Five questions with Dan Downey, candidate for Elizabethtown-Kitley in the 2026 municipal election

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Brockvilleist will be asking the same five questions of all Elizabethtown-Kitley council candidates in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 21, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from candidate Dan Downey. You can view a full roundup of all our Elizabethtown-Kitley municipal coverage here.

1. Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for council?

In 1985 I started Dowcom Sheet Metal Ltd with my wife Vicki. I also operate small cow/calf farm in Toledo. Vicki’s family are decedents of the first pioneers of Elizabethtown/Kitley. This is where we raised our two kids and now two grandchildren. I was first elected in 2010, and re-elected in 2014. I was not involved with politics from 2018 to 2024, until I was chosen to fill the seat vacated by Tom Linton 2024. I enjoy municipal politics, and I am here for the residents of the Township. I have no agenda of my own.

2. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?

Religious freedom, freedom of speech, free market economy, small government, public meetings for high interest issues, low DEBT, high RESERVES, less red tape, I could go on!

3. What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?

Speeding and reckless drivers, this is common from top to bottom of the Township. County roads especially, and to a lesser extent township roads. Drainage problems that need repair and high taxes are other common issues.

4. What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?

#1 is looming debt. Our Township wants to triple our current over $4 million debt within the next year. All I hear in the council chambers is debt finance this or debt finance that. What happens when we reach our credit limit? Nobody ever answers that question. What happens five, 10 or 15 years in the future when bridges or equipment or buildings need replacement? That’s why I’m proposing a finance committee.

#2 is when pricing comes back for the New Dublin garage, I need people around me who demand to make it a good building for less money!

#3 is Reducing red tape, and making it easier to build small, no frills single family homes (800 or less sq. ft.).

5. What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

Nothing sets me apart. Please check other candidates out closely to match your expectations.