Quispamsis Councillor Will Not Reoffer

A longtime Quispamsis councillor will not be reoffering in next year’s municipal elections.

Pierre Rioux, who has been on council for four terms, made the announcement at Tuesday’s council meeting.

In a one-on-one interview, Rioux said he wants to give someone else the chance to get elected.

“I am not the kind of person who feels that I’m the only one that can do it,” said Rioux. “I have no doubt that there are people out there who could do it as well, as many who possibly could do it even better.”

Rioux was first elected to the town council in 2004, but it was not the first time he put his name on the ballot.

He ran for election in 1989 and tied with another candidate following a recount. The election was decided when a judge drew the other candidate’s name from a hat.

“Coincidentally enough, Blaine Higgs [also] ran that year and didn’t get elected on the municipal council,” Rioux said.

The retired educator said he has witnessed a lot of changes in the town during his time on council, including the construction of the qplex, the arts & culture park and the skate park, along with a “multitude” of roads and a new water tower on Millennium Drive.

Rioux said he has also watched the town’s population nearly double to more than 18,000 residents.

“It’s really nice to see more and more people move out to Quispamsis and really enjoy the quality of life here,” he said.

Rioux said being able to represent people is something he will remember most about his time on council.

“Seeing people in the street who know who you are, who will come up to congratulate you or maybe have a little concern … and for me to be able to hopefully rectify it for them, help them out with whatever it is,” he said.

After running for council five different times, Rioux has a lot of experience and know-how on how to get elected.

He said there are a couple of things future candidates who decide to put their name forward should keep in mind.

“It’s not just enough to put a sign up or have a few pamphlets, I think it’s important that they get out in the community,” Rioux said. “Nothing replaces knocking on the doors.”

Once his final council term is done, Rioux said he will continue to travel with his wife and spend more time with family and friends.

“I’ve got four children, seven grandchildren — hopefully, perhaps, a couple more,” Rioux said with a laugh.