Yellowknife (Oct 24/03) - People's recognition of the council candidates appeared to turn into voter support at the polls, said Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

"And also with a lot of candidates involved in the panels, you could tell early on in that process who was well prepared," he said of the two public forums held prior to Monday's election.

All five incumbents running for re-election regained their seats, leaving room for only three new names on council.

When it comes time to get down to business in a couple weeks, Van Tighem hopes the major focus will be on the city's general plan.

"If that can become the core guiding principle or document for council as we move forward, I think that will answer a lot of the concerns addressed during the campaign," said Van Tighem.

One issue he believes was put to bed with the previous council is the smoking bylaw. He doesn't expect it to appear again.

"In the forums, one of the unsuccessful candidates actually said that really, the smoking issue is moot."

With the Worker's Compensation Board soon to implement its own anti-smoking legislation, Van Tighem said it will only get tougher for smokers.

"It's an international trend. The big challenge is for the community to adapt because we do have to realize we are a little bit higher than the average in the people that smoke in the North."