RM of Sherwood, Sask. – Earlier this year, the Rural Municipality of Sherwood’s reeve, Kevin Eberle, was removed from office following a conflict of interest investigation. Now, the residents are ready to elect a new leader.
81-year-old Richard Baker is one of about 1000 eligible voters in the R.M.
He said he’s voted in every election he’s been eligible for and this is no exception, in fact it may even be more important: “Let’s get some honesty back in the municipality, hey?”
Another voter, Sherry Peters, agreed.
“Because of what has gone on, I just wanted to exercise my democratic right and vote,” she said.
The two candidates in the running to replace Eberle couldn’t be more different.
One, is 61-year-old Nestor Mryglod. He owns Super Seamless of Canada, a siding company with land near Tower Road.
He plans to use his business experience in the political realm.
“The approach I would take is run it like a business. Listen to the people, listen to the customers,” Mryglod said.
He added the month long campaign has been a whirlwind. “Two weeks ago we put up some billboards, we sent out some brochures with our platform.”
Mryglod is known for his fierce opposition to the location of the Regina Bypass, with Why Tower Road.
He hopes to use the position to help those being affected by the new highway.
“That’s been part of my motivation to get involved, politically,” he said.
The other is 29-year-old Jeff Poissant, a fourth generation farmer and programmer for Varsteel. He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was on council for 40 years and served as reeve for 18.
“We need the trust and integrity that this RM once had, we need it back. We need better working relationships with other levels of government. We seem to have lost that over the last several years,” Poissant said.
He said his campaign is based on transparency and communication with ratepayers.
“I’ve been driving a lot of back roads, visiting people in person. Called a lot of other people,” Poissant explained.
Early on, it appeared the candidate’s platforms were bringing out voters. In advance polls, more than 100 voters cast a ballot.
Returning Officer Ron McCullough said turnout is looking good.
“What we see in terms of numbers in this by-election compared to general elections, so far, it appears we have a good voter turnout,” he said.
Polls are open until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the RM office. Unofficial results are expected shortly after 9:30 p.m.
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