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Grimard elected mayor in Asbestos |
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Newly elected mayor Hughes Grimard says the residents of Asbestos can expect a referendum sometime in the spring on the future of a megadump project that has divided this town of 6,500 for the past two years.
“I promised a referendum and I will keep my promise,” said Grimard after being declared the new mayor by a margin of 140 votes over incumbent Jean-Philippe Bachand. 
PHOTO: STEPHEN MCDOUGALL Hughes Grimard
“When we have the final plans from the promoter, then we will have a referendum a few months later, probably in the spring. That is all I can say for now.”
Grimard, the manager of the local music camp, did not say whether or not he supported the dump project, which would see up to 850,000 tons of waste trucked into the Jeffrey mine from across the province.
The project was supported by Bachand, who argued it would generate revenue for the town and hundreds of local jobs.
But the project is opposed by six neighbouring towns, including Danville, who argue the project will increase area pollution and threaten property values.
Danville mayor Jacques Hemond, who won reelection with 1,037 votes over rivals Charles Noble (208) and Mario Drouin (113), welcomed the election of Grimard.
“I am against this project, but I have always maintained that we are willing to work with any person who represents the town of Asbestos. We must sit down and talk out our differences,” he said.
“I want this problem resolved so that our municipal regional council is not split apart by it.”
Incumbent Danville councillor Francine Labelle-Girard won by 1014 to 393 over rival Julie Nadeau. Jean-Guy Dionne won his seat 860 over 512 votes for rival Denis Groleau. Bernard Laroche won by 894 votes against 508 votes for rival Nathalie Marcotte.
In seat six, businesswoman Lisette Frechette won by 618 versus 554 votes for rival Patrick Dubois and 205 for Michel Bourret.By Stephen McDougall 2009-11-03 |
Montreal Canadiens
