Town of Perth Photo
With municipal elections months away, the race for Perth council took an interesting turn as current Mayor Judy Brown has filed nomination papers for the position of councillor. So far, councillors David Bird and Isabel Anne McRae along with Stephanie Drummond have put their names forward for mayor. Brown joins councillor Gary Waterfield and resident Marlene Donoghue attempting to earn a seat in council chambers this fall. Nominations close on August 21st and election day is October 26th.
In a statement to LanarkLeedsToday.ca Brown indicated that due to her somewhat limited physical abilities after a fall, she felt that she could not give her all to performing the duties of Mayor, as much as she would love to hold that office again. She added that she believes she does have the capability, the knowledge, and the skill to act as a councillor, and to continue to serve the Town’s citizens.
She reports her goals remain the same as they were when she ran in the 2022 election; to do as much good for Perth and its residents as possible, to responsibly manage growth, to help create new facilities such as daycare and recreation centres, and meet the challenges of replacing aging infrastructure in an affordable way.
Please see Brown’s complete unedited statement below.
“My goal at the beginning of this term of Council was to do as much good for the Town and its citizens as I could. That remains my goal. Perth has experienced much growth in the last four years; the population has grown by over a thousand. We can expect more growth, such as the Caivan subdivision, and more. Managing that growth will be one of the main challenges Council will face. The town needs to add new facilities. Ideally in the next four years, we will examine the need for such items as a new recreation centre, a daycare facility. Affordability of replacing aging infrastructure will continue to be a challenge. We also need to consider development north of Highway 7. I have the experience and knowledge and foresight to handle this challenge with my fellow councillors.
I have greatly enjoyed my term as Mayor, and much progress has been made. Unfortunately , because of my somewhat limited physical abilities due to my fall, I feel that I could not give my all to performing the duties of Mayor, much as I would love to hold that office again. I do, however, have the capability, the knowledge, and the skill to act as a councillor, and continue to serve the Town’s citizens. All of these factors led me to run as a councillor.” Judy Brown.
Story by Brian Turner
