There was a time when the mayor of Montreal defined herself as such, in order to seduce the electorate to rush Denis Coderre to one of his many political retirements.
Yet here we find ourselves, seven years later, in a city that was once a beacon of diversity, culture and progress. Unfortunately, it has become imperative to raise a question that weighs heavily on Montrealers: the constant degradation of Montreal since Valérie Plante and Projet Montréal took office as town hall.
Today we see harmful changes that have taken place under this administration. Our once clean and welcoming streets are now littered with trash and neglect. Infrastructure repair work has been neglected, leaving our streets in a deplorable state and endangering the safety of citizens. Parks and green spaces, once jewels of our city, are now poorly maintained and unsafe, depriving families of a place to relax and play.
Degradation
The current administration’s lack of vision and leadership is also reflected in the deterioration of the local economy. Neighborhood businesses are struggling to survive in an environment where taxes and regulations have become oppressive. Major development projects are blocked or delayed by excessive bureaucracy, harming economic growth and job creation that Montreal desperately needs.
Worse still, the city has faced growing social problems under this administration. Homelessness is on the rise, with vulnerable people left behind on the streets without shelter or adequate support. Public safety has become a major concern, with an alarming increase in crime in many neighborhoods. Social and mental health services are overburdened, unable to meet the growing needs of the population.
So, it is more than necessary for Montrealers to hold municipal leaders accountable, particularly those of Projet Montréal. The latter often proceed through dogmatism which manifests itself in a political approach that is often rigid and inflexible and which does not take into account realities or divergent opinions.
Citizens deserve better than this descent into hell that we have been experiencing in recent years. Citizens are demanding an administration that puts them first, an administration that will act with integrity, transparency and accountability.
Correct the trajectory
To win a third mandate, Valérie Plante and Projet Montréal will have to listen to the legitimate concerns of the population and take immediate measures to correct Montreal’s current trajectory. This includes a strong commitment to cleaning our streets, repairing our infrastructure and supporting our local businesses.
This requires strong leadership, a commitment to excellence and a willingness to work for the common good, regardless of political allegiances.
It is clear that the time has come to restore the greatness of Montreal and that after almost two mandates, Valérie Plante is no longer the man for the job.
Photo provided by Pierre Mc Nicoll
Pierre McNicoll, Legal Affairs Coordinator, Resident of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve