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Trust and democracy

Commitment, participation, and territory: Denise Jacquemod's mission in Avise

Politics and love for the territory at the service of the community

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It was fate that Denise Jacquemod, originally from Avise (Aosta Valley), would cross paths with our little revolutionary Heidi. Even in university (she studied at the Catholic University of Milan), her nickname was "Heidi," perhaps because of her mountainous origins, where she returned after graduation. Today, Denise is the councilor for sports, education, culture, and urban design in Avise (Aosta Valley), a town of 300 inhabitants in the Upper Aosta Valley at the entrance to the Valdigne.

Teacher at the Institut Agricole of Aosta, after years of parish activism and volunteering at the local library, in 2020 to support with total "trust" the list of Nadir Junod she ran and was elected deputy mayor in the administrative elections (confirmed for a second term in 2025) under the banner of challenges and innovationThe beginning of her mandate – marked by the Covid-19 pandemic – was not easy: the emergency situation forced online meetings, limited direct contact, and the responsibility for tough but necessary decisions. Despite the difficulties, Denise and the council promoted new initiatives, such as the use of social media and the management of the website for tourism purposes, but above all the creating a network local by strengthening collaboration between local associations, culminating in the annual “Passeggiando Avise” event, a nature, cultural, and food and wine event dedicated to sustainable tourism.

The goal of Denise and the "Junod council" is to transform Avise into a destination for slow and sustainable tourism, enhancing the local nature and culture, in contrast to more crowded destinations like Courmayeur or Cervinia. This commitment is encapsulated in the logo and slogan, designed by Aosta Valley graphic designer Elisa Avantey: "Avise, vivre le temps“A tool to affirm and communicate the identity of the municipality and the places that distinguish it, where time, understood not only from a historical perspective, becomes the most precious asset. Among the future projects (Denise calls them perhaps unattainable dreams) stand out the launch of sustainable management of the Avise woods, the enhancement of trails such as the Vallone di Vertosan, the construction of a bivouac near the Lac du Fond (Altavia 2), and the safety of the section of the Roman road in the Pierre Taillée area, where the Road to Gaul was cut into the rock.

Speaking with Denise there are two concepts that distinguish her service: the first is the confidence, both towards those who called her to political commitment, and in the relationship with her voters. The second is the democracyNot an easy choice. Especially when remaining consistent with one's vision requires unpopular decisions, such as the introduction of door-to-door waste collection which, despite initial mistrust, has become a virtuous example. For Denise, democracy is synonymous with Participation, participation of younger generations, seniors, or citizens from other regions or countries. Individuals who can enrich the area with their skills, stories, and visions. Working "with and for" the Community can only strengthen bonds and realize what Denise and her fellow administrators consider the dream and greatest commitment: keep your country alive with an ever-increasing number of people or families who decide to live in Avise, not only as inhabitants but above all as components of a communityA commitment that evokes the words of Paul VI, who defined politics as the highest form of charity. A call to an idea of ​​politics as service, as care for others, as responsibility.