Robert Lefebvre elected mayor of Hawkesbury

Voters in Hawkesbury made their preferences well-known on Monday, October 24, selecting Robert Lefebvre as the town’s new mayor by a wide margin over incumbent Paula Assaly.

Lefebvre has served as a municipal councillor since 2018 and is a retired Clerk-Treasurer for Champlain Township. Lefebvre received 2,468 votes, defeating Assaly who finished with 896 votes.

Citizens, candidates, and their supporters gathered in the community room at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex for the announcement of the election results.

Lefebvre said he chose to run a positive campaign from the very start and commented on how overall, the entire campaign was fair and honest. He said he chose not to focus on the difficulties the council has encountered during the past four years.

“It’s in the past,” Lefebvre remarked.

The mayor-elect said voters he spoke with commented often about the need for the image of Hawkesbury to change.

“It doesn’t take long to change an image,” said Lefebvre. “There’s a lot of good things here.”

Assaly crossed the room to congratulate Lefebvre on his win. The former mayor was disappointed with the outcome of the election but is thankful she had the opportunity to serve the community.

“I must say I’m saddened by the results, but I had the privilege to help many citizens,” Assaly said, adding it is now time to look ahead. “I have to turn the page.”

There were 11 candidates for six seats on Hawkesbury council. The six candidates who received the most votes were elected.

Former mayor Jeanne Charlebois, who was defeated by Assaly in the 2018 election, will be returning as one of those councillors. Charlebois received 1,930 votes, the highest number of any candidate. Julie Séguin, a newcomer to municipal politics, was next in line with a total of 1,878 votes.

Incumbent Councillor Yves Paquette was re-elected with 1,715 votes, and incumbent Raymond Campbell will return for another term after receiving 1,682 votes. The fifth-highest number of votes went to incumbent Antonios (Tony) Tsourounakis who was re-elected with 1,662 votes, followed by incumbent André “Cham” Chamaillard who was re-elected with 1,557 votes.

Among the candidates for council not elected in Hawkesbury, Marie Valérie received 1,526 votes, followed by Yvon Cayen with 1,296 votes. Incumbent Councillor Lawrence Bogue received 1,280 votes and was defeated. Candidate Simon Guindon finished with 1,263 votes, followed by 650 votes for Gérard Malo.

Lefebvre’s answer was emphatic when asked if he thinks the new council can work as a team.

“Absolutely! I don’t see why not!” he exclaimed.

“We’re all residents of the town, who have a lot of commitment to the town,” said Lefebvre.

Along with issues such as the shortage of housing in Hawkesbury, good communication and positivity is a major priority for Lefebvre as mayor.

“When people are well informed, there are positive questions and not negative questions,” Lefebvre said.