Michael Macri pledges to flatten 2027 taxes after winning LaSalle mayor seat

Michael Macri secured the LaSalle mayoralty by a margin of 40 votes, ending the tenure of incumbent Crystal Meloche in a contest that residents described as a choice between continuity and change. Macri finished with 5,051 votes to Meloche's 5,016. Shaun Dass placed third with 3,197 votes. The result concludes a campaign where affordability and municipal spending emerged as the primary concerns for voters.

Meloche served as the city's first female mayor. During her term, she focused on administrative stability, but Macri campaigned on a platform that prioritized a new direction for economic development and fiscal restraint. Macri stated that voters sought a balance that offered stability while allowing for new leadership. "I think people were looking for a degree of continuity, but a degree of change too," Macri said.

The path to this result was defined by debates over the city's budget. Macri promised to flatten taxes for 2027 and reevaluate spending line by line. He indicated that the incoming council will review the administration structure and create a dedicated economic development team. "We've got to focus on the needs," Macri said, adding that every capital expenditure will be scrutinized to determine if it is a want or a need.

Meloche accepted the narrow defeat with a focus on the long-term health of the municipality. She attributed the outcome to a mix of valid concerns and misinformation spread during the campaign period. "I think it was something like 35 votes, but the town will be in good hands," Meloche said, noting that she is at peace with the process. She advised her successor to remember that every decision affects the city's 37,000 residents, not just the vocal few who contact officials most frequently.

The election also determined the remaining seats on LaSalle council. Incumbent Michael Akpata was re-elected as deputy mayor with 6,231 votes, defeating Tory McKay, who received 4,385 votes, and Simon Jacques, who received 1,949 votes. The five elected councillors are Mike Seguin with 6,090 votes, Jeff Renaud with 5,894 votes, Ivana White with 5,893 votes, Brad Krewench with 5,014 votes, and Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo with 4,778 votes.

The certified results for the election are scheduled for release on Tuesday. The new council will begin its term with the stated goal of restructuring the administrative budget and addressing the economic development component of the city's finances. Macri's team will take office following the certification process, beginning their review of taxpayer dollar usage immediately.