Municipal Election: Deputy Mayor Candidates

ALL CANDIDATES ARE IN RANDOM ORDER

Election Date: October 26, 2026 Voting period runs from October 13th to 26th

Ward 1 : North Monaghan Ward 2: Cavan Ward 3: Millbrook

VOTE ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE OCT 13TH, 2026 AT 10:00 A.M. UNTIL OCT 26TH, 2026 AT 8:00 P.M.

Gerry Byrne:

Human nature is that most people, when comfortable with a situation, resist change. When they hate something they want change, with less than their normal concerns about cost.

All change is not progress and all progress is not always good for those involved.

Everything comes with a cost. Everyone has a wish list, however there is a difference between wants and needs.

Personally I feel like a large portion of our community wants to go back to in person voting. Where we rented halls in our township, and hired people who actually live in our township. From what I have seen every internet connected computer system is vulnerable, even more so with the advancement of AI. Even the most sophisticated and virus protected systems have been hacked. I am not stupid enough to think the old way was perfect. Still like most residents it was a sense of community which is very important in municipal politics.

In reality if I am lucky enough to be elected I am still only one vote. The idea of my vision is wrong in my interpretation. If elected I a man employee of all the people who actually live in the township. As a hired representative the job is to listen to the lion’s share of the entire community, then move forward for the good of all with the best of my ability. What I hear so often is that the bureaucracy and small special internet groups seem to ignore listening to what the people who live here are saying and they worry this township will end up looking like another Brooklyn.

More people live outside Millbrook than in it. Community parks are an important part of their needs. Maintaining our rural culture and traditions is more than a talking point. Talk is cheap, actions speak volumes. When it comes to Peterborough I grew up rural and the saying, “good fences make good neighbours” still rings true. They stay on their side and we stay on ours and we can all prosper.

Ryan Huntley:

For the past 12 years, it has been my privilege to serve the residents of Cavan Monaghan including this last term as Deputy Mayor. During this time, I have worked alongside dedicated community members, volunteers, businesses, staff, and fellow council members to help guide our township through growth and change. Today, I remain as committed to ensuring Cavan Monaghan continues to be a place where families thrive, businesses succeed, and residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

As our community grows, we face an important challenge: managing that growth responsibly while preserving the character and values that make Cavan Monaghan a special place to call home. My vision is straight forward. We must continue planning for the future while protecting taxpayers and maintaining the rural charm and strong sense of community we value.

A key priority for me is infrastructure. Roads, bridges, water systems, parks, and community facilities are the foundation of our community. Over the years, Council has made significant progress in improving long-term financial planning and strengthening our asset management approach. I will continue to advocate for responsible investment in infrastructure so that we can meet today’s needs while preparing for future generations.

I also believe strong communities depend on strong local economies. Supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and creating opportunities for employment are essential to keeping Cavan Monaghan vibrant and prosperous. We must also protect our agricultural heritage and rural landscapes, which remain an important part of our identity.

Transparency and accountability are central to my approach to municipal leadership. Drawing on 30 years of experience in information technology and business leadership, I believe decisions should be based on facts, sound planning, and meaningful public engagement. Residents deserve to understand how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are invested.

The theme of my campaign is “Strength in Community.” Those words reflect what I have witnessed throughout my years of public service. Our greatest asset is not our infrastructure or our budget. It is our people. It is our volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, service clubs, first responders, and neighbours who consistently step forward to make a difference.

Looking ahead, my commitment remains clear: responsible leadership, thoughtful growth, strong financial stewardship, and a continued focus on building a welcoming, connected, and resilient community. Together, we can ensure Cavan Monaghan remains one of the best places in Ontario to live, work, raise a family, and retire.