Candidates come forward in The Nation, Russell

With the municipal election just around the corner, candidates are racing to make sure their names are on the ballot.

As of September 7, a small list of candidates had officially handed in nomination papers in The Nation.

Since veteran mayor Denis Pommainville recently announced his retirement from municipal politics, former Ward 1 councillor Francois St-Amour put his name forward for the position, after serving as a councillor for seven years.

To date, St-Amour is the only official candidate for mayor.

St-Amour was born and raised in the small community of Fournier and his parents, Henri and Aline, owned and operated the general store in the village.

"My father took over the business from his father, the same way my brother, Jean, did from our father," he stated. "My heart is in this community."

He said he feels "blessed" to have grown up in Fournier, where both French and English languages have co-existed peacefully for years and years.

"As mayor I will encourage the use of both languages," he commented. "This municipality has always been and will remain a fully functional bilingual environment."

St-Amour started to work for Xerox Canada in May 1974 as a technician in Ottawa and the region.

He said he wants to run for mayor because "I'm in good health and have lots of energy" and said he wants to continue the "excellent work" Pommainville and councillors have carried out.

"I am very passionate about this municipality and I want to keep building on the work we've already done," he remarked. "You don't ever hear much about us in the news and I think that's a good thing. It means we're on the right track and we're doing good things."

St-Amour said one of his top priorities is ensuring The Nation's rich agricultural community remains strong and viable.

He also said council will have to work hard to bring a stable water supply to Limoges, which is experiencing a "phenomenal" amount of development.

Raymond Lalande, a resident of Plantagenet with 24 years experience in the Canadian Armed Forces, has put his name for the position of Ward 1 councillor. His three main objectives are ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, economic development and communication between elected officials and citizens.

Incumbent Ward 2 councillor Marcel Legault is the only one vying for this position at the moment, while newcomer Jeannine Forgues is running for Ward 3 councillor.

Incumbent Ward 4 councillors Richard Legault is being challenged by newcomer Jean Claude Lacombe for his position.

In Russell Township, incumbent mayor Ken Hill is seeking re-election and is being challenged by two former councillors, Lorraine Dicaire and Jean-Paul St-Pierre, for the position.

Incumbent councillors Jamie Laurin and Donald St-Pierre are being challenged by Eric Bazinet, Jean-Serge Brisson, Jim Cooper, Craig Cullen, Pierre Leroux and Raymond St-Pierre.

Nominations closed on Friday, September 10.