Mark Mills Announces He’s Running for Cobourg Council
Mills states “Fiscal Responsibility, Community Safety, and Transparency”
“I am announcing my decision to run for Cobourg council. My goal will be, over the coming months, to
give residents the opportunity to get to know me.
Cobourg is more than where I live. It is a place I’m very proud to call home. It’s the community where
my family put down roots, where children grow up, where seniors choose to retire, and where visitors
enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches, and vibrant downtown. It’s a town where businesses contribute to
the character and vitality of our community.
As a father and grandfather, l am deeply invested in the future of Cobourg and the kind of community
we are leaving for future generations. I am running for council because I want Cobourg to be safe,
affordable, and a welcoming place for families, young people, seniors, and businesses.
Community safety, affordability, and responsible growth are not merely policy ideas to me; they are
personal priorities. They determine whether families feel secure in their neighborhoods, whether
young families can live and work locally, and whether small businesses can thrive. They determine
whether Cobourg continues to be a great place to raise a family, build a future, or retire with peace of
mind.
For nearly 40 years, I worked in senior management roles with municipalities at both the local and big
city level, including the City of Toronto, Northumberland County, Municipality of Port Hope and
Hamilton Township. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how municipal
government works and, just as importantly, how municipal government decisions impact residents
every day.
Working across municipalities of different sizes has taught me that while every community is unique,
the fundamentals are the same; residents and businesses must have safe streets, reliable services,
responsible use of tax dollars, and thoughtful planning for the future.
My career involved managing complex budgets, planning and delivering infrastructure projects on
schedule and within budget. I often collaborated with elected councils, staff, first responders, and
community partners to achieve project goals. These experiences have given me a practical hands-on
knowledge of local government that is essential at the council table.
I am proud to have served as a member of Cobourg’s Budget Task Force, where we made
recommendations on the 2026 budget, focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability at a time when many families are feeling the pressure of a rising cost of living. I believe
it is critical that the council carefully balance community needs with affordability. Taxpayers deserve
value for their money, clear communication, and decisions made with both today and tomorrow in
mind.
Responsible growth is another reason I am seeking election. Cobourg will continue to grow, and
growth brings opportunities when planned wisely. That means ensuring infrastructure keeps pace,
housing remains as affordable as possible, and development respects the character of our
community. It also means supporting local businesses, which are essential to a strong local economy
and vibrant downtown. Growth done right strengthens a community, while growth done poorly creates
long-term challenges!
If elected, I will bring an experienced steady hand and a collaborative approach to council. I believe in
respectful dialogue, evidence-based decision-making, and genuine public engagement. Municipal
governments only work when the council listens to residents and businesses, and when we work
constructively together to keep the long-term well-being of the community at the forefront.
I am not running to advance any personal agenda. I am running to give back to a community that has
meant so much to my family and to me. I look forward to speaking with residents throughout the
campaign, hearing your ideas and concerns. Together, we can ensure Cobourg is a safe, affordable,
and prosperous place for the current and future generations.
I respectfully ask for the support and trust of Cobourg residents in this election.
Mark Mills
Candidate for Cobourg Council
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love