Mayor says he is running to “finish the job” as campaign platform goes live
Lucas Cleveland officially launched his bid for another term as Cobourg mayor Sunday afternoon, telling a crowd of more than 250 supporters that he is running to “finish the job” he says his first term was unable to complete.
The campaign launch, held at Victoria Park from 4 to 6 p.m., drew a crowd that filled the Lions Pavilion and spilled into the surrounding park.
There were hot dogs, live music, face painting, snacks from local growers and apples from Moore’s Orchards — but the centre of attention was the mayor, who climbed onto a picnic table and delivered a roughly 10-minute speech without a microphone or a script.
Lines had begun forming before the official start of the event at about 3:30 p.m. Organizers initially planned the gathering as a private event for those who had RSVP’d, but with the turnout exceeding expectations, the event was opened to everyone who registered at the pavilion.
Cleveland told supporters his re-election campaign is about continuing what he described as the foundation built during his first four years in office.
“I am running to finish the job that I was unable to do with this team,” Cleveland said.
He said his priorities include ensuring parks remain places for families and seniors and creating what he described as a safer community for children.
“I am running to ensure that Parks are for families and seniors and to ensure kids like mine aren’t growing up in a community where dangerous criminal behavior is justified or excused, where finding needles is an acceptable daily occurrence or where we are shamed for wanting a safe community for all of us.”
Cleveland said the challenges facing Cobourg have helped fuel the support behind his campaign.
He pointed to what he described as a re-imagined Northumberland County and a Cobourg Police Service moving in a new direction under new Chief Chris Leather as opportunities to reshape the community’s future.
But Cleveland said those changes would not have happened without residents demanding action.
He credited the people gathered at the launch, saying the momentum was created because “all of you stood up and agreed, enough is enough.”
Much of Sunday’s speech, however, was also devoted to thanking the people behind his campaign.
Cleveland spoke about the thousands of supportive emails he said he has been reading and singled out members of his campaign events team, thanking each of them by name for organizing the launch.
Among those attending were Cobourg Councillors Brian Darling and Randy Barber, Deputy Mayor candidate Johnny Percolides, and council candidates Mark Mills, Lyndsay Grimley, Matthew Sickinger and Jeremy Coulis.
Before leaving the picnic table, Cleveland promised supporters that his full campaign platform would be released first thing Monday morning.
That platform is now live on the campaign website.
In a statement posted Monday, Cleveland again thanked those who attended Sunday’s launch.
“I want to thank all those who came out to my Campaign BBQ Launch yesterday. We had an incredible turnout of over 250 people. I want to thank all those on my Team who made yesterday happen,” he said.
He also thanked the political candidates and councillors who attended.
The launch marks the formal beginning of Cleveland’s campaign for a second term as Cobourg mayor.
Cobourg residents will head to the polls on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The municipal voting period opens Friday, October 16.
The campaign is now officially underway — and Sunday’s turnout provided Cleveland with an early indication of the support he will be taking into the election.
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
