John Fenik is a dedicated public servant, educator, and creative mind with a career spanning more than four decades. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University and a Child Care Worker diploma from Algonquin College. John has been deeply involved in social services, serving as a child protection worker for Children and Family Services of Lanark County and as a special services counsellor with the Upper Canada District School Board. His commitment to supporting families and youth has shaped much of his career, including a role as an instructor at Algonquin College.
John has also had a long and distinguished political career, serving as mayor of Perth from 2006 to 2022 and as a Lanark County councillor for nearly 20 years. He was the warden of Lanark County for three terms. John’s leadership extends beyond politics as he actively contributed to community boards, including the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, the Perth Police Service Board, and as chair of the Lanark County Housing Corporation. His dedication to public service earned him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
In addition to public service, John is a talented author and filmmaker. He has written several books, including Seducing the Vote and A Hitchhiker’s Guide for Municipal Politicians, and has self-published screenplays such as The Test and The Thirty Fifth Amendment. His films, including Chief Standing Tall and The Audition, showcase his talent for telling compelling stories through both experimental and narrative filmmaking. In 2023, he became the owner and publisher of the long-standing community newspaper, The Westport Review Mirror.
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, creative expression, and leadership. Whether improving the lives of families through social services, guiding his community as mayor, or exploring storytelling through film and writing, he has made significant contributions. His passion for serving others and engaging in creative pursuits continues to define his legacy.