Jean-Marc Lalonde won’t be running for mayor in Clarence-Rockland

Despite his love for municipal politics, veteran Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Jean-Marc Lalonde won't be seeking the mayoralty in Clarence-Rockland this October.

During a press conference at the Clarence-Rockland Recreational and Cultural Centre on Thursday, August 12, Lalonde told a small group of supporters and media that it took a while for him to come to a decision about his political future.

"It's been in the media that I was considering running for the position of mayor of Clarence-Rockland," Lalonde stated. "I consulted with numerous colleagues, even the Prime Minister himself, my family and many supporters and friends. It's time to let everyone know what I have decided. I have received so many phone calls from people wanting to know my plans and today is the day to reveal those plans."

Prior to his election as MPP for the riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Lalonde served in municipal government for 25 years, including 15 years as mayor of the Town of Rockland.

He was elected MPP for the riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell for the first time in 1995. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

"I am one of the longest serving MPPs, with 15 years in the same position," Lalonde stated. "I consider that to be quite an amazing accomplishment. It shows the people I serve have great faith in me and what I am doing for our region."

Prior to the press conference, incumbent Clarence-Rockland Mayor Richard Lalonde, who is Jean-Marc's brother, said even he didn't know what Jean-Marc was planning to do.

"It will be a surprise for me too," he commented. "I know a lot of people have been commenting about us running against each other, which is ridiculous. We both agreed we wouldn't run against one another for mayor."

The MPP used personalized license plates - one reading 'maire' the other 'député' - to illustrate his decision. Both plates were mounted to the podium and Lalonde pointed to the député plate to indicate that's where he would remain.

"I am going to stay right here," he stated. "I am going to finish off my term as MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. I have 14 months left."

Lalonde said there are numerous projects he would like to see completed during what may be his last term in office.

"Right now, the expansion of County Road 17/174 is my number one priority," he commented. "We also have the International Plowing Match (IPM) coming to our region in 2011 and that is going to be a massive event for all of us. In Hawkesbury, the CIP lagoon project needs to be completed and of course, there is always economic development. There is a lot of work being done and a lot of work that needs to be done."

When asked if he plans to seek another term as MPP, Lalonde simply smiled and said he would have to wait and see.

"I've got 14 months left to decide," he remarked.

Richard Lalonde said he now has to focus on his plans for the future and decide whether or not he plans to run for mayor.

"I guess I have to make a decision now, too," he said.