The French commune of Saint-Pierre-Eynac, in the Haute-Loire department, is preparing for its municipal elections on . A new collective, “Saint-Pierre Eynac en avant!” led by Jean-Luc Laschamp, has emerged as a key contender, presenting a platform built on community input and focused on the needs of residents of all ages.
Laschamp’s campaign began taking shape in , with a series of “Friday meetings” held throughout the commune. These gatherings were designed not to unveil a pre-determined program, but rather to solicit feedback and incorporate the desires of the populace into the collective’s proposals. A core tenet of the campaign is improved communication, with a pledge to avoid large-scale projects without thorough public consultation and transparent financial details.
Prioritizing Youth and Education
A significant focus of “Saint-Pierre Eynac en avant!” is the well-being of the community’s youth. The collective intends to continue ongoing work at the local school, including improvements to the multi-purpose hall (MAM), construction of a covered walkway, installation of blackout curtains and enhancements to the schoolyard with increased vegetation and expanded space. They also aim to address parental concerns regarding school lunch options, after-school tutoring, achieving “health-promoting school” accreditation, improving safety around the school, and providing support for cultural and professional exploration for older students.
To further engage young residents, the collective proposes establishing a youth municipal council, providing a direct avenue for their voices to be heard in local governance.
Supporting Seniors and Intergenerational Connections
Recognizing the importance of supporting older residents, the collective plans to address the need for increased mobility options. They propose piloting a seasonal shuttle service to improve access for seniors. They aim to foster stronger intergenerational connections within the community, supporting local cultural and sporting associations, developing an interpretive trail, offering computer skills courses, establishing a local library, preserving local history, and exploring the possibility of creating a dedicated community center for seniors.
Preserving the Character of Saint-Pierre-Eynac
The collective has also taken a firm stance against a proposed housing development near the local cemetery. Laschamp expressed strong opposition to the project, stating a commitment to protecting the village’s aesthetic appeal and preventing development “at any cost.” The collective emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the area’s natural resources – water, land, and the overall quality of life.
The Team Behind “Saint-Pierre Eynac en avant!”
The collective’s list of candidates represents a diverse cross-section of the community. Key members include:
- Jean-Luc Laschamp (43), an educator and the head of the list. He previously served as mayor of Vandélicourt, a village of 300 inhabitants, from , after living in the Picardy region from .
- Maxime Baleydier (41), IT professional
- Philibert Blanc (72), retired industrial worker
- Arnaud Bouchet (47), plumber
- Guillaume Canivet (44), business owner
- Danièle Chapuis (64), retired railway worker
- Hervé Cuoq (48), mountain guide and bus/truck driver
- Yolande Dumas-Combe (55), English teacher
- Jean Garnier (65), farmer
- Estelle Gasquet (41), billing manager
- Tiphaine Gauthier (36), account manager
- Marie Legrand (37), mental health services manager
- Sami Rhaiem (45), operating room nurse
- Nathalie Surel (50), commercial secretary
- Delphine Villesèche (42), business relationship manager
- Françoise Virieux (66), research engineer
The collective can be reached at contact@saintpierreeynac.com and through their website: https://www.saintpierreeynac.com/.
Context of the Upcoming Election
The upcoming municipal elections in Saint-Pierre-Eynac follow the elections, where Raymond Abrial was re-elected as mayor. In that election, Abrial’s list, “Pour Demain Agissons Ensemble,” received 339 votes, representing 37.88% of registered voters, with an overall voter turnout of 42.57% and an abstention rate of 57.43%. The elections will see all candidates presenting lists in all communes, a new requirement for municipal elections in France.
While Laschamp has indicated a willingness to include Abrial in his list, offering him the opportunity to continue working on issues he cares about, Abrial is reportedly considering running his own list. The outcome of the election remains to be seen, but “Saint-Pierre Eynac en avant!” presents a clear alternative vision for the future of the commune, one rooted in community engagement and a commitment to addressing the needs of all residents.
