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

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Douro-Dummer Mayor and County Warden J. Murray Jones Retiring From Politics, Reflects on 24-Year Career

After 24 years of public service as a municipal politician, Peterborough County Warden and Douro-Dummer mayor Jim Murray Jones is not seeking re-election and is retiring from politics.

Jones organizes dinner theatre for his local church, cruise nights and cites the Remembrance Day service as one of his favourite events as mayor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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.

“I've been at it locally in municipal government for 24 years. I can't believe it has gone by that fast,” said Jones. “It seems like five years ago since I started, it's unbelievable.”

Jones cited his reasoning for retirement as that ‘it’s time.’

“It's really hard to explain,” said Jones. “I know it's time and I've come to peace with it. I'm just looking forward to taking it a little easier with a little less stress in my life.”

Since Jones is retiring as mayor of Douro-Dummer, he also must step down as the county warden. A role he has served for over 11 years. He says you have to be a mayor/deputy of your local township in order to work with the county.

Jones says honesty was a major reason why he has had a long tenure in local politics.

“I don't think I've promised things that can't be delivered,” he explained. “I think I've treated everyone in a respectful way and given everyone an opportunity to say what they want. I've just tried to be human, tried to be honest and tried to be fair with everyone.”

He credits his sense of humour and good-hearted nature to helping himself and others service his community best.

"There’s always time for humour. That's kind of my mainstay. The world does not have to be that serious,” he said. “We're lucky to live where we are, we're lucky to have what we've got and we're lucky that we have the ability to help those who are less fortunate so mesh all those together and stop being so damn serious and let's just do what needs to be done with a smile on your face."

The soon-retired mayor says one of his proudest works during his time was commemorating the Remembrance Day Cenotaph annually in November. Jones narrated a war memorial video for last year’s ceremony as the centennial anniversary.

“That's something that's very, very, very important to me and I never want to see that fade away,” he explained. “It's something that gives me chills up and down my back as it did years ago and it still does today.”

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.

Jones is his off-time sings in a rock band called “Mike and the Mustangs,” works on audio and video projects and enjoys driving his 1957 Morris Minor.

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Douro-Dummer Mayor J. Murray Jones Absent Due To Health Issues

The Township of Douro-Dummer is notifying the public that Mayor J. Murray Jones will be taking a leave while he recovers from recent surgery.

"I am on the mend and will be back holding the gavel at the Council table soon," Mayor Jones says. "I want to thank my wife, Anne, my family as well as all my friends and neighbours for their support."

The date of Mayor Jones’ return to his duties is not known at this time, but it is hopeful that it will be early in 2018.

While Mayor Jones recovers, Deputy Mayor Moher will assume any necessary tasks in the absence of the Mayor. “Council will ensure that the Township of Douro-Dummer continues to operate in our usual manner,” says Mayor Jones.

We wish Mayor Jones all the best with his recovery.

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