Gargan changes gears
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Providence (Dec 15/00) - After four terms as the Deh Cho's MLA, Sam Gargan is about to settle into his first term as mayor of Fort Providence.
Gargan received 103 votes in Monday's municipal election to put him in the mayor's chair.
Incumbent Jim Thom got 85 votes.
"I was pleasantly surprised," said Gargan, who is to serve a two-year term beginning Jan. 1.
Rosemary Minoza, Priscilla Canadien, Sophie Bonnetrouge and Maggie Levavasseur were elected to hamlet council.
Priscilla Canadien and Ann Bouvier were the successful District Education Council candidates.
Gargan complimented Thom on his job as mayor, a position Thom had taken on by acclamation in February and had held many times in the past.
"I guess people just wanted to see a bit of change," he said. "I think it was the same when I got defeated as MLA; after any length of time in politics people just want to see change. It's not a question of credibility."
Gargan said he doesn't anticipate any difficulty adjusting from territorial politics to municipal politics.
"It's just a continuation. The level isn't as high but the direction is the same in most western communities -- for more autonomy," he said.
After all his time served as MLA, he said he still desires public service. With most of his family living in Fort Smith or Yellowknife these days, he said he has lots of time to devote to municipal politics.
"I can't stay idle... it gives me more time to concentrate on a vision and take on some challenges," he said, adding that he wants his council to help him decided what will be the top priority, whether it be social problems, capital projects or any other objectives.
He said his first order of business is taking control of his personal life. Before running for mayor, he had decided to go enter addictions counselling and he is committed to following through on that in January, he said.
"I guess role modelling is important."
