«I really do believe I can still be an asset,» said St-Amour, during a Monday, August 15 phone interview.
Up until two months ago, St-Amour had expected that he would seek another term as mayor of The Nation Municipality. Then he began reconsidering his options, and decided at last in June that he would seek to become councillor again for Ward 1.
«I thought about it,» he said, noting personal reasons for his decision not to seek the mayor’s chair again. «But I also do not want to quit my work for the municipality. In The Nation there are going to be some big changes, with the new (ward) seats and everything.»
St-Amour thinks his years of experience on council since he was first elected in 2010, and his involvement in local affairs as mayor for two terms, can help maintain «the corporate memory» on all the issues and needs of the municipality for the benefit of newcomers to the council table after the October election.
For Ward 1, St-Amour noted the priority issues include increasing opportunities for recreation and dealing with infrastructure needs.
«Mostly in Ward 1, it’s roads and services,» he said, «and keeping the taxes as reasonable as possible.»
Candidates list to date
Two sitting members of council have decided to seek the mayor’s seat in October. Francis Brière will give up his Ward 4 seat to other candidates in an attempt to become the new mayor. Challenging him is Marie-Noëlle Lanthier, who represents Ward 1 on the present council.
Competing with St-Amour for the Ward 1 seat now is Tim Stewart. As of August 16 incumbent Alain Mainville is the sole confirmed candidate for Ward 2 as is incumbent Danik Fogues for Ward 3. Newcomer Raymond Lalande has filed his nomination papers for Ward 4.
For the new Ward 5 the contestants so far are Yvan Bercier and Daniel Boisvenue. Marjorie Drolet is the sole declared candidate for the Ward 6 as of press time.
Friday, August 19 is the deadline to file nomination papers for the October 24 municipal election.
