Yellowknife (Aug 27/03) - City politicians are preparing for the Oct. 20 municipal election.

While most councillors will seek another term, some have set their sights on the November territorial election.

Expect to see councillors David McCann and Blake Lyons knocking on doors and presenting their views on why they should be elected to council for another term.

Lyons, a councillor since 1988 and now assistant deputy mayor, said he finds the work enjoyable and is still learning in his role.

"We have been experiencing significant growth. I just hope we can keep the balance...so we can look back and say we did the right thing by keeping parks and green space," Lyons said.

McCann, who was first elected in a byelection and then for a full term, said "other things have to be done" and for that reason, he wants to continue to represent the public as councillor.

"When you stand on doorsteps, you get to hear directly from folks," he says of his upcoming campaign.

Two councillors who will not seek re-election are Robert Hawkins and Ben McDonald. McDonald is stepping aside for personal reasons, but is not ruling out returning to the political realm in the future.

Hawkins said he will seek a seat in the territorial legislature as MLA of Yellowknife Centre.

"Many people don't feel Yellowknife is being represented loud and clear," Hawkins said, adding issues such as accessibility and seniors are on his priority list.

Coun. Dave Ramsay said there is a 90 per cent chance he will instead seek nomination as MLA of Range Lake.

"I'm close to making that decision. There's a good likelihood (he will seek the MLA seat). I've been getting a lot of support from the people in that area."

When questioned about his political intentions, Alan Woytuik said he wants to be re-elected to council.

After one term as councillor, Wendy Bisaro has decided she will run again.

She says issues such as Twin Pine Hill will likely continue but while the land acquisition process was difficult, she says she feels the end result will result in "getting what we want."

She also predicts taxes to be on the agenda for next term.

"I've been on the record as feeling we need one (a tax increase). We're at a point where we need one to maintain our services."

After serving two terms as councillor, Kevin O'Reilly will "decide in due course" whether he wants to hold a seat on council.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem has already declared his intention to seek a second term.