Courtesy of Mississippi Mills
John Cochran is a candidate for Ramsay Ward councillor in the Mississippi Mills municipal election, one of four candidates competing for two seats alongside incumbents Bev Holmes and Vicki Lowe and fellow challenger Brien Devries. Recently he made an unusual request to Ramsay voters on social media. Cochran explains what he wanted them to do.
Cochran has been involved in a local citizens’ group concerned about the spreading of municipal waste on agricultural land near the Indian River. He was among those who presented the issue to Mississippi Mills council in August, raising questions about the wastewater treatment process and potential contaminants in the material being applied to farmland.
Cochran says he’s stepping away from the upcoming election, citing concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving his advocacy for protecting the Indian River.
He says his larger campaign concerns included housing development, the potential expansion of Almonte, rural land loss, infrastructure costs and housing affordability. He also questioned whether Ramsay Ward residents are receiving sufficient benefits from municipal tax contributions.
Cochran says the August 25th council meeting drew a large crowd, with the overflow room filled and the meeting video receiving what he describes as the highest number of views on the municipality’s YouTube channel.
He says, after learning his advocacy on the Indian River could be considered a conflict of interest if elected, based on conversations with the Municipal Clerk and Integrity Commissioner’s office, he decided his efforts are better spent outside council for now.
Cochran thanked those who endorsed his campaign and apologized to supporters for stepping away. They say they may seek elected office again in four years.
Mississippi Mills staff will make a presentation, responding to Cochran’s concerns at their next committee meeting in October. You can hear our complete conversation with him below.
Story by Brian Turner
