LOCAL MAYORS REACT TO ELECTION RESULTS
La Compagnie d’édition André Paquette (EAP) gathered reactions from the mayors of the formerly red riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, after its election of Progressive Conservative MPP Amanda Simard. Glengarry-Prescott-Russell has not elected anyone but a Liberal MPP since the creation of the riding in 1996. The district turned blue after electing PC candidate Amanda Simard in last week’s provincial elections.
“It is a good thing that the counties went blue with the province because it will be more favorable for us and we will have better representation in Toronto by having Amanda Simard there,” commented Clarence-Rockland Mayor Guy Desjardins. “But, it all remains to be seen. We have several questions we need answers to. We don't know who the new ministers will be and we don’t know Mr. Ford’s intentions.”
Most local mayors have commented that they are looking forward to meeting with Simard to discuss several issues. Hawkesbury Mayor Jeanne Charlebois wishes to keep the focus on her town’s economic and social development projects. “It’s always a question of infrastructure,” she commented. “I would appreciate more money for our youth [projects] and for public housing.”
The Mayor of Casselman, Conrad Lamadeleine, noted that he was not surprised the conservatives came into power because people wanted change. "With the Liberals, we were very well served,” he commented. So, I hope [Simard] will gain experience fast enough so that it can benefit the taxpayers and that she will focus on issues that will benefit the UCPR and the municipalities.”
Russell Township Mayor Pierre Leroux, on his part, noted that the new provincial government can be a big help with getting the 417 Industrial Park expansion project off the ground for his municipality". "We need provincial and federal support for getting things rolling,” he said.
Robert Kirby, Mayor of East Hawkesbury, hopes for positive results from this election. “I would like to see more flexibility for local government decisions," he said. "We live here and we know what our needs are.” UCPR Warden and Mayor of The Nation, François St-Amour, echoed this position as well. He also highlighted the need for financial support for municipalities from the province. “It is certain that there are grants that we would like to remain in place so as not to do more harm financially,” he said. “A lot of money has been spent in the big cities and I don’t think it’s very fair. They have to do something about it.”
Desjardins reiterated the need for many unanswered questions to be addressed, concerning several different issues, primarily the ongoing Highway 174/County Road 17 discussion. After congratulating Simard on her win the morning after the election, Desjardins has already requested a meeting with the new MPP. He is still awaiting a response.
Mayor Fernand Dicaire, of Alfred-Plantagenet, emphasized that his main priority in office is securing the future of the francophone Collège d’Alfred. “I hope that Amanda will represent us well because it is imperative that francophones stand our ground and, as per usual, we must fight to keep our place,” he commented.
Mayor Gary Barton of Champlain Township was out of town on vacation during the week following the provincial election and, therefore, unavailable for comment. In collaboration with Caroline Prévost and Gregg Chamberlain