Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Jean Marie River (Oct 21/05) - Stan Sanguez wants Fred Norwegian's job.

With a band election taking place on Oct. 26, Sanguez has announced his candidacy for chief. Norwegian isn't bowing out. He's seeking a second three-year term.

While nominations don't close until Friday, no other contenders had emerged as of the Drum's press deadline.

Sanguez, a former chief, is accusing Norwegian of having hired too many of his own family members, a charge Norwegian refutes.

"All along since he's been chief it's always been his family," Sanguez said, adding that five band members have approached him citing that specific concern.

Norwegian replied that only one of his relatives is presently on the band's payroll. Although there have been others, he said hiring was never done on the basis of bloodlines, but because of qualifications. Asked if more Sanguez family members weren't employed when he was leader, the challenger responded, "I never looked at it (for) my family's benefit at all. I always made sure that everybody was equal... I want to make sure that the band office belongs to the people again."

Furthermore, Sanguez said Norwegian hired the current band manager without approval from band council. Norwegian explained that the band manager was brought in on a term position. He has the authority to unilaterally offer a job under those circumstances, he said.

He added that he has sent a letter to band members explaining the decision and letting them know it's up to them to extend the term or not.

Among his accomplishments as chief, Norwegian counts assisting with the formation of Dehcho Helicopters, obtaining funding for a traditional knowledge study from Imperial Oil as well as the purchase of a new saw mill and related training.

In addition, the band's audit reports have been favourable, showing a modest surplus, he noted.

"I think during my term we have set some kind of a foundation that we can work from," said Norwegian. Other issues that Sanguez plans to tackle if elected include lobbying the GNWT for contract work on the road to Jean Marie River and the community's airstrip. He also wants to create a long-term plan for the community's sawmill.

Although that piece of equipment was acquired by Norwegian and the current council, Sanguez said Norwegian only deserves "half the credit" because "it was pushed by myself and other band members."