Clarence Donnelly Running for Ward 4 Council Seat

Clarence Donnelly is seeking election to Rideau Lakes Township council, bringing 44 years of experience working for the township and a lifetime of experience in the local community.

Donnelly was raised on the mountain about one mile from Westport and has never left the area. He and his wife, Debbie, have a small farm on McCann Road.

He served for many years with both the Westport and Elgin fire departments. He and his wife have four daughters and seven grandchildren.

Donnelly said his decision to run for council is based on his experience working for the township and his desire to contribute to decisions affecting taxpayers.

“I am running for council to make a difference with my years of experience,” he said. “I know I can help make the proper decisions for the taxpayer.”

During his 44 years working for the township, Donnelly said he was involved in the implementation of signage and the 911 system. He also worked through the ice storm and municipal amalgamation.

For 20 years, he was responsible for county roads and mountain roads before those responsibilities were taken over by the county.

Donnelly said working with staff and colleagues to address challenges has been an important part of his experience.

“I had a lot of great workers and we made it work no matter what,” he said. “We got along and worked through it.” Donnelly said that approach would also guide him as a councillor.

“The main thing we have to do is get along, not always agree but at the end of the day, accept others’ decisions,” he said. “You never know, they might turn out to be the right ones.”

He said council decisions should be based on what is best for taxpayers rather than personal disagreements.

“You don’t vote against something because you don’t like who’s across the table,” Donnelly said. “You vote for what’s right for the taxpayers.”

Donnelly said he does not support Strong Mayor powers and is opposed to ALTO.

Regarding the proposed ALTO high-speed rail project, Donnelly said that if the project proceeds, he wants to ensure the township and residents on private roads are properly considered.

“If this train ever does get thrown at us and can’t be stopped, I want to make sure they do what’s right for our township and private roads, make sure no one gets left out,” he said.

Donnelly also said he supports Westport’s growth, noting that the village needs additional tax revenue.

“I wish Westport well with their growth,” he said. “They need it to get more tax base to survive.”

At the same time, he said growth needs to be carefully managed, particularly when it comes to wastewater and the protection of local lakes.

“But they have to be careful with their sewage and make sure nothing gets to our lakes,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly said he remembers the condition of the Rideau system years ago and credited lake associations and private residents for their efforts to protect local waterways.

“I saw the mess the Rideau was years ago and it’s just getting better now thanks to the lake associations and private people that work hard and care for our lakes,” he said.

Donnelly said his goal as a councillor would be to work with others, even when there are disagreements, rather than pursuing personal conflicts.

“I will never file an integrity report on anyone,” he said. “We can work it out. It is taxpayers’ money we are throwing away.”

Donnelly is asking residents for their support in the municipal election.

“I am asking you for your vote,” he said, adding that if he is not a voter’s choice, residents should still support “someone that you know can make a difference.”