LaSalle candidate speaks out
File photo from Adrien Bezaire.
By Taylor Busch
Copy Editor
Growing up in a single parent home has its challenges. In many cases, children are forced to grow up quickly and take responsibility for their family years before their peers. Adrien Bezaire was no exception. After his father died, Bezaire says his mother continued to raise nine children on her own despite having a low income. But Bezaire credits his rough childhood for making him the man he is today and the right candidate to lead LaSalle.
Adrien Bezaire is a retired firefighter and former trustee for the French Catholic school board, who has participated in many efforts to improve the town of LaSalle over the years. Through he first ran for office more than 10 years ago, Bezaire says he still gets a rush from politics and a chance to help his community.
“Some people ask me why I’m running in this election so I tell them my mother always taught us to take care of our neighbours,” said Bezaire. “She would say, ‘sometimes you don’t need to be rewarded, just knowing you’ve done something for the people is enough,’ and she was right.”
Bezaire says if he is elected he will bring his experience as a resident, firefighter and elected official to the council. He believes he can freeze property taxes by controlling expenses and reducing wasteful spending.
During his time as a firefighter, Bezaire says he mentored many men beneath him. Mike Wiley was one of these men. He is now working full time the department as Bezaire’s replacement. Wiley says Bezaire has the experience and knowledge LaSalle residents are looking for in their next mayor.
“As someone who has worked for the town of LaSalle for many years, it’s not like he doesn’t know how to be a councilor,” said Wiley. “I don’t think not being a councilor will hinder him in any way. The people who know him will tell you he knows what he’s doing.”
During his time on the school board, Bezaire said he personally handled budgets over $100,000 and successfully increased enrollment in his schools. He said his career as a fire fighter taught him how to keep calm in trying situations and trained him to be on call 24 hours a day. As a resident, Bezaire says he saw the town of LaSalle grow from 8,000 people to more than 25,000 people and knows what it will take to keep growing in the future.
Bezaire said he is confident he will win the election based on the number of residents who have told him they want a change. He plans to continue speaking with LaSalle residents and businesses up to Election Day.
“When I become mayor, it will be a success story for all young people to look at and say ‘no matter what life deals you, you need to believe in yourself you can go a long way.’”
Five Facts You Won’t Find on Adrien’s Facebook:
His Favourite TV Shows: MASH, Hogan’s Heroes and Hawaii Five-0
His Favourite Genre of Music: Rock n’ Roll
His Favourite Book: Any ‘How to’ Book
His Favourite Team: Denver Broncos
His Favourite Hobby: Fishing at his cottage
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