North Glengarry mayor squeaks by to win provincial Liberal nod

North Glengarry Mayor Grant Crack has another title to add to his political résumé, following a nomination meeting for the provincial Liberal Party last Wednesday, August 10.

Crack was selected by local members of the Liberal Party Association to be their next candidate for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell for the provincial election in October.

More than 500 votes were cast at the nomination meeting, held at the St-Isidore Recreation Centre, where Crack faced two other challengers for the post: Casselman Mayor Claude Levac and former Cambridge Township reeve Gerry Bertrand.

The riding's current MPP, Jean-Marc Lalonde, said that Crack received about 53 per cent of the vote. He needed 50 per cent plus one vote in order to secure the win.

"It was satisfying," Crack told The Review last Thursday. "It was a lot of hard work and pressure and the hard work paid off. I really look forward to working with everyone and, as I said in my speech last night, to maintain this riding as a Liberal one."

The mayor said his current agenda is to meet with members of the Liberal Party Association as well as other municipal mayors in the riding, to learn their priorities.

"I'll be working on their behalf," he said, noting his experience as a mayor would be an advantage if he was elected. "They realize I understand municipal issues and it would be an asset to them."

Crack said he also plans to spend time with Lalonde or represent him at various announcements leading up to the election. He will continue his duties as mayor in the interim, but will take a leave of absence as of September 7 - when the writ drops with 30 days left in the campaign.

North Glengarry's chief administrative officer, Daniel Gagnon, explained that the decision to appoint a new mayor or hold a by-election for the post rests with council.

"The Municipal Act states that council has the choice to appoint a member of council, a member of the public, or call a by-election," he told The Review.

If a member of council is appointed to replace Crack, in the event of his victory on October 6, then a by-election could be called to replace that councillor's post.

MPP Lalonde said he was pleased with Crack's victory, noting the mayor's opening speech "probably made the difference" in the voting outcome, as all the candidates were aware of the major priorities and projects in the region.

"He had the most experience of the three candidates," Lalonde added. "It's very important, because when you become an MPP, the majority of issues you discuss are municipal ones."

Crack will face Progressive Conservative candidate Marilissa Gosselin and New Democratic Party hopeful Bonnie Jean-Louis, both of whom are also running for the provincial deputy post for the first time.