Two candidates for councillor in Fort-Coulonge by-election

Pierre Cyr
Fort-Coulonge February 13, 2023
Two candidates have announced they are running for the municipal council seat in the by-election scheduled for Feb. 26. The seat became vacant last November after the passing of Lucie Bertrand.
THE EQUITY spoke to the two candidates, Freeda Béchamp Graveline and Dave Hérault.
Freeda Béchamp Graveline is running for the second time. She came just four votes short of being elected in November 2021. Graveline has been involved throughout her life with different community organizations like Mont d’Or, Alliance Autochtone and Les Filles d’Isabelle. She is retired after working for 25 years with people with mental health challenges and special needs. She said she is running to make a difference in the community and feels that her experience and her strong desire to serve can help her to be a very good public servant. Graveline is determined to serve keeping in mind the good of the village’s development as well as the quality of life of the population. “I am a team player and here to serve with the best of my abilities with integrity,” said Graveline.
The second candidate, Dave Hérault, is running for the first time. Hérault is 44, a father of three, and feels it is a good time for him to get involved now that his children are older. He is a pipe fitter by trade and has been working at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories since 2009. He believes he can bring his expertise to help make the right decisions concerning the maintenance of the water infrastructure system and other technical issues. Hérault is also motivated to help to upgrade the infrastructure of the Center de loisirs des Draveurs Century 21 Élite Arena. He said he would work really well and fit right in with the rest of the city council members and feels his commitment and attachment to Fort-Coulonge would make a positive impact on the future development of the village.
Both candidates are strongly encouraging the population to come out and vote. Residents can vote on the day of be held at the Club de l’ Age d’Or on 566 Baume St on Feb. 26 between 10 a.m. to and 8 p.m.
Early voting will also be available at the same location on Feb. 19, from noon to 8 p.m. The new councillor will be in position until the next general municipal election in November 2025.