Fort Liard (Feb 13/04) - Residents of Fort Liard can expect a more open government.

That's what the chief of the Acho Dene Koe band said last Thursday while dismissing calls for a new election.

A motion calling for a new election had circulated around Fort Liard earlier this month, garnering roughly 80 signatures.

Chief Floyd Bertrand has been facing challenges from band members for not holding public meetings.

He addressed these issues during the council's first public meeting in more than seven months.

"A lot of things had been blown out of proportion," said Bertrand, who described the gathering as "productive"

"I think most of the band members are happy with what we've been doing."

Bertrand explained the council had been unable to hold public meetings because it was operating without a band manager.

"Why hold a public meeting without knowing the specifics of what's going on?" asked Bertrand.

With a new band manager in place, the council plans to hold meetings on a regular basis, said Bertrand.

"We want to keep the public informed," he said. To that end, the band recently launched a monthly newsletter.

"The chief and council have not been accountable to the public," said Irene McLeod, who seconded the motion for a new election.

The motion also called for a complete audit of band finances and the resignation of Beaver Enterprises' board of directors.

The final decision on a new election rests with the chief and council, said band officials.

Bertrand came under fire last month for accepting a $20,000 raise approved by council.

While the band chief openly admitted there was some initial "confusion" in the band office, he was vague about the details of his $20,000 raise, saying only that it came from within the "band structure."