Rick Champagne to Replace Pauline Rochefort as East Ferris Mayor
By Richard Coffin
East Ferris will have a new mayor later this month.
“Be it resolved that the Municipality of East Ferris, by way of public vote does now name Richard Champagne as mayor for the remainder of the term of council effective upon the passing of an appointment bylaw and completing the declaration of office,” stated Kim Rose, municipal clerk, at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Council voted 2-1 in favour of Champagne over councillor Steven Trahan.
Both Champagne and Trahan voted for themselves, with councillor Terry Kelly casting the deciding vote.
Deputy Mayor Lauren Rooyakkers abstained.
“What we need to know is if a person is going to sit there and be accountable for who is there, but at the end of the day it’s up to council to make the decision. Not I. Not you and not yourself,” stated Champagne in his speech to council prior to the vote. “No matter if it’s 2-1 or 3-1, whatever the final is, it’s a council decision and it’s done.”
He’ll be sworn in at the May 27 council meeting.
Champagne replaces Pauline Rochefort who resigned after winning Nipissing-Timiskaming’s seat in parliament in the April 28 federal election.
The next municipal election is Oct. 26, 2026.
