Inuvik (Oct 22/04) - Only 87 votes separated them, but it was 86 more than incumbent mayoral candidate Peter Clarkson needed to retain the title of "your worship" against challenger Kurt Wainman.

Peter Clarkson takes a moment in front of town hall Tuesday morning after being re-elected mayor in Monday's municipal election. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

"Wow, it was a close one," said Clarkson from his home Monday evening after results were announced. "I'm glad a lot of people got out, took interest and voted."

Voter turnout in this municipal election was 63 per cent, almost double the 35 per cent turnout during the last election.

Part of the reason for the increase could be linked to the fact that this election served up a challenger for Clarkson, who was acclaimed in the last go-around two years ago.

However, Clarkson says he was not expecting the kind of support Wainman received.

"For a guy who has not been involved in anything for the community, I was surprised he got that kind of support," said Clarkson.

Wainman takes credit

Wainman, owner of Northwind Industries, took much of the credit for the rise in voter interest.

"I gave the mayor a fair challenge, mobilized a lot of people who don't normally vote in municipal elections and even some people who don't vote at all," he said Tuesday afternoon. "I thought (the results) would be closer, but it was a really good turnout and I'm glad Inuvik stood up and took notice."

When asked if he would consider future forays into politics, Wainman wouldn't rule anything out, but said for the moment he was content.

"Right now I'm happy doing what I want to do, but we'll see."

Terry Halifax, Karen King and Paul Komaromi will add new blood to this council.

"It's pretty humbling that I could win a seat against these challengers," said Halifax. "I'm a relative newcomer going up against longtime and lifelong residents."

An outspoken critic of the former council during the all-candidates forum, Halifax feels the slight shake-up in the council ranks is a message from voters.

"I think voters confirmed that there is a mandate for change when I look at the overall numbers," he said.

In the race for mayor, both candidates were pretty much even after the advance poll.

While Clarkson hammered Wainman by more than 120 votes at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex poll, Wainman returned the favour -- though not as heavily -- at Ingamo Hall, garnering 37 more votes than Clarkson.

Of all the candidates' results, the disparity of votes earned by each candidate at either polling station was the greatest in the race for mayor.

Conversely, incumbent councillors Arlene Hansen and Gayle Gruben -- top vote earners among council candidates -- enjoyed relatively consistent numbers between both polls.