Michael Applebaum stepped down from Montreal's executive committee earlier this month -- he says because it refused to make a critical report on city contracts public. But some suspect it's because his party passed him over as a mayoralty candidate. In any case, it worked for him, he's at the helm now. And in Montreal, Michael Applebaum is as rare as a tendered contract--an Anglophone, Jewish mayor. He promises to combat corruption. And he promises to do it fast.

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Montreal's new interim Mayor, Michael Applebaum

Michael Applebaum took the oath of office as new interim mayor of Montreal on Monday ... swearing to be honest and respectful of the law and code of ethics. He's stepping into the position after mayor Gerald Tremblay's resignation.

Michael Applebaum promises to hold the position for just a year until next November's election. He has big plans for how he'll use that time. And it's nothing short of cleaning up the corruption, the waste, the culture that have inflated construction costs and cost taxpayers millions.

Just a few days on the job, and already some people on Twitter refer to the city as the Big Applebaum. Mayor Michael Applebaum joined us from Montreal. He'll present the members of his new executive committee, later this morning.

This segment was produced by The Current's Sarah Buck and Howard Goldenthal.

Music Bridge

Artist: Tosca
Cd: Tosca: Dehli 9
Cut: # 7, Dave Dudley
Spine: !K7 CD 140

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Checking-In: Listener Response