In its first borough council meeting since its altercation with a youth who made the headlines, the mayor of Anjou, Luis Miranda, offered his apologies and encouraged young people to participate in democratic bodies.
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“I want to encourage citizen participation in Angevin democratic life. This of course includes our young people, whom I encourage to take an interest in municipal life, and who have every right to ask questions and express opinions to [élus]“, argued Mr. Miranda Tuesday evening.
He also added that the borough office is open to everyone, and that everyone is welcome to discuss with elected municipal officials.
“I would like to close this unfortunate event, and reiterate that the presence of young people is welcome and even desired on the council,” added Mr. Miranda.
As a reminder, during the October borough council meeting, Hocine Ouendi, a young 15-year-old teenager, spoke to ask Mayor Miranda to reconsider his decision to close the synthetic soccer fields in the city. ‘borough. A measure taken because of acts of “incivility” committed by young people.
The heated exchange that followed subsequently went viral on the web, as Mr. Miranda cavalierly rebuffed Mr. Ouendi.
“I unfortunately got carried away and I made remarks which exceeded my thought. Once again, I would like to express my most sincere apologies to Hocine Ouendi and his mother,” Miranda said on Tuesday evening.
Mr. Ouendi and his family were not present at the borough council.
During the question period dedicated to the public, only an elderly citizen spoke about the events of October, in order to offer her support to Mr. Miranda.
Borough councilor Kristine Marsolais also took a stand in favor of Mr. Miranda, denouncing “a montage out of context” in the media.
Earlier Tuesday, the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ) said it had received a complaint against Mr. Miranda following his altercation with Mr. Ouendi.