Quebec shock-jock radio host runs for mayor

Citing concerns that incumbent Régis Labeaume could be elected without real opposition, shock-jock internet radio host Jean-Francois (Jeff) Fillion has officially entered Quebec City's mayoral race.

Even though he admits he has little chance of winning, Fillion said his goal is to force the mayor to debate important issues.

"I love Labeaume, but it takes a pretty strong candidate to fight him," Fillion told The Canadian Press.

"We can't just hand him a victory like that — without there being any debates — then he gets to decide everything over the next four years," Fillion said Thursday.

Fillion said he worries Labeaume will coast to victory because of the success of the city's 400th-anniversary celebrations last year.

Fillion said he would lead an active campaign, putting ideas forward on a daily basis to ensure that Labeaume "doesn't get a free ride."

Fillion, whose program runs on the website RadioPirate.com, is proposing the city improve services at its airport before investing in a proposed high-speed train.

Fillion denies the move is an attempt to rehabilitate his image, or to return to commercial radio.

"I don't need that," said Fillion, whose program is also carried on XM satellite radio.

Fillion is facing a lawsuit by his former employer, Genex.

The company wants him to pay for damages paid to two media personalities he defamed on-air as the morning show host at Quebec City's CHOI-FM.

Labeaume was elected in December 2007, following the death of mayor Andrée Boucher.

Three other candidates are running against Labeaume, Yonnel Bonaventure of the Défi vert de Québec party, and two independent candidates Langis Harvey and Jean-Paul Marchand.

Friday is the deadline for potential candidates to come forward ahead of the election, Nov. 1.