Stanstead Council splits on vote to contribute to Septemberfest

The Stanstead Town Council Monday night voted in a split not to contribute $1,000 to Septemberfest and the celebration of the Stone Circle’s tenth anniversary. Councillors Guy Ouellette and Helene Hamel voted in favour of the contribution while Councillors Deb Bishop, Paul Stuart, Frances Bonenfant, and Josh Richie voted against it. The council had agreed before the event to contribute the $1,000, but did not make it official by voting on a resolution, Mayor Philippe Dutil said. Bishop pointed out at the meeting that Septemberfest is a non-profit organization, but it made a profit this year. Dutil said the town can give the money to other organizations that ask for financing. Dutil said the issue raised a lively discussion in the private work meeting before the open council meeting. See full story in the Thursday, Nov. 7 edition of The Record.