Chris Lowrey
PONTIAC Nov. 14, 2017
Pontiac’s new Warden Jane Toller made her first official act to name Otter Lake Mayor Kim Cartier-Villeneuve as the MRC’s pro-warden.
Villeneuve, who was re-elected by acclamation to her second term as Otter Lake mayor, said she was surprised to be named to the position but that she was also very honoured.
“I have a lot of positive energy to offer, I have ideas,” she said when asked what she will bring to the table.
She is confident that her ability to work with others will also work in her favour.

“I really believe in team spirit,” she said.
Cartier-Villeneuve said that she hopes residents will look back after the current council’s four year mandate and will see tangible progress.
She also said that she is a very transparent and honest person, which are a couple of the reasons she thinks got her the position.
When it comes to setting priorities, Cartier-Villeneuve said economic development in the Pontiac is at the top of her list.
“In Jane’s absence I feel that, yes, I will be able to replace her at the table,” she said. “If I have to chair a meeting at the MRC table I’m comfortable with that.”
Another asset that Cartier-Villeneuve brings to the table is the fact that she is fully bilingual, which will help as Toller works towards becoming bilingual.
“I have two years of experience as mayor,” she said. “I was also the director general for 13 years so I was in the municipal field, so I feel very confident that I can uphold the pro-warden position.”
This past election saw an increase in the number of female politicians elected in the Pontiac. With Toller as the warden and Cartier Villeneuve as the pro-warden, two of the Pontiac’s top political jobs are now held by women.
“It is interesting that more women want to get involved,” Cartier-Villeneuve said. “They want to see the Pontiac develop and I think that’s a good thing.”