Three-term Hearst Mayor Jean-Marie Blier abruptly announced his resignation in mid-May to fill a vacancy as justice of the peace for Hearst and the region. A veteran of 17 years in municipal politics, Blier had applied for, was interviewed, and was notified of his posting by Attorney General David Young last month. Councillor Jacques Lecours becomes interim mayor June 1 until a replacement is selected from town council. First elected mayor in November 1994, Blier was acclaimed during the 1997 and 2000 elections and had a year-and-a-half remaining on his term.
