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Probably his greatest accomplishment is setting the agenda for city administration instead of being dictated to. He put the houseboat issue behind the city once and for all and ironed out the details of the new arena.
Nor is he overwhelmed by the diversity of ideologies on council, rightly believing Yellowknifers are represented by all views.
Judging by the number of public presentations since he's been at the helm, Yellowknifers obviously see our city council as one that listens.
Making housing a key priority should ensure Yellowknifers get the affordable accommodations they deserve, proving the mayor's bottom line isn't just big bucks.
If we can criticize him for anything it would be a tendency to operate behind the scenes.
Van Tighem may have his fingers on the business pulse and be welcome in corporate boardrooms, but running a city council demands overt signs of leadership.
He often approaches issues with maddening detachment, holding his opinions like cards close to his chest. Maybe this arises out of a need to tread lightly in the world of public government -- terrain he's had little experience in. Maybe it's just Van Tighem's way.
Regardless, Yellowknife voters want to know where their mayor stands and when election time comes it will be those issues they will remember.
Van Tighem has vision but the picture is a little fuzzy right now. Some of his moves leave people scratching their heads.
Why, for instance, did the mayor want to open up Niven Lake in November when he knew the neighbourhood plan was set for January?
Such questions aside, Van Tighem is a breath of fresh air. He's the right person to be leading Yellowknife during these heady times of diamonds and pipelines.
Where there's money to be made, there's usually crime.
When it comes to the diamond trade, organized crime is the biggest threat. The only way to keep on top of it is for police to get organized.
That's why setting up the RCMP diamond protection service is so important. While it seems strange to dedicate three officers on a full-time basis to one industry, there are other benefits to protecting diamonds.
Organized crime brings other problems, from increased drug trafficking to money laundering and more.
The better handle police have on all that, the better all of Yellowknife's finest will be able to protect and serve.
Thank goodness for the official start of winter Dec. 21. We haven't quite become Miami Beach North yet, but the weather since Christmas in Yellowknife sure has been balmy.
After dropping to a chilly to -37 C Dec. 6, the thermometer has been trending upward. The high of -2 C Christmas Day was a record high for that date, and the month of December was 2.3 C above the mean normal of -4.1 C.
Why so pleasant? No single reason, Environment Canada says, but this week credit goes to the so-called "Pineapple Express," a winter weather phenomenon where the upper atmosphere jet stream settles into a long, straight, fast flow east from Hawaii to western North America, including the NWT.
Pineapples anyone?
Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News
A big thumbs up going out this week to the committee members of the new Chesterfield Inlet Minor Hockey Association. It is always refreshing to see people get involved and help develop amateur sport at the grassroots level.
We wish the group in Chester nothing but success as they set out into the rewarding world of developing a minor hockey program in their community.
Another thumbs up to the students and staff at Qitiqliq high school in Arviat for their work in the successful theatrical productions of Slapshot Santa Scores Again and A Christmas Carol.
It is encouraging to see the theatre being developed in the Kivalliq and how passionately our youth seem to embrace it.
the bad ...
You can't help but share the RCMP's frustration in the Kivalliq as they continue to wage war against young offenders in our region. All too often we're hearing it's the same culprits behind so many repeat offences in our communities.
The only way we're going to stem the tide against this juvenile crime wave is for our courts to start sending out the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Let's be honest here. It's reached the point where we have to start questioning the effectiveness of local justice committees and the like for being any kind of deterrent to these young people.
Slaps on the wrists and stern vocal reprimands -- not to mention heartfelt apologies and a few hours of community service here and there -- just don't seem to be cutting it.
Until these youth start to realize they're going to be held accountable for their actions, they're not going to curb their behaviour. It's supposed to be crime doesn't pay!
... and the ugly
Baker Lake MLA Glenn McLean is right on when he says RCMP Cpl. Paul Richer is innocent until proven guilty.
However, just the fact a local officer can be charged with possession of child pornography shows the power the Internet and other forms of modern media have to disrupt our lives when used inappropriately.
The attention being drawn to this case should be a reminder to Kivalliq parents to keep on top of how their kids spend their leisure time both in the community and online.
There's a lot of good in the world, but, unfortunately, there's also no end to the temptations we face each and everyday. And while we can't protect our loved ones from all the world's ills, the more involved you are with their character development, the more chance your positive influence has to rub off.
Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum
The sun made its welcome return to Inuvik last Sunday.
Fittingly, residents celebrated the day before at the Sunrise Festival.
A good-sized crowd huddled around the cozy bonfires and took in a truly beautiful fireworks display.
There's something magical about fireworks, especially for the young. There's the excitement leading up to the big event, as well as the different sounds caused by the explosions.
Then there's the lights and patterns, which vary in colour and intensity.
The "flying saucer" shells were a novelty this year, rising so far, hovering for a spell while shooting off, and then heading up further skyward.
All of it added up to a memorable experience. Congrats to all involved in putting on another great Sunrise Festival.
Hunt for justice
The hunt for the person or persons responsible for the murder of Keith Blair continues.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for any information leading to the person or persons who killed the Mackenzie Hotel night clerk. Blair was found dead at the hotel the morning of Oct. 17. As well, police would like to speak to people who were in the area of the Mackenzie Hotel late in the evening of Oct. 16 and the next morning.
Police would also like to speak with a male and female seen in the Mackenzie Hotel lobby early in the morning of Oct. 17.
Blair's murder shocked the community and sent out ripples of fear among residents. Doubtless people will sleep better once those involved in this act are apprehended.
This reward is a good reminder to those responsible that the authorities are still involved in the hunt for truth and justice in this matter.
Best wishes
Hearty congratulations and best wishes are extended to the Nasogaluak family of Tuktoyaktuk, who on Jan. 2 welcomed a new addition, namely Jason Jr. He also just happens to be the New Year's baby for the NWT, making parents Marlene and Jason extra proud.
Check stops make safer roads
Inuvik RCMP held numerous check stops over the holidays, partly due to an increased emphasis across the territory on traffic enforcement.
Check stops serve a useful purpose by reminding people to have all their documents, such as registration, up to date and on hand. They also remind drivers of the responsibilities they carry to help keep our streets and highways safe.
Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson
How important is recreation in our lives? If this past weekend's hockey camp was any indication, the answer would have to be: very important.
Each player was part of something that not only imparted a great deal about the nuances of the game, but also taught them respect for others, how to work as a team and how to be good sports. The best part is that it was free of charge with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), the Village of Fort Simpson and the NWT Hockey Association picking up the tab.
Local coaches and parents alike were, once again, thoroughly impressed with coach Andy Nowicki's approach. Nowicki has a knack for making kids respond. Part of his flair comes from emphasizing achievement. He constantly tells his charges, "great job," and has the players give each other high-fives after completing a drill. He is also a personable fellow. He addresses the players collectively as "friends."
There's no second guessing his impact on the young athletes after their practices. They chatter enthusiastically about their new skills and plays. They can hardly wait to try these things out against the opposition in a game situation.
Interestingly, while those looking on see a man who provides three days of inspiration to young athletes, he sees a small community where the support for minor hockey is quite remarkable. He complimented local parents and coaches for helping the hockey program endure. He also said he notices people like recreation development officer Shane Thompson and teachers such as Paul Stipdonk and Val Gendron who do so much to give local children recreation opportunities.
Nowicki had quite a year in 2001. His Red Deer Rebels won the country's junior hockey championship. After much deliberation, he accepted an offer with the Los Angeles Kings to be their goaltending consultant. That also means he makes regular trips to Manchester, New Hampshire to work with the farm team's netminders.
Despite the fact that he has made it to the big show, he hasn't forgotten the people in the little NWT communities. As a matter of fact, he ensured that his contract allows him to continue his hockey camps in the North. He stepped on a plane in Los Angeles last Thursday and arrived in Fort Simpson the next day. He planned to visit Cambridge Bay, Toloyoak and Kuugaarjuk before returning to California.
The news wasn't all positive last year. Nowicki was good friends with Scott McAdam, Fort Simpson's former recreation director who passed away unexpectedly last September. Nowicki said McAdam's death was a "huge loss."
He also nearly lost his brother in a helicopter accident in Fort Simpson last October. Fortunately he survived, and Nowicki said he was sure to personally thank some of Fort Simpson's volunteer firefighters during his visit for the immediate treatment they provided for his injured sibling. Yes, they do their job well, as does he.
See you again next year, coach.