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The race for the City of Dieppe's mayoralty is hotly contested and will be closely watched Monday.

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Incumbent Mayor Achille Maillet has been under siege from critics who believe the city's debt is out of control, too many grand projects were undertaken too fast, and that the mayor and council have often failed to be transparent. The criticisms have come from the now defunct Dieppe Citizen's Coalition, which indeed had some political aspirations and at times went beyond reason, but also from other citizens with other issues who ended up frustrated and angry after their dealings with city hall and council, one notable group being the residents of Bourque Road resisting outrageously high bills for water and sewer lines.

Mr. Maillet has campaigned on the positive achievements of his term, including the new city hall, and an aquatic centre now under construction, as things that are essential to the quality of life in a rapidly growing city. He says continued growth will allow the city to pay off its debt without difficulty. His campaign slogan is "Dieppe . . . the future now."

Businessman Jean LeBlanc, who has proven ability at managing people and money, is challenging Mr. Maillet with promises of leadership, transparent government and prudent fiscal management. Taxes have been raised twice in recent years in Dieppe, and rising property assessments (by the province) have resulted in windfall increased revenue for the city, yet the city's debt soared in four years to about $86 million from about $25 million. Mr. LeBlanc says the city needs and will have continued growth, but it must be within the taxpayer's means. He also says there is room to cut taxes. Given windfall tax revenues, there should be room to achieve all this.

Our choice for mayor in Dieppe is Jean LeBlanc. Mr. Maillet has some impressive accomplishments of which he can be proud, but Dieppe cannot afford four more years of such a rapid, costly pace. And the council's treatment of citizens, has been to cut off debate and has been less than transparent. Citizens need better information from the mayor and council.

Mr. LeBlanc promises precisely what Dieppe needs: transparency and "prudent" financial management. Taxpayers can be happy with the achievements of the past four years, but it is time to shift gears and obtain a better balance of interests.