Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 25/00) - After the lights went down in City Hall Mayor Dave Lovell crossed the street to his home, a walk he's taken many times late in the evening after council meetings.

"This is how it ends," said Lovell walking down the long concrete steps outside City Hall, "not with a bang or a whimper. It just ends."

Monday night's council meeting saw the final appearances of councillors Bob Brooks, Robert Slaven and Lovell. Coun. Cheryl Best was a no show, leaving a written farewell for Lovell to read which said she was in Fort Liard on business.

"To the newcomers I know you'll enjoy the experience as much as I did," Lovell read from Best's statement.

Lovell and Brooks read from prepared statements and Slaven gave a short noteless speech congratulating election winners.

"This is my last time on this side in 15 years," said Slaven.

Brooks said his life had changed since the election. Now he has time to spend with his family, time he says he didn't have as a councillor.

"I now have the opportunity to reacquaint myself with my wife and my family," said Brooks.

Lovell left the next council with things to mull over. He proposed election disclosure laws to keep the process transparent. He also pointed out that the city's current economic situation has improved significantly since he was first elected to office.

"Yellowknife has never been in better shape, either as a city corporation or as a community. I think we have a very good mayor, and he has my full support."

Lovell said he plans to spend the next few months upgrading his computer skills before he starts seeking employment.

Council tied up loose ends, quickly approving tax exempt status for the Islamic Trust Foundation's mosque and approved grants for five Yellowknife organizations.

Mayor elect Gord Van Tighem attended the meeting, as did new councillor Wendy Bisaro. Both were officially welcomed by Lovell.