Sophie Demers
Local Journalism Initiative
Published online October 22, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
Eric Harrington
Eric Harrington, a long-time Bryson resident, is running for mayor. With 16 years of service on the Bryson–Île-du-Grand-Calumet Fire Department and 24 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, he says his experience and community roots have motivated him to seek the position.
“My experiences have taught me how to navigate bureaucracy, respond to emergencies, and get things done,” said Harrington. “I like to get things done, but I also know how to listen. Bryson deserves leadership that’s not just experienced, but grounded in service, accountability, and a real connection to the community. I’m ready to help our town thrive—together.”
Harrington identifies high municipal taxes, aging infrastructure, and limited services as key challenges. He plans to consult directly with residents to determine priorities and reduce the local tax burden by pursuing external funding, implementing incentive programs, and improving municipal efficiency through technology.
He also sees economic development as essential. His approach includes supporting local entrepreneurship with municipal incentives, exploring cooperative business models, and attracting small-scale industries such as tire recycling to create jobs. He proposes initiatives that encourage residents to shop locally and volunteer within the community.
Harrington says he would strengthen regional cooperation through the MRC and among local directors general, advocating for greater transparency, improved access to infrastructure funding, and coordinated regional strategies to address shared challenges while keeping taxes affordable.
He emphasizes his commitment to consultation, accountability, and collaboration.
Joanne Ralston
Joanne Ralston says she is running for mayor of Bryson to represent the municipality’s needs. She says the town’s biggest challenge is managing its budget responsibly in the coming years, noting that all projects depend on available funds.
“I am open-minded and believe that concerns expressed by others are mostly valid, even if they are not always understood or directed to the right person or organization,” said Ralston. “I’m always open to finding solutions, even if it means referring matters to another organization or person.”
Ralston has experience in health and social services and currently serves as a Bryson councillor.
She believes the municipality must be stricter with its budget, especially when it comes to planned spending and contingency planning. Developing a well-thought-out short- and long-term financial strategy, she says, will be key to ensuring Bryson’s stability.
To support economic development, Ralston emphasizes collaboration with local businesses. “Consulting them on their needs, how they see the future, and working in partnership to create beneficial projects for all is essential,” she said.
She also believes regional cooperation is vital to improve services, retain families, and attract jobs. “Working with neighbouring municipalities allows us to strengthen health services, create more employment opportunities, and present a united front to the provincial government,” she said.
To improve essential services, Ralston says Bryson must be ready for grant opportunities, with reserve funds set aside for the municipal share of project costs. She also highlights the importance of proper training for staff and councillors to better understand grant processes and financial management.
Jian Zhang
Jian Zhang, a business owner and Bryson councillor for two terms, has announced his candidacy for mayor. He has a background in engineering and economics, as well as experience in business and financial management. Zhang has been working in Bryson for three decades.
Zhang declined to answer the Journal’s questions directly, referring us instead to his Facebook page for information.
He says he is running because he has a clear vision and mission to build sustainable ecological greenhouses to create abundant renewable resources in Pontiac and promote sustainable development. According to Zhang, these greenhouses would encourage the creation of new businesses and a local industrial chain while also creating more jobs. The project, he adds, would allow Bryson to produce fresh fruits and vegetables, making produce more affordable in the area.
Zhang believes the initiative would attract new residents and reduce the average tax burden per household. For the municipality, it would generate more revenue that could be used to improve infrastructure and services.
Photo credits – Submitted
