LETTER

Josée Lacasse should step down

 

In response to the Bulletin article by Laurent Robillard-Cardinal, "Malgré des critiques dans les médias Josée Lacasse ne démissionnera pas du conseil municipal":

A vibrant and healthy democracy requires qualified and trusted citizens to be engaged in its public institutions at all levels of government.  The people of Aylmer should be grateful that we have so many citizens who are qualified and ready to serve.  During the last municipal election, the people of Aylmer voted for Councillor Josée Lacasse and she has done well representing the people of Aylmer. She should be thanked for her public service and her persistence in the face of adversity recognized as a quality we value.   

However, her recent failure to obtain legally required permits to renovate her home and other troubles, unnecessarily strains the fragile trust between citizens and their elected officials at a time in Quebec's history when trust is low. Separate standards for adherence to laws and regulations cannot exists between elected officials and the people they serve. Though her determination to persist to the end of her mandate is admirable, Ms Lacasse should recognize the importance of maintaining strong public trust in our city government and the reputation of Aylmer by stepping down from her current position and attending to the issues that have lead to her current troubles.  Such a move would be a strong signal to the people of Aylmer that she is serious about the best interests of Aylmer and would put her in strong standing for future elected offices.

Antoine D. Terrar
Aylmer