This week, we head to Le Roeulx to meet First Alderman Ronny Tournay.
The surprise of the last municipal elections: Ronny immediately achieved the second-best score on Mayor Benoit Friart's list, in his… first ever candidacy.
There is no doubt he will play an essential role in 2024.
Ronny, you caused a surprise in 2018 by achieving the second-best score on Benoit Friart's list. How did you experience being thrown straight into the deep end of the municipal executive?
It was a truly happy moment, but I didn't have much time to ask myself questions… I got straight to work. Youth, senior citizens and festivities were my responsibilities.
It is truly exciting to sit on the executive, represent our citizens, act in the local interest, and manage economic affairs, trade, town planning, public works, education, budget and finances. When you love what you do, you do it with heart and conviction, and that's certainly true for me!
You have always had a special connection with young people, having been a youth worker and later taking on the alderman duties linked to this young audience. What do you see as the key challenges regarding youth?
It is essential to put our youth at the heart of our concerns; young people are the future!
Allowing these young people to grow, to integrate, but above all to build their future must be a priority. Youth represents a vibrant force, rich in inspiration, and above all seeking guidance and life goals, it's up to us to help them develop. We must give them an active role, seeking their views and perspectives. This is truly a subject I am passionate about!
You are also responsible for senior citizens' policy: how can we best support our senior citizens at municipal level?
The first thing is to listen. Closeness plays an essential role in the relationship with our senior citizens. Depending on their needs and expectations, we must implement activities that allow them to flourish. Giving one's time remains one of the best ways to help an elderly person. Nothing is more beautiful than giving happiness… they give it back to us a hundredfold!
You have also done a great deal for folklore and bringing the town to life. What is your secret?
The love of one's town, its villages, its folklore… From a very young age, I was steeped in local folklore; my father was president of a folklore association for 35 years. If I can give one piece of advice, it is to innovate, create, surprise. Folklore plays an important role in the social fabric; it is often used to give people an outlet in life, and it's important to keep it alive!
And to finish, a traditional question: Le Roeulx is known for its Saint-Feuillien beer, but what would you recommend our readers visit if they want to discover the town of Rhode?
I will perhaps limit myself to two places, but I invite readers to contact me if they wish, as I have a lovely list to suggest… First of all, the New Roses garden, located behind the Saint-Jacques care home, particularly during the international competition held in early September.
Next, I invite you to discover the seven walks offered by the tourist office throughout the area. You will discover some wonderful places.