1. Will you commit to making caucus meeting minutes public within a set timeframe (with reasonable redactions as needed)? What other steps will you take to increase transparency and communicate outside Council meetings.
I advocated for the publication of caucus minutes four years ago, and I continue to believe it’s a step worth taking. Other municipalities have adopted this practice without compromising the freedom of expression of council members or staff — and I see no reason why Beaconsfield couldn’t do the same.
These minutes wouldn’t need to capture every detail of the discussion. A simple record noting that a topic was discussed and summarizing the general consensus would go a long way in strengthening transparency and public trust.
Another measure I’d like to explore with Council is making most of the background information available to councillors — for each agenda item — accessible to the public at the same time the agenda is published, a few days before the meeting. This material is already part of the municipal archives and can be requested after the fact. Sharing it earlier, with any personal or sensitive details redacted, would make our decision-making process more open and inclusive.
Finally, I propose that a Standing Citizen’s Advisory Committee be created and put to task to act as a sounding board for important city projects in the future.
2. Will you revisit the Leaf Blower by-law to allow reasonable limited summer use?
This issue deserves a serious conversation among council members—especially given that both residents and contractors are currently disregarding the regulation. That said, those who advocated for the ban had valid concerns: gas-powered blowers and similar equipment are significant contributors to air and noise pollution.
As Mayor, I would bring this discussion forward, but I must be transparent—any decision would rest with the full council, and I would be just one of seven voices at the table.
3. What is your vision for densification in Beaconsfield under the Montreal Agglo mandate? How will you develop and communicate this vision?
My vision for densification in Beaconsfield is rooted in balance and consultation. Yes, we are mandated by the Montreal Agglomeration to increase housing density—but how we do it must reflect our community’s values. I believe in soft densification that protects the character of our neighbourhoods while offering more housing options for young families and seniors.
I have written on several occasions over the last few years, notably in the Contact magazine and on my website (mst-jean.ca), on density and the need to develop a coherent city-wide planning programme.
This isn’t just an administrative planning exercise—it’s a civic conversation. I will launch a structured consultation process to ensure residents help shape the vision. Densification must be socially acceptable, environmentally responsible, and economically sound. Above all, it must feel like Beaconsfield.
4. What is your vision for generating revenue beyond property taxes?
I believe our first step should be to commission an independent study to assess Beaconsfield’s potential to integrate non-residential revenue sources. With that foundation, we could then engage as a community to decide what changes are needed—and where they should be implemented.
In the meantime, I support ensuring that all new developments include a mix of residential and commercial use. Areas like Beaurepaire Village and the vicinity of the Beaconsfield Train Station remain commercially underserved and deserve renewed attention.
5. Will you commit to and support the development of a Council Resolution to: Request to the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTQ) for the Installation of Automated Red-Light/Photo Radar Enforcement Devices at Boulevard Saint-Charles / Autoroute 20 On-Ramps (East and West bound)?
Absolutely—I do, and I will. As Chair of the Traffic Committee, this is an issue I’ve already raised and continue to advocate for.
6. If elected, will you support increased remuneration for the Mayor and Councillors?
No. Unless the requirements of the functions change, salaries are currently indexed to inflation. There is no need for an increase.
7. With no formal job descriptions for Mayor or Councillors, how would you define your role, set goals, and communicate/report on your performance on an annual basis?
For me, the role of Mayor is about showing up, listening, and leading with purpose. I see it as being a bridge between residents, council, and long-term planning—someone who helps move things forward while staying rooted in what matters to people.
I’d set goals by talking with residents, working closely with council, and staying connected to the committees that reflect our city’s priorities. And I’d report back openly—through annual updates, town halls (I intend to continue to hold them regularly if elected), and regular communication. Not just to say what’s been done, but to invite feedback and keep improving.
At the end of the day, it’s not about titles—it’s about trust, transparency, and making sure people are heard, even though they may not the way you do, or agree with me/us.
8. For mayoral candidate(s) only: given that City of Beaconsfield’s lawsuit against the Montréal Agglomeration for alleged overcharged taxes is ongoing, will you commit to providing the citizens of Beaconsfield with regular, timely updates on all developments for this case as they become public, namely inscribed in the court docket.?
Yes, I will. What I can share for now is that the parties are currently waiting to be summoned by the court so that a trial calendar can be set. Once those dates are confirmed, I’ll provide an update and make them public.
While some details are already available on the city’s website, I believe more information should be added—and updated regularly—as things progress.