Staff

Randy Neals

Writer-at-Large / Analyst

Randy Neals

Writer-at-Large / Analyst

Born in Lindsay and raised in Bethany, Randy is a Fleming engineering graduate who writes analytical pieces for the Advocate on municipal affairs, infrastructure, public policy and technology. His professional career includes Internet infrastructure projects in 38 countries, with engineering and business development roles at Google, Facebook and Amazon. His family has a long record of municipal and community service. Randy served 11 years as a volunteer firefighter in Bethany.

Stories by Randy Neals

PART THREE: Kawartha Lakes spends more than $20 million on policing. All three models deserve a real business case

PART THREE: Kawartha Lakes spends more than $20 million on policing. All three models deserve a real business case

The Kawartha Lakes Scorecard

By Randy Neals · October 08, 2026

PART TWO: Fire protection is too important - and too expensive - to measure vaguely

PART TWO: Fire protection is too important - and too expensive - to measure vaguely

The Kawartha Lakes Scorecard

By Randy Neals · October 04, 2026

The Kawartha Lakes Scorecard

The Kawartha Lakes Scorecard

A four-part election-year test of what municipal government costs - and what taxpayers get

By Randy Neals · October 01, 2026

PART ONE: Before taxes rise further, show taxpayers what municipal spending delivers

PART ONE: Before taxes rise further, show taxpayers what municipal spending delivers

The Kawartha Lakes Scorecard

By Randy Neals · October 01, 2026

The choice behind the choice: How voters navigate a five-way mayoral race

The choice behind the choice: How voters navigate a five-way mayoral race

Five names will appear under mayor. The ballot records only one choice, but it cannot show all the decisions voters make before getting there.

By Randy Neals · September 24, 2026

Strong mayor powers make temperament and experience a ballot-box issue

Columnists

Strong mayor powers make temperament and experience a ballot-box issue

By Randy Neals · September 14, 2026

SmartCentres identifies Lindsay as key location in its national Retail Development program

Business

SmartCentres identifies Lindsay as key location in its national Retail Development program

Walmart and Home Depot at the centre of Highway 35 growth

By Randy Neals · August 21, 2026

Who would want this job?

Who would want this job?

The impossible trap of municipal office

By Randy Neals · August 03, 2026