CDN-NDG mayor Applebaum thinks he’s the best person for the job

Applebaum, who’s been involved with local politics for 15 years - seven of those as mayor, will be seeking another mandate under the Union Montreal banner to continue his plan for a more liveable, bicycle-friendly, greener borough. “I think we’ve shown over the last seven-and a half years our ability to respond to the needs of the community,” Applebaum said. “We’ve invested heavily in social development. We’re implementing things on a monthly basis to respond to the plans we’ve put in place.”

The CDN-NDG borough’s green plan, family plan and bicycle network plan have won his council much praise, but there’s also been a lot of criticism from residents who think council isn’t moving fast enough. “I think that we’ve responded very well, we’ve also increased services to the community. We have less and less complaints,” he said.

Overall cleanliness of streets, parks and pools, maintenance of soccer fields and sports equipment are at the top of the agenda for area residents, as well as the contentious Benny sports complex. “Over the campaign I will be announcing and explaining what the program is and what we want to do,” he said. “Let us first get nominated and then we will start to campaign, but at the same time I think citizens see the good work being done.”

As for how another term as mayor might benefit the borough, Applebaum says that he can’t get into specifics this early on but brings up his determination in having a facility that’s been anticipated for quite some time. “We’re working very hard for a brand new library,” he said. “Once announced I can assure you that it will be a first-class library. This will be a jewel in the city of Montreal.”

Come November the face of CDN-NDG borough council will change with four current district councillors stepping down, which will put Applebaum in an awkward spot if these seats aren’t regained by fellow party candidates. “As the mayor of the borough, I work in order to put a team together,” he said. “I’m running again, Marvin Rotrand is running again. The party will be choosing candidates for Darlington, Cote-des-Neiges and also NDG. The one where there is going to be a race is Loyola because there are three candidates vying for that seat.”

Applebaum is confident that no matter who gets chosen to these key positions on borough council, he will be surrounded by people that support his vision. “The candidates that we’ll be bringing are a new team with many years of experience in many different fields. It will rejuvenate our council and bring other ideas to the table.”

The two main opposition parties Vision Montreal and Projet Montreal have yet to field any candidates for mayor against Applebaum and so far he sees this as a sign of recognition into his accomplishments. “I’ve been able to put the borough in the right direction, so I think I’m the best person for the job.”

And with the leaders of the opposition talking about change at City Hall, Applebaum says that Montreal’s decentralized brand of democracy should be protected at all costs. “When it comes to Gerald Tremblay, he is someone who’s able to bring everyone together and has a good plan of action on economic development. The last thing we need now is someone who is possibly divisive in the city of Montreal.”