As the Nov. 1 election date nears, Sherbrooke’s five candidates for mayor are hard at work putting the finishing touches on their respective campaigns. In the last few weeks, all of the candidates have been attempting to court the Anglophone vote in an effort to differentiate themselves from one another.

 

François Godbout is stressing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the city and the people of Lennoxville – the largest Anglophone community in the city. Earlier this month at a press conference at the Uplands Culture and Heritage Centre, Godbout used the urbanism plan as an example of poor communication. “Downtown Lennoxville is at the heart of this borough, so we have to secure that area and improve the infrastructures there,” he said at the press conference. “The City of Sherbrooke presented an urbanism project in 2007. Some of the actions that were planned do not seem to correspond to the concerns of residents (in Lennoxville) so we need to review those priorities and act without delay.”
Throughout his campaign, Godbout has mentioned his strong ties with Lennoxville; citing his close friendships with many of its residents and describing the borough as having a “New-England town”-feel to it.
On Tuesday, Hélène Gravel held a press conference in front of city hall with a number of her supporters. Among them was Heather Bowman, former president of the Townshipper’s Association. “Whether we are red or blue, francophone or anglophone, newcomers, dignitaries, business women or men, or citizens, Hélène Gravel is the only candidate who was able to convince us of her desire and her ability to work in collaboration with everyone,” she said in a press release.
For their part, the Townshippers’ Association has taken a non-partisan stance regarding the election. “We do not support one candidate over another,” said Rachel Garber executive director of Townshippers’. “We do believe strongly in citizen participation, whether that be through becoming a candidate or going out to vote. Heather (Bowman) was speaking on her own behalf.”
In a press release last week, Bernard Sevigny – head of the municipal party Renouveau Sherbrookois – announced his intent to support and promote the Anglophone community, while respecting the “majority culture of Quebec.”
If elected, Sevigny plans to create a city fund that would support anglophone cultural organizations. Among those supporting and consulting with the Renouveau Sherbrookois chief is Étienne Vezina, the current press liaison for France Bonsant, the Bloc Quebecois MP for Compton-Stanstead.
“Anglo-Saxon culture is an integral part of our heritage and it is one of the strengths that will position us internationally,” said Sevigny in the press release. “We need to build on our strengths, and the borough of Lennoxville is a major one for our city.”Denis Pellerin, for his part, does not see language as a major issue. “Lennoxville has a lot of anglophones compared to other boroughs,” said Pellerin in an interview with The Record, noting that his girlfriend is Anglophone. “Being English doesn’t make you any different, it just means you speak a different language (…) It just means (you) have a unique need, just like all people.”
While much attention has been focused on the English-speaking community on the eve of the election, time will tell if the heightened awareness of the community will translate into concrete action or if it is simply campaign fodder attempting to garner the anglophone vote. 

By Doug McCooeye

2009-10-29