Ugo Giguère - Le Guide - 6 November 2017
Translated by David James - Sutton Scene - 6 November 2017
Michel Lafrance becomes the new Mayor of Sutton. Citizens have sent a clear message to the Sutton Alliance that the last four years of management have not pleased them. All the outgoing elected officials were shown the door.
Like the leaves in the bucolic landscape of Sutton in the fall, the entire city council fell on this November 5th election night. Michel Lafrance now occupies the mayor's seat thanks to a brilliant victory with 56% of the votes against 42% for outgoing Mayor Louis Dandenault.
He will have at his side at the council table, six new councillors, all independent: Daniel Martin, Diane Duchesne, Patricia Lefevre, Rosanne Cohen, Lynda Graham and André Forest.
At the time of the arrival of Le Guide to the village of Sutton, Sunday evening, Michel Lafrance and all his supporters were already celebrating at the microbrewery just in front of the town hall.
While the official results were not to be released until 22:30, the team of the new mayor had already confirmed his victory. "This is a real sweep," welcomed the new chief magistrate through the noisy party atmosphere.
Once at the City Hall, the newly elected mayor have three reasons to be happy. "First, because citizens have come out in large numbers to defend their democracy. Secondly, because we had a hybrid model where we were all independent, but with a common thread and that was public consultation. Finally, because it's a passion. We do not do this for our own interest, but rather for the people of Sutton, " explained Michel Lafrance.
For his part, Louis Dandenault briefly visited the town hall. Without rancor, he congratulated his opponent and offered him his collaboration for the transition. In an interview, the defeated mayor expressed surprise that the entire council was swept away.
"People have decided and the people are always right. They did not like our choices and they wanted change, "he said adding that he did not intend to play the mother-in-law. "The most important thing is that the town of Sutton continues to move forward and it's up to the new council to move forward," he added, congratulating the newly elected officials.
Town hall
Louis Dandenault / Alliance Sutton / Leaving 42%
Michel Lafrance / Independent 56%
