This week we head to Braine-le-Comte to meet the alderman for public works, André-Paul Coppens.
He is also chairman of the local MR branch and will be a candidate for the Chamber on the list led by Georges-Louis Bouchez.
André-Paul, you're the alderman for public works, a demanding role that requires huge availability on the ground: how do you experience it?
It is indeed a particular and energy-draining role, both on a human level, given the need to be present daily on the ground with citizens, and because of the significant administrative workload. Fortunately, my positive attitude, which I share with the public works teams, gives me the drive needed to best manage the many urgent matters.
How can public works be managed with ever tighter municipal finances?
While it's true that financial resources are often the subject of discussion, everything is a matter of priorities accepted by the College. Even though the surge in implementation and material costs doesn't make our task easier, I'm fortunate to have the team's trust. Nevertheless, we are constantly having to make trade-offs due to the lack of positive feedback on the many projects subsidised by the region.
You're also chairman of the local branch, how do you manage the team?
Literally my breath of fresh air. Of course we manage people, or rather I should say personalities, but the richness of a branch with more than 250 members provides quality exchanges during our many gatherings. Together with our Mayor Maxime Daye and our aldermen, “listening and hearing” our members are the watchwords of this wonderful human adventure.
You're now a candidate for the parliamentary elections in Hainaut on a list led by Georges-Louis Bouchez, how do you approach this adventure?
Extremely positively! A liberal through and through, it's an honour for me to fight for our party, the only one that dares to propose a project resolutely turned towards the future. Wallonia is up against the wall, and voters must understand that without a radical change in how it is managed, we will cross the point of no return. Whether many like it or not, we are the only alternative!
Finally, the usual tourism question: if you had to recommend that someone visit Braine-le-Comte, what strengths would you highlight?
In love with my Town and its 5 Villages, it's hard to promote them in 4 lines! So, in a few words: its 670 hectares of forest, its 100 farms, its 70% country roads, its Ronquières Festival, its Inclined Plane, its ice cream and chocolate, its flea markets, its ponds, its listed St-Géry Tower, its Giants, its Carnival, its Regional Fair … Our identity!