusal to answer basic questions. I’ve watched a whole segment of this community get left out of that process — families trying to put down roots here, people who’ve made a lifetime of memories on our lakes and want a real say in what happens to them, and older generations hoping to pass their legacy on to grandchildren who can actually afford to stay.

What makes me unique is that I’m not coming at this from the outside. My professional background gives me a firm handle on the Ontario Building Code and the legislation that governs it — I understand how municipal government is supposed to work, and I’ve read or watched every council meeting minute and recording since 2010. I’ve put in the years of showing up and doing the research most people don’t have time for, because this is home, and I want it to have a real future — one that protects the people who live here now, and the ones still to come.

Marilyn Turton

I began my career in the financial industry before joining Imperial Oil in Toronto, human resources division. In 1989 my husband and I bought Millage’s Plumbing in Lakefield. During the first 10 years of that venture while the staff stayed on with our business, I worked at Lakefield College School in the development department. Responsible to help in fundraising, arranging alumni events, managing the database, and aiding in the startup of the Foundation to ensure good governance in overseeing philanthropy, endowment management, and donor stewardship. From there I joined a manufacturing company in Peterborough in marketing, grew into outside sales of their large area CNC controlled gantry machining centres. My sales territory was the Canadian border south to Texas and the Mississippi west to California. In early 2000 I decided to change direction, stop travelling and join my husband full-time to support our plumbing business and continued there until our retirement in 2020.

My volunteer work in the community includes 10 years at Extendicare Long Term Care Facility in Lakefield on Family Council. Initially as a member of the group then leading it in many diverse fundraising projects. Worked with Activity staff to plan and organize events specifically directed to enhance the lives of seniors living there. For instance, raising funds to buy hard topped gazebos for each of the five courtyards which gave residents the opportunity to be outside in the fresh air enjoying the gardens and birds while protecting their delicate skin from sunburns. Purchasing new audio-visual equipment for movie, bingo and card playing nights which were very enjoyable times for the residents. Generally helping to provide some joy to seniors living there who often had no one to advocate for them. Then approximately 3 years with the Lakefield Horticultural Society helping in fundraising projects ensuring Lakefield had amazing flower arrangements throughout the downtown core and in gardens at both Isabelle Morris and Cenotaph parks for all who live, work, and visit this beautiful area to enjoy.

After retirement I started to follow the YouTube videos of Council meetings provided by the Township of Douro Dummer. I found many quite interesting, however, residents were not often taking part in discussions or decisions about the future of the township which concerns me. I am a very logical thinker and use common sense in my decision-making process. Bringing those skills along with my employment background to the table could be beneficial for our future growth.

Working to keep tax increases to a minimum by ensuring we have up to date financials. That way if funding for a major capital expenditure arises, we can seek aid from the government to help curb the burden rather than placing it all on the resident’s shoulders. I believe in responsible spending with meaningful public consultation before major projects is a necessity.

Respecting not only the residents but this incredible environment we are so lucky to inhabit. Whether permanent or seasonal we all deserve to have committed stewards working together on our behalf to support it for future generations.

Working with Council Members to ensure we provide excellent service. I believe that respectful communication with residents by listening to them in an open transparent manner promotes community buy-in and much needed engagement. We might not always agree, however, through open communication we can work together because it takes more than a few to manage this townships future.

Thomas Watt (incumbent)

I am currently an active councillor in our municipality. I pride myself on being honest and approachable to all residents at any time of the day or night. I offer balance and respect during meetings when making decisions that affect everyone in our township, not always an easy task. I am running again to continue to bring these qualities to the table.

Douro Ward

Ray Johnston (incumbent)

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Rob Lyall

I am running for council as I believe the present council has no new ideas to make our Township thrive. Some of our present members have been on council for years, and I see no progressive thinking from them. They also seem to prefer no input from the public which is who they represent. That needs to change.

First and foremost, we need to ensure our transparency with our tax dollars. We need to have our voters involved in complex and expensive projects; have proper consultation, not lock them out of the process.

Our roads are in disrepair and are continually hot or cold patched, which does not last. We need to evaluate all our roads and prioritize fixing and repaving.

They repaint the road lines during the day causing long backups, as they travel at 10 km/h. Why are we not scheduling these jobs at night?

Our garbage and snow removal needs to be evaluated and changed for the better.

The complaints I’ve heard from neighbours and other voters present some issues with the building department and their operations and issuing permits. We need to address this to promote building in our area to increase our tax base. We need to look at bringing more businesses into the area and promoting our township.

