Former County Warden Comes Out of Retirement to Run For Douro-Dummer Mayor
/J. Murray Jones is coming out of retirement and is re-entering politics, running for Mayor of Douro-Dummer.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Jones retired as mayor of Douro-Dummer and as county warden back in 2022. He served as the warden for over a decade.
“After a four-year absence I am excited to once again seek the office of Mayor of Douro-Dummer,” said Jones. “With 24 years of Council experience, including 16 years as Mayor and 10 years as County Warden, I bring proven leadership, experience, and a deep commitment to our community. I am ready to once again serve with the hope of building a strong future for Douro-Dummer.”
Jones began his political career in 1998 as a Douro-Dummer Councillor, the first year both townships became amalgamated. He was elected as mayor in 2003 and elected as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus in 2011.
Prior to his political career, Jones worked in radio. He was employed by CKBT-FM and Country 105 for many years. He founded a one-man monthly news outlet called ‘Dummer News’ for 20 years. He has covered meetings for Dummer and Douro-Dummer after the amalgamation during that stretch.
Current mayor Heather Watson has yet to announce seeking reelection. Nomination papers must be filed by Aug. 21 for the Oct. 26 election.
The following are candidates running for council in the Township of Douro-Dummer:
Mayor
Peter Leahy
J. Murray Jones
Deputy Mayor
Harold Nelson (incumbent)
April Hope
Douro Ward councillor
Ray Johnston (incumbent)
Dummer Ward councillor
Jane Cooper
Councillor at large
Tom Watt (incumbent)
Marilyn Turton
