Hawkesbury councillors received some unusual mail from an anonymous source during the past week.

They received letters indicating they had not done anything productive during the past four years with a children’s painting or puzzle page enclosed suggesting they complete the activity as a way of keeping busy.

Councillor Jeanne Charlebois said she gave the letter and attached puzzle very little attention. She said while it is a type of intimidation, she was not going to let it get to her.

“You can’t be intimidated by this kind of stuff,” Charlebois said.

She said while this kind of behaviour could deter some people from wanting to be candidates in the 2026 municipal election, it is not the sort of thing that should discourage good candidates from running, nor should it affect the ultimate outcome of the election.

On Monday, July 20, Councillor Julie Séguin issued an open letter about the current public mood involving Hawkesbury politics and referred to the anonymous letter she received accusing her of doing nothing during the past four years. A painting page was enclosed with the letter. Séguin is already a registered candidate for Mayor in the 2026 municipal election.

“I certainly do not condone that kind of behavior. I nevertheless chose to make it public, not to seek sympathy, but because I believe it is important to speak openly about these realities” Séguin wrote.

She said her professional experience has taught her to maintain perspective in situations like these and to distinguish between political pressure and genuine harassment. Séguin has worked for Members of Parliament in Ottawa for nearly 20 years and also was the federal Conservative candidate in Prescott-Russell-Cumberland in the 2025 election.

“For my part, I viewed this incident more as an expression of political frustration than as an attempt to intimidate me,” Séguin said.

However, she noted that an expression of frustration such as what she and her colleagues received is not acceptable. She said it is an opportunity to reflect upon where that frustration is coming from. Her solution is to improve dialogue between council and municipal staff with citizens.

“When meaningful dialogue is absent, when public question periods no longer exist, and when citizens and community organizations rarely receive follow-up after approaching Council, frustration can build and eventually find other ways to express itself,” wrote Séguin.

Councillor Tony Tsourounakis said he opened the anonymous letter and painting page with his family present. He said he was not scared once he discovered the sender’s intent, but “there was a bit of a chill,” among the gathered family members.

Tsourounakis said he understands people are frustrated and want a faster rate of change achieved by municipal government.

“I want things to get better, faster as well,” he said.

However, Tsourounakis said government and politics do not operate quickly. He said he would rather meet with residents and discuss their concerns than them doing things like sending anonymous letters and colouring pages.

Tsourounakis decided to complete the painting page he received with the anonymous letter and placed it in the display case inside the entrance of his business, the Deja-vu Resto-Bar on Main Street East.

“I wanted to turn it into something positive,” he said.

Tsourounakis said mail like he and his council colleagues received could deter some people from wanting to run in this October’s election, but it is not deterring him. He has not yet submitted his nomination documents but is planning to before the August 21 deadline.

“I’ve decided to run again,” Tsourounakis said.

Councillor Yves Paquette, who is not seeking re-election this year, also received an anonymous letter with a puzzle page enclosed. The letter said he has accomplished nothing and thanked him for not running again after serving three terms.  Paquette responded on social media that behaviour like sending anonymous letters discourage good candidates from running to serve on council.