We have antiquated bylaws, for example we need to address the riding of off-road vehicles on local roads. The vehicles are here to stay, and people use them as their transportation. They should be allowed to ride on our roads; they are taxpayers too!

We also need to look into making our trail systems better for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. Ultimately, this brings more people into the community, and their money spent here assists us.

Ultimately, we need change. I know it’s cliche, but we need new ideas and ultimately that comes with a new council.

Ultimately, the council needs to sit down, stop ignoring the voters’ wishes and ask them, “What do you want!” It seems councils’ decisions are self-serving.

I’m a unique candidate as my life experience has been vast. I served the public for almost 31 years with the Peel Regional Police, retiring as a sergeant (supervisor) and am used to dealing with the public and dealing with the negatives and the positives. One of my best jobs in policing was when I was in the Community Based Policing Unit. There we worked with the public, the politicians, and many other stakeholders to address the serious issues of the time in the community and in the high schools. I am used to dealing with public problems, developing a solution and implementing the solution.

I have University and college diplomas in Management and Supervision.

I am and always have been involved in my unions. I was a member representative for my divisions for approximately 15 years. I am presently a member of OPSEU thru my teaching at Durham College. I know the issues and have the experience when dealing with unions, union members, and the employers. I am presently the Treasurer for the Peel Regional Police Retirees Association. Ultimately, I have been on both sides of the union narrative and know how to deal with the other side.

To sum it up. I have the patience, experience and the will to assess and make the changes needed to improve our quality of life.

I am married and have 2 adult children. My hobbies include ATVing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, blacksmithing and knife making. I enjoy the quiet of our township and hope to be elected to make Douro and ultimately Dummer a better place to leave.

Put that all together and “We’re Here for You!”

Sandra Vaughan

I am running for Douro Ward Councillor because I am passionate about local government and I have a wealth of skills and experience that I believe will benefit Town Council and the residents of Douro Dummer. I have spent more than 30 years working for local, provincial and federal governments and over two decades in municipal service.

I think I am a unique candidate because I have extensive experience in managing public funds, monitoring budgets and performance, legislative and financial compliance, and community engagement which I believe are necessary skills for a member of Council. I have managed numerous complex, multi-million-dollar programs and initiatives and have a proven track record of financial management and accountability with public funds.

I love working on projects that benefit the whole community, simplifying government processes, and being a catalyst for change. I have worked with community organizations, government partners, service providers, and residents to develop solutions that support people and strengthen communities. I am currently a Civilian Appointee to the Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board, and I am a member of the Douro Dummer Remembrance Day Parade Committee.

My goals:

• Keep taxes low
• Improve processes in the building dept.
• Simplify the permit process, and
• Ensure projects stay on track and on budget
• Ensure we are ready for the next ice storm

I think it is time to shake up Council — it’s time for new people with new ideas and I am looking forward to serving the residents of this great community.

Let’s work together to create practical solutions, strengthen communities, and build for the future.

Dummer Ward

Jane Cooper

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Nadine Ellis-Maffei

I am running for council because I care deeply about Douro-Dummer and I believe our community deserves a strong, independent voice at the council table.

Over the past several years, I have become increasingly concerned about decisions being made at the municipal level and the impact they have on taxpayers, families, farmers and small businesses. I have spent a lot of time asking questions, researching decisions and trying to understand how our municipality operates. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to help make a difference, I needed to do more than speak from the sidelines. I needed to step forward and be part of the process.

What makes me a unique candidate is the combination of perspectives I bring to the table. As a farmer, a small business owner, a mother and a resident who has lived and built a life in this community. I understand the importance of agriculture, rural life, responsible spending and the challenges faced by families and small businesses.

My husband is also a local builder with a small business in Douro-Dummer, so I have heard first-hand about the experiences of builders, homeowners and small businesses navigating the Township’s Building Division. That has given me another perspective on the importance of having municipal departments and residents working together in a way that is professional, accessible, efficient and solution-oriented. Building a better working relationship between the Township, its departments, local businesses and residents is something I would make a priority.

I am not a career politician, and I am not running with an interest in advancing a political agenda. I am running as a community member who is willing to ask difficult questions, look closely at the numbers, listen to different perspectives and hold myself and council accountable for the decisions we make.

I believe representation should be about serving the people who live here. My goal is to bring a practical, independent and common-sense voice to council while protecting the rural character, agricultural roots and sense of community that make Douro-Dummer home.

Regan James

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Terry Little

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.