Que. town's mayor tells snow critics to take a hike … to Mexico

Last Updated: Monday, February 18, 2008 | 4:03 PM ET

CBC News

The mayor of Huntingdon, Que., said he won't apologize for a letter he sent to taxpayers that encourages people with complaints about snow removal to move to Mexico.

'It's always the same bunch of crying babies who are like a cancer, very negative, always complaining about something. If you're not happy, then just leave.'

—Mayor Stéphane Gendron

Titled "complaint syndrome," the letter suggests citizens who aren't happy with snow removal operations should take a trip down south to "lift your spirits."

"For those who want the streets and sidewalks to be completely down to blacktop during the winter period, we invite you to temporarily move to Mexico," read the letter, dated Feb. 12.

Stéphane Gendron, who is mayor of the town about 70 kilometres southwest of Montreal, said he's unrepentant about his brash tone.

"It's always the same bunch of crying babies who are like a cancer, very negative, always complaining about something," he said in an interview with CBC News. "If you're not happy, then just leave."

Huntingdon Mayor Stéphane Gendron, in an undated photo, said he's also tired of people who ask for more municipal services but complain about taxes.
(Radio-Canada)

Snow removal operations take time when the weather fluctuates around the thaw point, which is typical during Quebec winters, Gendron said.

"It's like hysteria" when local residents complain about the time it takes to clear out the snow, he said. "People forgot about winter."

He said he's also tired of people who ask for more municipal services but complain about taxes.