"I'm going to forge forward, one pyrogy at a time."
That was the sentiment of the Village of Glendon's newest councillor, Nicholas Werstiuk, who added the position is something he "wants to put his heart into."
Overall, 120 people cast their votes on Monday, Nov. 19 in the village's bi-election. The unofficial results show Werstiuk received 58 votes to secure his victory, while Dallas Fewchuk had 29, Rick Stieben came in with 19, and Andrea Wolosiewicz received 14.
Fresh off election night, Werstiuk is ready to get started.
"I'm willing to put in the time and effort. I'm always willing to listen and to take on a new challenge," he told the Nouvelle.
Werstiuk was born and raised in Glendon, with his family history in the area dating back over a 100 years.
"I grew up just half a mile outside of Glendon on a farm, and my family has been a community-focused one. I was raised that way, and we've always been involved," he noted.
Residents of Glendon took to the polls for the bi-election on Monday.
After former councillor Nancy Pelletier announced she would be stepping down due to personal reasons, the village held a bi-election to fill the vacant position.
Werstiuk threw his name into the race with the hope of making positive changes to Glendon.
"I decided to run because I didn't like seeing where the town was going. Being raised here, I know what the town was like when I was younger, and I've heard the stories of what it was like when my parents were younger and when my grandparents were here," Werstiuk explained.
He added, "I know that when you work hard and put your foot forward to something, you can make a change. I've done it with my business... You're either growing, or you're dying... You need to keep working on things, and we need to get Glendon growing again."
Werstiuk owns an oilfield tubing inspection company, and has been in the industry for 15 years.
Along with getting to know the other council members and the requirements for his new position, Werstiuk's next steps are to get to work for the village.
"Overall, (my goals) are to build the community back and get the community growing in population and morale," he expressed.
Werstiuk didn't waste anytime after learning he would be taking a seat at the lead table. He spent the morning after election day meeting with members of the community.
"I really just want to get out and listen," said Werstiuk.
After his campaign, Werstiuk wanted to share his gratitude to the community.
"I want to thank everybody for their support, their votes, their positive comments and feedback I heard throughout the week. It's encouraging and exciting," he said.
The results become official Friday at noon, giving residents time to call for a recount if they believe the results to be incorrect.
