It’s official, there will be a race between Gilbert Lefort and Vincent Després to determine who will be the next mayor of Marieville, on October 29.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words? Gilbert Lefort (GL): I am 67 years old and I am a native of Marieville. Retired, I worked for a specialized printing company, notably as manager of the food safety system. I am the father of two daughters and I have grandchildren. I have over 17 years of experience as a municipal councilor.
Vincent Després (VD): I am 39 years old and I am originally from Marieville. I work in the field of finance as a self-employed advisor in investments, personal insurance, group insurance and I hold the title of approved investment manager. I am the father of a boy and two girls. I have no experience in politics, but I have loved it for a very long time.
What are the three main issues for you in Marieville? GL: I was the initiator of the downtown revitalization process, from which we developed three guides. The development is nearing completion. There will remain commercial development and marketing (animation, communication and promotion). The overhaul of our urban plan, dating from 2005, must also be updated. The adoption and then continuation of the 2021 strategic plan is also an objective.
VD: Managing public finances soundly, protecting our infrastructure before building more and protecting our green spaces and agricultural land for future generations are my three main challenges. I would add to be proud of our city.
How can you help improve Marieville? GL: Since my adolescence I have worked to improve the conditions of the community. People know me.
VD: I want to bring my financial expertise to the table in terms of management and getting value for money. I have been involved in minor league baseball for the past few years. I put together a plan with solutions to improve the baseball parks in Marieville.
If you become mayor, what will be your priority? The first folder you open? GL: The development work on rue du Pont. They will be definitively finished this fall. It will now be necessary to apply commercial development in the city center. We want to attract businesses to the city center and for the population to make it their own. It is the backbone of the community.
VD: I will take note of the current files to ensure they are implemented in the right way. I hear my fellow citizens talking about arenas, baseball parks and the new development downtown. I am not angry with the current council, but I will arrive with a new vision, my expertise and more youth on the council.
How do you view Marieville currently? GL: We’re off to a good start. It took time, the revitalization process, for several reasons. This was slowed down by the arrival of new general management and the pandemic.
VD: We are a rather young city, which has grown a lot in recent years. I have always said that Marieville is a good city to live in, because we are close to everything. We have access to our facilities, but also to major centers.
How do you see Marieville in the future? GL: I am extremely optimistic for the future. Our strategic plan provides us with all the tools necessary for long-term development. Our municipal actions and achievements are long-term. Because of government guidelines in land use planning, we will no longer be able to develop agricultural land by rezoning. We are forced to do redevelopment. We will be able to harmonize our methods to comply with these guidelines.
VD: The Marieville of the future, I see it focused on young people and allowing them to flourish. We want our young people to want to live there and stay there as adults. We want to be proud. We want everyone to flourish and have fun in the community.
Why should people vote for you? GL: I am the most experienced on the municipal council. I have excellent knowledge of municipal files and their history. Through my experience, I represent a value that is safe and effective as a spokesperson for the council. I will be a credible representative at the tables of the mayors of the MRC of Rouville.
VD: People would vote for me because of my dynamism and my authenticity. I am someone of challenges and projects. When I take charge of something, I’m not afraid and it comes to fruition. I am also very structured. I invite people to vote for me.
What kind of election campaign can we expect? GL: It’s definitely a grassroots campaign. Several weeks ago, I started going door to door to meet residents. I like it, it’s my strength. I take this opportunity to inform people about municipal issues. Often, people criticize but have not followed and do not know the development of the files.
VD: I said I wouldn’t go door to door. I’m going to let people discover me through several short video clips that will be made over the next few weeks. We will make an insert to send by mail. Having lived in my hometown for 39 years, many people know me and how I work, how involved I am.
New municipal councilor
As part of these by-elections, Véronique Côté and Geneviève Huneault submitted their candidacy to become municipal councilors in the sixth district of Marieville.
The vote will be held on October 29, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Monseigneur-Euclide-Théberge secondary school in Marieville. An advance vote will take place on October 22, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the same location.
Gilbert Lefort is retired. He worked for a specialized printing company, notably as manager of the food safety system. (Photo: archives) Vincent Després works in the field of finance as a self-employed advisor in investments, personal insurance, group insurance and he holds the title of approved investment manager. (Photo: courtesy)
2023-10-02 17:04:27
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