Saint Lazare candidate Hugo Castonguay turned 18 on Thursday. He’s hoping to become the youngest town councillor if elected in the Sept. 25 District 4 by-election. Castonguay is one of six candidates running to represent the riding. (Photo Kristina Edson)
Candidates ready in contentious race
Voters in Saint Lazare’s District 4 will head to the polls on Sept. 25 in what is shaping up to be a contentious by-election race that includes a slate of six candidates: Marc-André Esculier, Paul Lavigne, Michel Lambert, Alvaro Martinez, Hugo Castonguay and Martin Couture.
The district, which includes a large portion of the downtown core as well as many residential homes, has not been officially represented since sitting councillor Denis Briard resigned in June for undisclosed reasons.
Hugo Castonguay
If elected, Hugo Castonguay, who turned 18 on Thursday, will be the youngest councillor to serve in Saint Lazare. The Vanier College architecture student who is a member of the Quebec Liberal Party youth wing, said he wants to be the voice for youths in the town. “Every time I get the chance to get involved, whether in high school, or CEGEP, or now, I take it,” he said. He feels Saint Lazare needs to improve the perception that it is spending too much money. “We can’t do anything about what’s been spent and the town hall dossier has been approved, but when another big project comes up I will be the first to oppose it,” he said. Another priority for the district will be dealing with the sewer system. “For sure it needs to be repaired. It’s backing up water in houses so it’s very important that it be fixed.” Castonguay is confident he can make the time to balance school and his council duties if he’s elected. “I looked at my school schedule and I can definitely do it,” he said.
Michel Lambert
Michel Lambert, a former town councillor who represented District 4 for one term from 2009-2013, and who resigned to run for mayor in 2013, feels his expertise is needed at city hall. “I think they are spending too much money. I have the experience. It’s just a one year mandate and you can’t do much in that time if you don’t have experience,” he said. Lambert noted that the first order of business following Sunday’s by-election will be drafting the budget. “You have to know the dossiers and how it works to make a difference,” he said.
Paul Lavigne
According to his Linkedin page, Paul Lavigne, an aviation safety and quality management system consultant, is also a member of Saint Lazare’s Urban Development Consultative Committee. The committee’s job is to guide council regarding the acceptance, modification or rejection of submitted projects. In his profile, Lavigne said his duties include working with a team of eight to review projects while taking into account city and provincial by-laws and general urban development objectives.
Martin Couture
Martin Couture, a father of two daughters who has lived in Saint Lazare since 2002, started his own accounting business in 2009. He is also the current president of the Saint Lazare Business Association and has been involved in other town associations in the past. Couture, who says he’ll bring sound financial experience to the council, feels Saint Lazare needs to focus on expanding its bicycle paths, especially in areas traveled by school kids. Another cornerstone of his mandate will include highlighting the need to beautify the business core. “We need to develop a city centre. The (au Galop Festival) ties up the arteries and results in sale losses for businesses. It’s not beneficial business wise.”
Alvaro Martinez
Alvaro Martinez, owner of local restaurant Anis et Marjolaine, said the time was right to get involved in the community. “I think the important issue is to give Saint Lazare some kind of soul. We have to put the accent on making (downtown) a walkable venue. People who live here get into their home and find refuge. There is no social life here,” he said. Martinez would like the town to develop a ride sharing system for seniors and youths, and to see outdoor exercise equipment for adults, similar to that found at Rigaud’s Parc Chartier-De Lotbinière, installed in Saint Lazare. Only District 4 voters can cast ballots on Sunday Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Voting will be held at the Saint Lazare Community Centre, 1301 rue du Bois. Close to 175 people voted in the Sept. 17 advance poll. According to the Director General of Elections in Quebec, the next municipal general elections will take place on November 5, 2017.
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