Youthful Pierrefonds Dollard riding chief hopes Liberals can bounce back

In the last federal election, the NDP wave  scored surprising victories in many ridings across Quebec, including long time Liberal stronghold Pierrefonds-Dollard when Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe's upset veteran Liberal Bernard Patry.   With the next vote about two years away, riding associations are starting to prepare themselves.

 

Jordan Gentile

In  Pierrefonds-Dollard, the future is being entrusted in an energetic 21 year old Concordia University Political  Science student. Jordan Gentile has been on the job for a little more than a year now.  He worked on present Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s Papineau riding election in 2011 and decided  to pursue the helm of his own local riding when their president, Jean Raymond, stepped down. As if he is not busy enough, Gentile also works as a supervisor of customer service at the head office of the Aldo Group.

Gentile told me that Pierrefonds-Dollard was one of the few ridings in the country not to be affected by redistribution. “Once all of the riding boundaries in the country are formally announced, we will go about picking our candidate,” he says. “We know it will not be easy as the NDP MP has done a lot of work in the riding.”

Who would my star Liberal candidate be? Former Lester B. Pearson School Board president Marcus Tabachnick did not dismiss the possibility when I raised it with him recently. 

Suggestions for new TSN 690 Program Director Chris Bury

Chris Bury says he is excited to get to work on his new project as program director for TSN 690 Radio, while retaining his role as brand and news director for CJAD.  I have known Chris since he was a young reseacher  for Jim Duff on CJAD. He moved on to 940 News for a number of years, then to Q92 (now The Beat)  before returning to NewsTalk 800 AM.

Having Bury oversee the programming duties at another station is a huge task, on top of his already heavy load. "It kind of makes sense as there will be a lot of synergy between the two stations," he told me. "There is a logical connection and a lot of opportunity for cross promotions. I can't wait to get going on this!"

Bury said at this point he wants to begin a discussion and evaluation process. He did not dismiss the possibility that some changes could be implemented in time for Montreal Canadiens broadcasts. TSN 690 will soon vacate their Greene Avenue facility in Westmount and join CJAD, CHOM and Virgin Radio at the corner of René-Levesque and Papineau. They are also across the street from CTV Montreal and RDS.

Bury was not ready to speculate on any potential programming changes. Well, here are some lucky guesses and suggestions.

Jess Rusnak

HABS BROADCASTS: Everyone agrees that play by play man John Bartlett and colour commentator  Sergio Mommesso are a dynamic team. But will  CJAD sports director Rick Moffat and Abe Hefter find their way back into the mix?  The pre and post game shows are definite possibilities. Jess Rusnak does a fabulous job covering the Habs and could be a valued asset for CJAD as well. Connor McKenna has also come into his own with the Delmar Post Game  Show.  UPDATE- Clearly Bury has been listening as Conor McKenna became the first TSN 690 personality to cross the floor. On Friday, August 16 he was chosen to fill in for Rick Moffat to handle morning show sportscasts with guest host Barry Morgan and he did not sound out of place. A good omen for McKenna?

Connor McKenna

MORNING SHOW: While Ted Bird clearly seems to adore his gig on TSN 690 mornings, will we see him cross the hall to CHOM FM and rejoin his pal Terry DiMonte for some sportscasts? And how about Moffat or whomever  is doing the sports on CJAD handling the same duties on TSN 690 with Shaun Starr and Elliott Price? I would love to hear Michael Farber and Dave Stubbs on both stations.

Tony Marinaro

THE MONTREAL FORUM: Tony Marinaro has a loyal following and provides good radio. If anything, Bury should strengthen his show The Montreal Forum and continue to use him on Habs broadcasts. Just look at the man`s Twitter followers! Not since the late Ted Tevan have we had a more opinionated and well liked talkshow host. Marinaro is also a walking encyclopedia on international soccer and the dad of a young boy who is already so prolific at the sport that many say he is destined for the pros.

Barry Morgan

OFF THE CUFF: Will Chris Nilan remain as co-host with Marinaro for the Intermission and host of Off The Cuff from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m or will someone like Barry Morgan or Hefter be offered that slot? Nilan is still a rookie at doing his own show and continues to approve. He also has a huge list of "A" level contacts.  Perhaps Morgan and Nilan?

MELNICK IN THE AFTERNOON: Mitch Melnick is already a legend in this city. He spent many years on CJAD. He is definitely an "untouchable." Hopefully he can access the likes of Farber, Stubbs and others.

Matthew Ross

EVENINGS: When the Habs are not on, TSN 690 airs a variety of programming weekday evenings. Bury would be well advised to take a long look at Matthew Ross and Dave Kaufman in particular, two talents who could be plucked up by the soon to debut AM 600 English station.

ALOUETTES AND IMPACT: It makes sense to move these broadcasts over to TSN 690, reverting back to CJAD in the case of  a conflict. That means the great Noel Butler could return to the Impact broadcast team.

MANAGEMENT: There must be a place for Wayne Bews, who has played a critical role in keeping Montreal's all-sports station alive. Wayne has done it all: sales, programming, promotions. He is an amazing fellow who gets out there in the community. His experience could be a benefit to the new Bell Media English radio group here.

To be continued...