Current councillor Dunc Armstrong is running to be Mayor of Quinte West. (Photo/submitted)
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I am a long time resident of the City of Quinte West and a retired Trenton High School teacher. I am married to my loving wife Cathy, also a teacher of over 30 years at Murray Centennial Public School.
We have 2 daughters, Charlotte, a teacher at Murray Centennial, and Amy, a Naturopathic Doctor. I am a proud grandpa to Nora and Fletcher.
I was raised in a military family and my father was killed in the line of duty in 1969 while serving as a member of 424 Search and Rescue Squadron.
My favorite pastimes are spending time with my grandchildren , playing drums and harmonica with local groups, volunteering for the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation and local service clubs. And I don’t miss many city events or sporting events.
PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
City of Quinte West councillor for Trenton Ward from 2014 -2018. I led the polls in the ward.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?
I’m known as Mr. Everywhere by many people on social media and I love the City of Quinte West.
I think of myself as a “worker not a shirker!” I believe I’ve lived up to that claim.
Examples include my relentless pursuit to bring the community together to win the prestigious Kraft Celebration Tour
in 2012 resulting in Quinte West being featured on TSN and on commercials during the Stanley Cup Play-offs.
Also, I was instrumental in fundraising for the Hugh O’Neil Friendship Garden near the marina.
As Mayor of Quinte West I will work at least as hard, and likely harder than I have been. I’ve established
good relationships with countless people throughout Quinte West and the Quinte region.
My friends and acquaintances also include several from 8 Wing Trenton.
I have an excellent relationship with city staff and that’s very important for the leader of council, because
being mayor is a full-time job. I’m impressed with our staff and we share a common forward-thinking vision
working toward making Quinte West the best place to invest in in the region.
People know me, know I’m approachable and am working hard on their behalf. I will do my best for the taxpayers no matter the day or time of day.
I have a deep respect for the democratic process and treat people fairly. I don’t like to play favourites, and that’s an important quality for a mayor to have.
I will listen to the people. The residents will shape my election platform.
I’m ready to to take on the duties and responsibilities of the City of Quinte West and I trust the taxpayers will agree.
Incumbent Mayor Jim Harrison is running for a second term. (Photo/Quinte News)
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I was born and raised in Brighton and graduated from E.N.S.S. I have 2 university degrees, a Bachelor of
Science and a Masters in Education.
I worked for 35 years in the education field, serving most of those years as a Principal at a local elementary school and have been retired for several years.
I have farmed beef and cash crops in Murray ward for decades and continue to do so.
My wife Jane is a retired elementary school teacher and we have a son and daughter along with six grandchildren.
PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Past councillor and current mayor of the City of Quinte West.
Serving on several committees, including all city committees and the Lower Trent Conservation board.
Have been a member and a President of the Ontario Good Roads Association and in the past served several
years on Murray Township council, including some as Deputy Reeve.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION?
The City of Quinte West is doing wonderfully and I certainly won’t take all of the credit for that. Our growth and vitality is occurring because of people working together, because of our council working together.
Past Quinte West councils and citizens laid some solid groundwork for us.
I’m proud of the accomplishments that have occurred under my watch as mayor.
These include the expansion of the Trent Port Marina docks, an almost finished new fire hall for Trenton ward,
the new consolidated Operations (public works) Centre, wastewater treatment improvements in Montrose, and new ball and soccer fields with new lighting.
A new OPP headquarters and a much needed regional hospice for local families is in the works.
In the new term as mayor, I hope to continue to press for ongoing infrastructure improvements, to continue beautification of the downtowns of Trenton and Frankford, improve and build walking and cycling trails, keep upgrading rural roads, work toward a civilian air terminal at CFB Trenton and advocate for better access to high speed internet everywhere.
And there’s lots to do as far as health care and affordable housing is concerned. We will continue to keep Trenton Memorial more than just viable and keep pushing for a dialysis clinic. A community health hub is definitely on the way near the hospital and we’ll keep working to attract more doctors
to the city and make sure we have the space for them to work out of.
I’d like to put the city-owned College Street School property into use for seniors housing and we need to make it convenient to create small
apartments or flats in existing houses.
I’ll continue to work closely with our neighbours, Belleville, Brighton, Stirling-Rawdon, and Prince Edward County.
Together we are stronger.
