Berlin: Grenier unseats Bertrand

BERLIN – Two years ago, Paul Grenier decided to take a rest from local politics and did not seek a fifth term on the city council.

On Tuesday, he was elected mayor of the state’s northernmost city, unseating first term Mayor David Bertrand, 1,396-948.

“I think the blue-collar workers in this community have spoken up,” Grenier said last night. “It’s time to move on with the biomass (proposals) and get Laidlaw up and running,” referring to the larger of two proposed biomass plants.

Grenier, who is a Coos County commissioner, served on the city council for 16 years. He is a former paper mill worker who lost his job more than a decade ago.

“I know city government and I had the right message,” he said. “I was one of those displaced mill workers in 1996. This victory isn’t mine - it’s really the working class speaking up.”

Grenier said his message during the campaign was “jobs, jobs, jobs” and he wants to work to bring them back to his city. He is an advocate of biomass plants and wants them in Berlin. In the last election two years ago, there was widespread sentiment in the city against that industry.

“Two years ago, people were allowed to dream and then this economic disaster walked in,” he said. “People have realized that a white knight isn’t going to ride into town.”

Most immediately, he said, he wants to get Laidlaw BioPower online at the site of the former pulp mill, along with the 40 jobs it will bring and “$20 million to $25 million in new goods and services."

In other municipal results, Ward 1 incumbent city councilor Ryan Landry defeated challenger Beverly Ingersoll.

In Ward 2, former Mayor Robert Danderson defeated Jonathan Edwards.

In Ward 3, Michael Rozek defeated incumbent Ronald Goudreau and Paul Cusson.

In Ward 4, incumbent Timothy Cayer was unchallenged for the 4-year seat. For the two-year seat, David Poulin defeated Joseph LaPuma.

- - - - -

Voting results:

• Mayor: Paul Grenier 1,396; David Bertrand 948
• Ward 1 City Council: (I) Ryan Landry 285; Beverly Ingersoll 227
• Ward 2 City Council: Robert Danderson 283; Jonathan Edwards 250
• Ward 3 City Council: Michael Rozek 393; (I) Ronald Goudrea 250; Paul Cusson 128
• Ward 4 City Council (4-year term): (I) Timothy Cayer 387
• Ward 4 City Council (2-year term): (I) David Poulin 296; Joseph LaPuma 174