Courtesy
From left to right: Pierre Martineau, Johanne Fradette, Constance Ramacieri, Andrew Phaneuf, and Paul-Conrad Carignan, all announced their candidacy in the upcoming Stanstead Township municipal election. Absent from the photo is Brian Wharry.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Constance Ramacieri has officially announced her candidacy for mayor of Stanstead Township in the upcoming municipal election, scheduled for Nov. 2. Currently serving as a councillor, Ramacieri is hoping to take the next step in her public service journey by building on projects already underway and fostering a broader community conversation about the township’s future.

“I was elected councillor in 2021 without opposition,” she said in a recent interview. That election saw six of the seven seats filled by acclamation, including the mayor’s, which she described as “a very sad moment” for democracy. “We announced our candidacy like to no one… It was right in the midst of COVID,” she recalled. “I actually think people were afraid of running.”

This year, however, the atmosphere is different. “It’s a good time to say: let’s have a good debate,” she said, adding that she’s inspired by famous American journalist Bob Woodward’s statement that “democracy dies in darkness.” Her hope is to encourage dialogue and “shine a light on democracy.”

Ramacieri emphasized that her mayoral run is not a solo venture, even if it’s not a formal slate. On Thursday, Sept. 12, she gathered in Georgeville with like-minded individuals who also announced their candidacies: Pierre Martineau, Johanne Fradette, Andrew Phaneuf, Paul-Conrad Carignan, and Brian Wharry—all running for council seats. “They’re all current councillors who decided to put their names forward again,” she said. “It’s not a slate, but it’s a group of people who have worked well together and share common goals.”

Her decision to run was partly influenced by outgoing mayor Pierre Martineau, who will be seeking a seat as a councillor this time. “We worked well together,” Ramacieri said. “Running for mayor is an opportunity to advance a couple of projects that I’ve been working on. I’m not very original,” she joked. “You start stuff, and you want to see the end of it.”

Among the achievements of the current council are the construction of a new fire hall and extensive roadwork. The township has also adopted an updated urban plan aimed at revitalization. “We want to bring more people into the town,” she said. “What do people think about that? Are they behind us?”

For Ramacieri, the election is not just about continuity but also about gauging public support. “We need to know if the population is behind us, if they want to go in that direction,” she said.

Her key commitments are to the environment, community cohesion, and fiscal responsibility. “We have to be very cautious with public spending,” she noted.

She sees some clear challenges ahead. “We’re an aging population,” she said. “We need to bring in people with new ideas and perspectives.” She also emphasized the importance of preserving the township’s heritage, particularly in Georgeville and Fitch Bay. “We need to work together on common values and common projects.”

While the official nomination period opens soon and other candidates may step forward, Ramacieri welcomes the competition. “I think that’s great for democracy,” she said. “It means we have a vibrant community where people are involved and engaged. That’s good for all of us.”