The reason it stings so much is because we really thought it would be different.
We were promised it would be different. We were promised a new day, a new beginning. A corruption-busting, coalition-building mayor who went so far as to vow Montreal taxpayers would get their money back from corrupt companies and bureaucrats. And when pressed in March that perhaps things were not as they should be in the new Camelot, this was his angry reaction:
"I have nothing to hide I will continue to do my work and it will only make me stronger. The only thing that is disappointing for my family, my wife and kids and parents. Instead of doing other work I am having to defend myself"
Now, as it turns out, his only job now will be to defend himself. It is important to point out that Applebaum not been convicted and he does enjoy the presumption of innocence. But it does not look good. The first Anglophone mayor in 100 years and he lasted about 6 months
There is something about some people that makes them feel bulletproof. No, they will never get caught. They are above the law. In Laval, the former mayor has been charged. He may end up in jail and the same fate may await Applebaum. UPAC has arrested more than 100 people who felt the rules did not apply to them. Indeed the chickens are coming home to roost. The danger here is that so many are losing faith in the system. We can always hope for change. But we should be concerned about citizen engagement. The arrest of the mayor of Montreal was shocking and it has brought us shame both here at home and around the world. On the other hand, UPAC and the Charbonneau commission are showing us the path to a brighter future.
And if we have indeed have hit the bottom. And there is nowhere to go but up. We will soon have our third mayor in less than a year. Remember that old anthem from The Who?
I’ll get on my knees and pray we don’t get fooled again.
The danger will always be that other refrain from the song: "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."
