Denis Coderre officially launches his re-election campaign
Denis Coderre is officially in the running to be the mayor of Montreal. Again.
The incumbent mayor handed in his nomination papers at City Hall Friday morning, and told reporters that after four years of getting things done, he and his team plan to do more of the same if they win a second mandate.
"I want to thank the population for allowing me, during these last four years, to do things that brought back pride and integrity to Montreal," he said.
"We're asking the people now to let us continue this work together."
Coderre was flanked by the members of his team, which he boasted features a number of people under 35 and 47 female candidates out of 103.
Speech highlights civic pride, decisiveness, but omits Formula E
Coderre officially launched his campaign Friday night at an event at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, near the Olympic Stadium.
Around 800 people showed up for the launch, including a number who were bused in for the event.
With his team of candidates behind him on stage, Coderre spoke to his accomplishments as mayor and emphasized his focus on building civic pride.
He mentioned the creation of an inspector general to help weed out corruption and the city's efforts to make Bixi, the city's bike share system, more successful.
He also alluded to at least one priority if he wins.
"The Blue Line, it's going to happen," Coderre repeated several times, referring to a promised extension of the Metro line to the east.
Coderre also spoke proudly of Montreal's new metropolis status within Quebec, which the provincial government made official Thursday, as well as the adoption of a new city flag that pays tribute to Montreal's First Nations roots.
The incumbent branded himself as a decisive leader who isn't afraid to make unpopular decisions.
"To govern is to choose," Coderre said. "We bring back integrity. We bring back transparency."
There were a few notable omissions from Coderre's speech, including no mention the controversial Formula E electric car race.
On the topic of criticism, however, Coderre said he welcomes it.
"It means that Montreal is better. If we are criticized, it is because Montreal has become relevant again," he said.
Coderre also announced that Jean David Prophète will stand as his team's candidate in the city's Mile-End district.
Prophète was originally going to represent Projet Montréal in the district of Pointe-aux-Prairies, in the borough of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles.
It's all about tangible results, both candidates say
Earlier Friday, Coderre said he isn't interested in mudslinging and negative campaigning because he feels like voters "deserve better."
"Our role isn't to give [sound bites] and win the verbal battle, our role is to ensure that at the end of the line, there are tangible results and there are things that let people say things are better in Montreal."
Valérie Plante, who heads opposition party Projet Montréal, was also at city hall Friday morning, holding a media availability of her own.
She said the party has been working for weeks to make sure voters know what they're about.
"What we want is mobility, housing for all Montrealers, especially families, and concrete actions to make sure our main arteries and intersections are safe," she said.
Plante held an event to launch her campaign Monday night.
