Casselman is struggling internally to keep residents engaged and make it’s council meetings and significant events accessible for people who cannot be physically present, according to Mayor Geneviève Lajoie, who is kicking of a new initiative to engage residents.
Due to a lack of registration, on July 24 Lajoie canceled a public meeting related to an Integrity Commissioner’s report admonishing the mayor for how a council meeting had been conducted. The meeting would have been an opportunity for residents to talk to the mayor about the report, learn what is being done as corrective measures, and offer suggestions.
“I think people just weren’t upset about it. I don’t think it was that big of a deal as I felt it was to other people, which could be considered a good thing, because it’s not controversy. That’s the last thing I want to do,” said the Mayor.
She said there are on average five residents who are present for Council meetings, saying it’s “better than zero.”
However, the problem is not the residents, says Lajoie. She believes there is “no political backing” when it comes to petitions organized by residents “they don’t go far.” Lajoie hopes she can work to “regain the public’s trust in democracy,” and in elected officials to carry out the will of voters.
Mayor Lajoie promises she is working hard to show residents she is “different” than previous mayors.
“People have to make the leap of faith and choose to work with democracy again.”
When asked how the municipality can help people take that leap of faith, Lajoie said that Council could be working with her by helping support some of the initiatives and engage with her.
“Right now, it’s been a lot of radio silence, and despite my numerous attempts at trying to collaborate with council, it’s been very difficult.”
She encourages residents to contact their councillors for help with projects and petitions.
Councillor Francine Leblanc said she has always been involved in community economic development since the start of her political career in 2006.
“I have always worked directly with the citizens of Casselman,” said Councillor Leblanc. “I hope that as a councillor, I am responding well to my involvement and that of the citizens of Casselman.”
Councillor Paul Groulx believes that since people are busier than ever, it’s important that councillors and politicians support and be present for organizations within the community like the Club Optimiste de Casselman, the Club Richelieu, and the Cadets 2804, among many more.
When it comes to residents staying up to date, Councillor Groulx said that they can stay informed through word of mouth, but with the new website and the Bciti+ application, it’s easier to get information from the municipality.
Voices of Casselman initiative
Mayor Lajoie recently announced a new initiative Voices of Casselman, a series of community gatherings designed to bring residents together. Each session has a different topic in which participants can share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on a variety of topics. The initiative will take place at the Casselman Town Hall starting Wednesday, September 11, and continuing every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. until April 2, 2025.
“I’m pushing through this negativity, and we’re going to get out on the other side even stronger than before,” said Lajoie. “It’s trying to find common ground. So basically, it’s just through perseverance, never giving up, and these little civic meetings that I want to have, I’m going to engage different groups.”
