Crowded race for health board seats

West Islanders will have no shortage of choice for the local health network elections, as 20 candidates vie for 10 seats on its board of directors. The crowded race is a positive sign that local democracy is in good health, according to board chairman Sheila Laursen.

“I think it expresses an interest and commitment to providing good health care,� she said Monday. “I don’t think that there’s a protest vote in there, I think it’s people saying, ‘This is something important in my community, how can I be involved?’�

The Oct. 23 ballot will list the board’s four incumbents: Léo Hogues, Georges Nydam, Françoise Perreault and Gerald Oscar Robertson. Dennis Anson, Sally Brown, François Demers, Jill Eusanio, Hélène Fortier, Jacqueline Roy Frenette, Anthony Harubin, Stan Hume, Joan Kouri, Stephen Pickford, Don Rae, Joane Routhier, Jenni Slaven, Robert Stocker, Joe Wexier and Pano Mark Xinos round out the field.

West Island returning officer Louis-Pascal Cyr is encouraged by the strong turnout. “I think it’s a tribute to the community spirit in the West Island,� he said.

Hopefuls will address the public on Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the outpatient centre of the Lakeshore General Hospital, 160 Stillview Rd., Pointe Claire. Parking will be free. For more information, call 514-630-2225 ext. 5261.

— Andy Blatchford