STORMONT & GLENGARRY, Ontario – North Glengarry, South Glengarry and North Stormont welcomed new Mayors this week, as the nomination period for municipal councils in the region ended on Friday, July 27.
Jamie MacDonald of North Glengarry, Frank Prevost of South Glengarry and Jim Wert of North Stormont ran for the position of Mayor unopposed in their ridings.
Each Mayor considered it an honour to run unopposed.
“Well of course it’s nice to be acclaimed and not have to run in an election,” said MacDonald. “I feel good that I’ve been acclaimed. I think they have faith in me to do the job.”
MacDonald will be working with the upper tiers of governments on two current, major development projects in North Glengarry: the water project in Maxville and sewage project in Alexandria.
“I have to have a council that wants to go in the same direction,” said MacDonald. “Not always agree, but work together.”
Prevost feels trusted and respected by residents having been acclaimed. He is excited to bring new changes to South Glengarry.
“Depending on the councillors coming in in October, I want to bring customer service back, from the township office to residents,” said Prevost.
Mayor Jim Wert didn’t anticipate his win. He said he has a lot of respect for his office and will do the best work he can for his community.
“I felt we really needed to extend the natural gas from the est end to the east end (of the municipality),” said Wert. “Finch has it and Roxborough does not. It would be great if we had equal access to that, especially where hydro prices are going.”
Wert is also hoping to upgrade internet quality in his riding.
“There’s a very strong council going to come out of this election, and I’m hope that we work as a team on these projects,” said Wert.
The upcoming Municipal Election will take place on Oct. 22.