Inuvik (Dec 15/03) - It was a close race for the mayor's seat in both Fort McPherson and Aklavik last week.

Five Beaufort Delta communities held municipal elections, Dec. 8.

Three of them, Tuktoyaktuk, Fort McPherson and Aklavik, also got a new mayor.

In Aklavik, Billy Archie nudged out incumbent mayor Evelyn Storr by 34 votes.

Archie, a former hamlet councillor, has never run for mayor before.

His eyes are to the future. He wants to prepare the community, both educationally, socially and physically, for upcoming gas and oil development in the Delta.

"It's going to be a challenge but we can work to build a strong and healthy community," said Archie.

He'll be sworn-in next month alongside his new council: Annie Buckle, Eddie Greenland, Kathy Greenland and Agnes Tardiff.

Fort McPherson had an even closer race for mayor. Incumbent mayor Gordon Clark lost his seat by one vote to Philip M. Blake. Clark had 98 votes, while Blake at 99.

Tuktoyaktuk was destined for a new mayor after Eddie Dillon stepped down from this year's race.

Jackie Jacobson will now take the reins alongside some new council members, Ethel Gruben, Maureen Gruben and Faye Noksana.

New councillors, same mayors

Paulatuk and Holman kept their mayors but they did get some new councillors after the Dec. 8 election.

Although Holman had to extend their nomination period because of a lack of interest, six candidates finally came forward for the five seats. Lisa Alikamik, Janet Kanayok, Laveran Klengenberg, Mary Kudlak and Peter Malgokak were elected to represent the interests of the community.

Paulatuk mayor Keith Dodge will be joined by councillors Debbie Gordon Ruben, Bill S. Ruben, Ken Ruben and Ray Ruben Sr. in January.

Philip Blake and Jackie Jacobson were unavailable for comment by press time.