When Florence Catholique was elected chief of Lutselk'e she didn't expect to be told to abstain from alcohol in order to collect her salary.

It seems that a band resolution, made in the 1970s, dictated that only non-drinking members of the band should be council members.

The resolution raises questions about public life, private life and alcohol abuse. While the enactment of such a resolution demonstrates the band's commitment to clear-headed leadership, abstaining from alcohol mandatory is a bit like legislating compulsory church attendance.

The decision to drink or not to drink must be a personal one and is not a measure of public ethics.

No matter how well intended the resolution might have been, today it seems arbitrary and intrusive.

The private lives of public figures have never fallen under greater scrutiny than today. The public demands a high level of accountability from its elected leaders. Nonetheless, it is inappropriate to link the pay scale to an individual's lifestyle.

At a public meeting Catholique was given the full salary and benefits that go with the job. In turn, she agreed to meet with the community's drug and alcohol counsellor which is an acknowledgement of the community's concerns.

The people of Lutselk'e voted Florence Catholique chief. She can either do the job or she can't. Time will tell.

Whether or not she needs help coping with alcohol is matter for her to resolve. She will know the community will be watching.

The band's resolution was a response to a need for responsible leadership. That need hasn't changed but the times have. Lutselk'e has ably demonstrated its willingness to change with them. Many other "Dry" communities will be facing the same issue in future

Just which part of "public" doesn't Betty Palfrey, chair of the Keewatin Board of Education, not understand? It took months of pressure and an order from the health minister to get to agree to release minutes of her board's public meetings.

Even now, she hasn't released the latest records, although she promises to get around to it soon.

Getting to public meetings isn't always possible for NWT residents, many of whom live hundreds of kilometres away from the action. Letting them read what went on at a "public" meeting should not be open for debate.