Several Hawkesbury councillors received some unusual mail this week — anonymous letters accusing them of accomplishing little during their time on council, with some even including children’s activity pages and puzzles suggesting they needed something to keep them busy.
While the letters were critical in nature, councillors say they won’t allow the messages to discourage them from serving the community or from seeking public office.
Councillor Jeanne Charlebois said she paid little attention to the letter and the attached puzzle, describing it as a form of intimidation but not something that would affect her.
“You can’t be intimidated by this kind of stuff,” Charlebois said.
She acknowledged that this type of behaviour could make some people think twice about running in the 2026 municipal election, but said it should not stop good candidates from stepping forward.
Councillor Julie Séguin, who is already registered as a candidate for mayor in the upcoming election, also addressed the situation in an open letter released July 20.
Séguin said she decided to speak publicly about the letter not to seek sympathy, but because she believes it is important to acknowledge the realities of public life.
“I certainly do not condone that kind of behavior. I nevertheless chose to make it public, not to seek sympathy, but because I believe it is important to speak openly about these realities,” Séguin wrote.
She said her years working with federal politicians have helped her separate political criticism from actual harassment. Séguin said she viewed the letter more as a sign of public frustration rather than an attempt to intimidate her.
However, she added that anonymous messages like this are not an appropriate way to express concerns.
Séguin believes the situation highlights the need for better communication between council, municipal staff, and residents.
She said frustration can grow when people feel they are not being heard, and that creating more opportunities for meaningful dialogue could help rebuild trust.
Councillor Tony Tsourounakis said he opened his letter and the enclosed colouring page with his family nearby. While he said he wasn’t afraid after understanding the sender’s intentions, he admitted there was an uncomfortable moment.
Tsourounakis said he understands that some residents are frustrated and want changes to happen faster.
“I want things to get better, faster as well,” he said.
However, he noted that municipal government decisions take time and said he would rather sit down with residents to discuss their concerns than see anonymous letters sent.
Instead of ignoring the colouring page, Tsourounakis decided to complete it and display it inside his business, the Deja-vu Resto-Bar on Main Street East.
“I wanted to turn it into something positive,” he said.
Tsourounakis said the incident could discourage some people from entering politics, but it has not changed his mind. He plans to submit his nomination papers before the August 21 deadline and says he has decided to run again.
Councillor Yves Paquette, who is not seeking another term after serving three terms on council, also received an anonymous letter with a puzzle page included. The letter accused him of accomplishing nothing and thanked him for not running again.
Paquette responded on social media, saying that actions like sending anonymous letters can discourage qualified people from stepping forward to serve on municipal council.
As Hawkesbury heads toward the 2026 municipal election, councillors say disagreements and criticism are part of public service — but they hope future conversations can happen through open dialogue rather than anonymous messages.
Councillor Tony Tsourounakis completed the painting page he received with an anonymous letter. It is now on display inside his business, the Déjà-vu Resto-Bar.