the cross-interview of candidates before the elections

See my news
Follow Voix du Midi Lauragais

The mandate is not over! However, the voters of Labastide-Beauvoir – a village of some 1,200 souls in Haute-Garonne – must return to the polls. In fact, there are no longer enough elected officials at the town hall after five consecutive resignations within the municipal assembly which usually has 15 members. And the law provides for the re-election of all the councilors, when at least a third of the seats are vacant. Of the full by-elections are therefore organized this Sunday, November 17, 2024 in the town. Two teams are registered: “Together for new momentum” led by Serge Pina and “Labastide-Beauvoir Passionnément” led by the outgoing mayor André Durand. Voice of Midi Lauragais asked them four questions.

How would you describe the past mandate?

André Durand: I would describe this mandate as modernizing the municipality and improving social ties. Modernization of administrative services with analytical accounting which allows us fine management of finances, modernization of technical services with greater autonomy and modernization with digital tables in elementary classes. In terms of social ties, the creation of the media library-associative café-third place was expected. This convivial space in the center of the village has prevented the town from becoming a dormitory town. Social issues have not been forgotten with emergency accommodation for three mothers and their children, the €1 canteen for vulnerable families, etc.

Serge Pina : The past term seems to have been difficult, marked by the resignation of many elected officials, which justifies the early election on November 17. Many of our fellow citizens notice a deterioration and lack of maintenance of public spaces and in particular roads.

What are the projects that will animate this end of mandate if you win?

André Durand: We will finalize or move forward on several files such as the multi-sport field (call for tenders in progress), the replacement of the playground (also in progress), the continuation of the revision of the PLU. We will launch the school renovation project by the end of the term. The missions of the CCAS will be refocused, certainly in support of the Department's House of Solidarity, but also on direct aid such as access to sport and culture for children and parents. Helping with school trips will be one of the new missions.

Serge Pina : The emphasis will be placed on transparency, collective spirit and openness. Our very enthusiastic team is impatient to be able to carry out a consultation policy outside the electoral framework. To define our projects and make them possible, we will have to ensure the financial capacity of our municipality. At the same time, we have already identified projects that do not weaken municipal resources. We must develop an expanded healthcare offering (contracted doctors, pharmacy) as soon as possible. The establishment of a market, after an initial discussion with our traders, will liven up our village. Of course, school will be at the heart of our concerns.

Tell us about your project for the school…

André Durand: The school project is very ambitious; an audit carried out by Public Finance authorizes us to make such an investment. Geothermal energy, which will heat and cool buildings, will save us 95% of electricity consumption. Remember that school is by far the largest source of energy costs. The abandonment of the two prefabs, which will be intended for associations, will allow the construction of two classes in biosourced materials such as hemp concrete. The playground will be better vegetated. Thermal protection of the school catering building which was not done during construction will be carried out with vegetation. Finally, the surrounding areas, rue des écoles and des Pyrénées, will be redeveloped and will leave more room for gentle travel…

Serge Pina : School is undoubtedly the priority at the end of this mandate. I regret that the investment in the media library was preferred, not as such but in terms of priority. Indeed, modular buildings as classrooms have had their day. It is now obvious that economic analysis will guide the choice (of works and investment) knowing that we are on the eve of a significant budget reduction which will impact all municipalities.

What do you plan for the municipality in the event of victory in 2026?

André Durand: After 2026, the major school project will be finalized. Then we will have to modernize the community halls which are obsolete. A global project which includes the expansion of the village hall to accommodate a kitchen, toilets and premises for associations. A project had been studied under the mandate of Georges Ravoire. We will take it back. The backyard of the town hall will be de-artificialized and an energy renovation of the town hall as well as an expansion are planned. Public toilets are also in the works. Obviously, all these projects will depend on aid granted by the State to the extent that local authorities are no longer in control of their financial resources.

Serge Pina : In sport, we rarely look forward to the next match; that would be a lack of respect for our opponents. But I must admit that the campaign largely fueled the desire to talk about the future. The next mandate must be the realization of the projects initiated during the 18 months. Faithful to our fellow citizens, we will study the installation of bus shelters, traffic signs, but also signage for our traders. But also the study of a multipurpose room, the need having been expressed by the greatest number, and the study and implementation of a global parking plan in the municipality. We wish to pursue a policy of aid: the richness of the associative fabric of our village testifies to its vitality!

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.