25 years in municipal politics and it continues...

During his 25 years in politics, Alvaro Farinacci has had fond memories. “I was privileged to have won seven consecutive elections and wish to humbly thank the large numbers of people who showed confidence in my abilities and allowed me to represent them. In 25 years, I missed three Council meetings. One of my most memorable moments was the birth of my daughter Véronique in 1988, who was born after a Council meeting, and when I was first elected in 1983. Another moment was my meeting with former Premier René Lévesque during the 75th anniversary of LaSalle.”

Among the successes, Alvaro Farinacci said that LaSalle was the first city of Quebec to recycle on a large scale. “The measure was not that popular at the time but we had a 12% reduction in our garbage on the first year. Today, all cities are doing it.”

Mr. Farinacci spoke about the creation of the Economic Development Corporation which has brought industrial and commercial investments to LaSalle. He founded this organism with former Mayor Michel Leduc and former Councillor Daniel Zizian, and was its president for about ten years.

He talked about the major investments in <@Ri:>parc des Rapides<@$p:>, J.O.R. Leduc and Christophe-Colomb parks. He recalled the de-contamination efforts in the city’s old dump site.

“The greatest challenges at that time – which remain the same today – are the budgets. How do we provide the best service at the lowest cost ? LaSalle took advantage of the lowest taxation rate of the island of Montreal and still does today providing additional services.”

Alvaro Farinacci is not thinking of retiring from political life in the short term and intends to run for an eighth term in November 2009. “The passion is always there. I can’t wait for the elections and face the challenges presented to me by Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay.”

Resident of LaSalle since 1966, Alvaro Farinacci was elected for seven consecutive terms, first as a Councillor for the former city of LaSalle from 1983 to 2001.

In November 2001 and in November 2005, he was re-elected for sixth and seventh terms, this time for the City of Montreal with Mayor Gérald Tremblay’s team. On a professional level, he was president-founder of the real estate brokerage firm <@Ri:>Immeubles Genessee<@$p:> which has been doing business in LaSalle since 1972. As vice president of the LaSalle Hospital Foundation, he is also a governor of that hospital for life.