Teulon’s byelection set for March 6 has two candidates in the running for the council seat.
Former mayor of Teulon, Bert Campbell, and entrepreneur Glenn Kletke are running for the position vacated by Ted Hodgkinson, who passed away earlier this year.
Bert Campbell has been a resident of Teulon virtually all his life.
He has been involved in the trucking industry for 55 years but recently retired from long haul trucking in November of 2022.
In 1998 Campbell became a councillor for the Town of Teulon and in 2002 he was elected Mayor and continued untill the fall of 2018.
Campbell is no stranger to the goings on in the community. Over the years he has been involved with the Veselka Ukrainian Dance, hockey, ringette and has co-chaired the Teulon International Truck and Tractor Pull for over 40 years.
While on council for 20 years, Campbell experienced a lot of growth from the purchase and expansion of Crescent Creek Park to attracting Vidir Machine to town and to assisting Feather Industries to get Northern Goose up and running once again.
“Many homes were built thanks in part to a building incentive we established,” said Campbell.
There are a number of concerns that he would like to address if he is elected as councillor.
“I feel some of the concerns in Town are the lack of any sidewalks in the North East part of Town. Also the lack of RCMP presence in town. I know the fact that the office closed here is something out of local control but a little more presence of officers on patrol would be a good thing,” said Campbell.
“Our health services took a big hit back in 2012 to 2015. We formed a Health Sustainability Committee in 2015 and with the cooperation of the IERHA and the Teulon Medical Clinic, a Primary Care Clinic was established. This clinic is being used as a model for the establishment of similar clinics in a number of communities to date. We believe it has made living in Teulon a lot more comfortable for many of our Residents.”
Campbell is also concerned that business establishments in Teulon have become quite static in the last few years.
“I would have to do some serious lobbying to get a few restaurants in town but more so to encourage other businesses to move to town and to provide employment for some residents right here in Teulon.”
Recreation is vital to any small town and should be encouraged along with assisted living.
My plan is to work hard for the people of Teulon as I did for 20 years I was in office.
Glenn Kletke has lived in the Teulon area for 61 years and graduated from Teulon Collegiate before attending Red River College. His working career played out just a few short miles south of town. As an entrepreneur, he grew and expanded the successful family business, Kletke Seed Farm. He was nominated in 2017 as a finalist in the Western Canada EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, which seeks ambitious entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all.
Kletke doesn’t look as work as work, but looks at it as daily challenges to overcome and believes anything is possible with a good team of employees.
Kletke has since sold the family business, moved into town and is now ready for life’s new challenges.
“I’m not ready to retire just yet. If elected for council I will make it my new mission,” said Kletke.
Kletke has been out knocking on doors in the community, re introducing himself and finding out what the community is looking for in a councillor.
“What I am hearing from the community is: that activities for children are important, somewhere they can play and be safe; taxes vs services; more usage of Teulon’s amenities; aging citizens would like walkways improved; list of current activities/ functions available, things like pickle ball in elementary school; public opinion is our town is stagnant and needs progress.”
Kletke feels these issues will be a team effort, and if elected will help prioritize and complete one task, then move on to the next from start to finish.
“I’m willing to join the current council team and bring my life experience to the table. I will work hard to show the people that yes we are approachable and willing to take the time to listen with the intent to make the changes that people are asking for, and that starts by being a voice and showing results.”
If Kletke is elected he will listen and understand what council has in motion already, what goals they have set and determine how he can bring value to the business model.
“It’s been great taking the time to talk to the residents of Teulon again. I have heard what you have said, now come election day, let’s see if you want this workaholic, to work for you,” said Kletke.
Voting will take place March 6 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre, 14 Main St., Teulon. Government-issued photo ID may be required.
Advance voting for those who qualify to vote but have reason to believe they will be absent can vote on Feb. 24 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Teulon Civic Centre, 44 Fourth Ave. SE.
A mobile voting station for those who reside in a health care facility, and are qualified to vote, will be able to vote at the Teulon-Hunter Memorial Hospital on March 6 between 10 a.m. and noon or Goodwin Lodge from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sealed ballots are available for a voter who is unable to go in person on voting day or in advance. Apply to the Town of Teulon for a sealed vote between Feb. 6 and March 1.
