Peterborough County and, by extension, rural eastern Ontario, has a champion and his name is J. Murray Jones.
Upon retirement in 2022, Jones departed politics as the longest serving warden of Peterborough County – an 11-year run that capped a stellar municipal government career that also saw him serve many years as mayor of Douro-Dummer Township and chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.
In the political game, there have been, and still are, few who command the respect that Jones has earned. Blessed with an over-the-top personality, marked by a booming voice and a laugh that is near infectious, it’s hard not to like Jones. But don’t be fooled. The requisite attributes of an effective politician – leadership, vision and passion – are there in abundance, and therein can be found his effectiveness as a representative of the people.
Jones arrived in the Peterborough region in 1970. After a number of years in radio broadcasting and cable television, he founded and published The Dummer News, continuing to do so after he was first elected in 1998 as a Douro-Dummer councillor.
While mayor of the township from 2003 until his retirement, Jones sat as county warden for 11 years and, in 2011, was elected chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.
As chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network from 2011 to 2022, Jones championed two projects near and dear to his heart: the implementation of broadband expansion providing high-speed internet access for rural eastern Ontario residents and businesses, and the securing of provincial and federal dollars for the expansion of cellular services in eastern Ontario. During the pandemic, both advances proved hugely beneficial as homes and cottages became the new workplace for thousands across eastern Ontario.
During the pandemic years, Jones exhibited the same commitment to the wellbeing of residents. A strong supporter of public health measures put in place, he led by example, not only volunteering at COVID-related clinics but also being among the first to roll up a sleeve and get vaccinated.
Tough as nails when he had to be, Jones tempered that with an affability that is still remembered with fondness by most all he met. He consistently took the time to visit with county staff, learning and remembering the names of each, from those working on road maintenance crews to the CAOs of the various townships. With a quick wit and an easy banter, Jones’ knack for putting at ease all he met remains a highly respected attribute. Often using humour to defuse the tension of difficult situations, Jones made a point of ensuring everyone’s view was heard, his belief that compromise and consensus are at the core of governing unflappable.
Still connected to the community, Jones recently expressed his desire to volunteer with a County committee – proof positive that it is indeed difficult to keep a good man down.