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Judy Brown is bringing more than 17 years of experience on Perth council to her current political career, which began well before she became mayor.
She explains why she decided to run for a councillor seat, rather than mayor.
Brown has lived in the Perth area for more than 40 years and spent more than two decades working in the local newspaper industry, including at the Lanark Era and Perth Courier. She served on Perth council for more than 17 years before successfully challenging four-term Mayor John Fenik in the 2022 municipal election. Brown won that race by just 64 votes, receiving 983 votes to Fenik’s 919, while Stephanie Drummond finished third with 563.
As mayor, Brown has emphasized housing, economic development, maintaining Perth’s small-town character and managing the costs of growth and infrastructure. She currently sits on the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital board, Lanark County council, and previously chaired Perth’s Planning Committee and BIA.
She has also served at the county level, including as Chair of Lanark County’s Community Services Committee, which oversees areas including housing, Ontario Works and Lanark Lodge. Brown tells us what she brings to the table.
As 3 current councillors are running for mayor and 1 is retiring, Brown sees the risk of a major loss of experience around the council table and she believes she can help maintain continuity.
She is one of 11 candidates competing for five councillor positions in Perth. She can be reached through email at judybrown1909@gmail.com.
You can hear our complete conversation with Brown below
Story by Brian Turner
