Local merchant Chris Karidogiannis, best known for spearheading a successful movement against the Park Avenue name change, is starting up a new political group and he says he has a mayoral candidate in mind.
But Karidogiannis told CTV News it's too soon to reveal his candidate for the new organization.
Action Montreal, created along with Ahuntsic restaurant owner Giovanna Giancaspro, is just a political action group for now. But it could be upgraded to a full-fledged political party in time for the November municipal elections, Karidogiannis said.
"It's just been a series of battles for the past four years, and now leading up to an election, we founded this movement (...) really just to start talking and see if any of the leaders will start incorporating some of these ideas that Montrealers need. That's not happening right now," Karidogiannis said.
"I'm hoping to step up and lead the city," he added, noting that doesn't mean he has any intention of running for mayor.
"We are going to push our ideas forward, let the politicians and let the people decide for a change. The power is in the people."
Sexy issues
This year's elections are gearing up to be sexier than usual.
There's been a string of scandals at City Hall, including alleged fraud related to the awarding of a $355 million water-meter contract.
What's more, separatist Louise Harel is running against Mayor Gerald Tremblay and that has prompted some politicians to leave her Vision Montreal party.
But Karidogiannis said he's getting into politics for everyday issues such as parking and public transportation, not dramatic scandals.
He also believes "there's too much bureaucracy" at City Hall.
"There are 106 elected city councillors. We are the highest taxed jurisdiction in the country, and we have 106 politicians not doing much of anything" he said.
Karidogiannis said he is concerned that Montreal voters have become apathetic.
"I am worried about the 35 percent voter turnout last election," said Karidogiannis.
"People are upset. They do not go out and vote as a protest. This is exactly what the city politicians want."
Karidogiannis and Giancaspro plan to ask the public whether Action Montreal should field candidates.
The group will hold a series of public meetings this summer.
