Yellowknife (Sep 26/03) - Potential city councillors will be on the hot seat during several upcoming public forums.

The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce will host two forums, Oct. 8 and 9 in city council chambers beginning at 7 p.m.

Dale Thomson, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said nine candidates will appear the first evening and eight the subsequent night.

"Three questions will be sent to the (potential) councillors this week with written answers to be sent back," Thomson said.

This gives the chamber membership the opportunity to know how each candidate has replied.

During the evening, candidates will introduce themselves, tell why she/he is running for councillor and speak to the questions.

Moderator for the evening will be chamber president Dave McPherson.

"We expect a packed house," Thomson added.

Alternatives North will also host two public forums Oct. 15 and 16, also at city hall.

Ben McDonald, a city councillor who is not running again, will be emcee for these two events.

McDonald, co-chair of Alternatives North, said a number of councillors will appear Oct. 15, the rest Oct. 16.

Three questions will be asked on social equality, labour and environment, McDonald said.

"Affiliates to Alternatives North will be present from the social planning committee, Ecology North and the Federation of Labour," he said.

Each candidate will be given two minutes to answer these questions.

Also during the evening, candidates will draw questions from a public hat for answering.

Election day is Oct. 20.