Candidates challenge the 'lone ranger' incumbent of Trois-Rivires in mayoral race

He is beloved by some. He's been called a bully by others. The electoral campaign in Trois-Rivires is centering around the controversial and colourful incumbent Yves Lvesque.

His challengers, Jean-Franois Aubin and Andr Bertrand, are both taking aim at his personality and behaviour,as well as some of the big projects he brought to the community.

Lvesquemaintains thathe's a passionate man who has put the city of Trois-Rivires on the map during his tenure.

• CBC's full coverage of the 2017 municipal election

The former merchant marine and restaurant owner was first elected to council in 1994, before becoming mayor of the merged city of Trois-Rivires in 2001.

He has been the only mayor since the merger, and he wants a fifth mandate.

During his time in office, Lvesquepushed for big projects such as the$62-millionoutdoor amphitheatre that was opened in 2015 andanother proposed $50-million indoor arena.

"I'm still passionate for this city. I still have projects. I still have a vision for thiscity. I still want to fight for our city through bad times and good times. And that's why I'm running," he said.

Citizens split

"The issue seems to be focused around whether or not we like our current mayor or we don't," RobertHuxley, a local teacher said.

At the Whitehead seniors' club Marie-Andre Groarke said her opinion of the mayor has changed. "I used to be in favour of the [current] mayor, but I think now he doesn't listen enough to people."

"I compare himto MayorDrapeaubecause he's a big dreamer," said George Hatley, now retired.

Hatleywants to see a change-up in town, but concedes the mayor is popular.

"People like him because he's doing stuff inTrois-Rivires."

Despite that popularity,his opponents see problems with both his leadership style andspending choices.

The challengers

AndrBertrand, who formerly worked in thefinancial sector before retiring, is new to politics.

He's running on a fiscal responsibility platform and said thecity needs to stop spending on big projects and lower property taxes.

Bertrandsaidhe plans tofocus on issues such as snow removal and touts his own leadership style.

"I'm someone who listens more than he speaks," he said.

The other challenger is Jean-Franois Aubin, a social work teacher who served as a city councillor for the last fouryears.

He wants to freeze taxes and bring in more sustainable development, including a bike path system.

Aubinwent so far as to describincumbentLevsqueas a "lone ranger,"saying that hewould like to see more of a team-oriented approach at cityhall.

"We need to change that."

Intimidation allegations

Aubin's campaign has attracted the support of one the incumbent's mostvocal critics.

Gilles Poulin, newly retired from his role as city clerk, wrote an open letter to the people of Trois-Riviresin which he said he was providing his last service tocitizens"by telling themabout the real YvesLevsque."

"The man behind thecharacter, who does not apply himself to his job,who is almostalways absent from the executive meeting which he has the duty to preside [over]," Poulin told CBC.

Poulinsaid Lvesque's behaviour can be arrogant,impulsive and that his approach to coworkers can be intimidating.

Lvesque responded by saying thatPoulin had created a hostile work environment and questionedwhy the former clerk would raise these concernsduring the campaign.

"After all the words he said, it was like, after the devil, it was me," said Lvesque.

"The question I would ask him, 'Why didn't you put a complaint down?And why did it take 16 years?' Why didn't he make a burnout, why didn't he quit his job if it was that bad?'"

Also during the campaign, FranoiseViens,an ex-councillorwho quit politics in 2013 after almost two decades of service, wrote a letter to Radio-Canada accusing Levsqueof intimidation.

She said heonce squeezed her arm so tight she had to tell him to stop.

Lvesquedenied the allegationsand again, questioned why they were being raised only nowduring the election campaign.

Still, despite the allegations and criticism from opponents, the incumbent mayor maintainshe's sticking to his guns.

"I'm notgoing tochange.What you see is what you get. That's why people love me and hate me. It's like PatrickRoy. He'snot a picture. He's authentic. People like him and people hate him," Levsque said.

Make a date withCBCfor election night this Sunday, Nov. 5:

• CBC'sfull coverage of the 2017 municipal election

Online:Get breaking news and live results at cbc.ca/montrealafter polls close at 8 p.m.

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