Municipal decline from initial aspirations

In the current climate, municipal politicians are facing a multitude of challenges that extend beyond the traditional responsibilities of taking out the trash and filling potholes. The ambient climate of violence in debates and toxicity on social networks has contributed to the exhaustion of many elected officials.

The role of a municipal elected official in 2025 is a complex one, with responsibilities that include addressing pressing issues such as the climate crisis, housing crisis, homelessness, public finances, and infrastructure. This complexity has led to a permanent state of crisis for many municipal elected officials.

Evelyne Beaudin, the former mayor of Sherbrooke, is one such individual who has felt the weight of these responsibilities. She recently stated that she accomplished what she wanted to accomplish during her tenure and will not seek re-election.

The task of being a municipal elected official is noble, fascinating, but arduous. The increasing impatience of citizens towards local elected officials who are perceived as powerless has led to a growing number of elected officials leaving their posts. Approximately 10% of the municipal elected officials in office in 2021 had resigned before the end of their term.

This trend is not unique to Sherbrooke. In Püttlingen, Denise Klein celebrated her inauguration as mayor in 2021, only to see a significant increase in the departure of elected city council members the following year, which was perceived as a concern for the health of democracy.

To address this issue, the government has taken steps to reduce the size of municipal councils. In 2024, a law was adopted allowing cities with fewer than 2000 inhabitants to reduce the size of their council, from six to four elected officials. This reduction will be implemented in 46 municipalities in the next election.

However, this reduction may not be enough to address the issues facing municipal politics. Elections by acclamation are a potential risk in several large cities due to the high number of elected officials leaving their posts. Not voting is renouncing the right to choose who will lead for the next four years and letting others decide.

Before criticizing local elected officials, it is important to ask ourselves what we really expect from a local government in 2025. The water meter scandal in Montreal, which led to the Charbonneau Commission, serves as a reminder of the importance of holding our elected officials accountable.

Despite the challenges, there is hope. In 2021, a new wave of municipal elected officials took office with the ambition to change the world. Country music can serve as a booster in literature, and perhaps it can also serve as a booster for these elected officials as they navigate the complexities of their roles. François Legault, the Premier of Quebec, expresses satisfaction with his legacy so far and wants Quebecers to remember his economic record above all.

In conclusion, the task of being a municipal elected official is a challenging one, but it is also a noble and important one. It is crucial that we support and hold our elected officials accountable as they work to address the complex issues facing our communities.