There is an adage in politics that every vote matters and it rang true in the Greencastle Fourth Ward City Council race as challenger Vincent Aguirre knocked off incumbent and Republican Cody Eckert by one vote. 

When the final results came in, Aguirre garnered 134 votes or 50.19 percent of the votes, compared to 49.81 percent or 133 votes for Eckert. 

The tears welling in Aguirre's eyes told the story, as he said he wants Greencastle to change more lives the same way it did his. 

With his win, Aguirre became the lone Democrat elected to city council, something he got emotional talking about.

During the campaign, Aguirre said the major issues surrounding Greencastle centered around housing, as well as a need to revise zoning and cones to align with the community's needs. In addition, he talked about pedestrian safety, effective communication and the establishment of a Public Safety Advisory Board to address drug abuse, mental health, and support for our first responders. 

That message resonated with voters, as Aguirre used social media to post videos to voters daily. 

"I think the difference between my campaign and every other campaign was that constant communication. I knew people in Greencastle felt like they are not being heard, and people were inspired because they felt heard and they helped. Every effort made an impact. The videos are from my heart. They weren't politicking. I didn't say anything I didn't mean and it resonated with enough at least people to get me through on a night where a lot of Republican voters turned out," Aguirre said. 

And, while happy, Aguirre said he appreciated the work Eckert had done as a councilman. 

"Cody and I are friends. This wasn't personal, and he knows that. It just seemed to be my path to run and an effort to make an impact. Cody ran a great campaign and I wouldn't have won without the people who saw my videos and were inspired to support me. That was the difference," Aguirre said.  

Aguirre said he is ready to work for the people of Greencastle and work alongside newly elected Republican Mayor Lynda Dunbar.

"I'm ready to work. Lynda knows I'm ready to work. We talked informally at various events. I think Lynda and I have a lot of things in common. As far as day one goes, holding everyone on that council accountable to continue to vocalize and communicate with people in the ways I have. Clearly, their supporters came out and their supporters are happy with the job they've done, but everyone in Greencastle deserves that constant communication and openness and I think that is the first step to making it a better place to live," Aguirre said.