Inuvik (Feb 03/06) - As Inuvik woke up to an NDP victory in the Western Arctic, most in town the Drum spoke with were not surprised but would have preferred Liberal incumbent Ethel Blondin-Andrew to return to Ottawa.

"I think it would've been easier if we had a Liberal in a Conservative minority, but I'm sure that Dennis will do his best for the Territories and I congratulate him," said Arlene Hansen, a town councillor and small business owner.

However, Val Robertson had reservations about the new party in power, more specifically its leader. "I have some real concerns about Stephen Harper," she said. "He has some views I don't agree with."

Robertson also lamented Liberal incumbent Ethel Blondin-Andrew's defeat. "I would've like to see her back simply so we could work through this important period for the North. It's more about having somebody (in Ottawa) with a background on the issues."

New Democrat Dennis Bevington's victory over Blondin-Andrew ended her 18-year federal political career.

On the other hand, Rosa Kayotuk seemed pleased with the Western Arctic result.

"I'm glad Dennis won because I think we needed a change and change is good," she said.

Terry Upcott had a completely different view of Monday's election and admitted he didn't vote. "If you don't like any of (the candidates), why shouldn't we be able to express that?" he asked adding that ballots should have a "none of the above" option. "Aren't we supposed to vote for the best candidate or the least worst?"

In terms of business and development concerns, Mervin Gruben of E. Gruben's Transport felt that the all-weather road planned to connect Tuktoyaktuk to Inuvik was in jeopardy. "The 177," said Gruben referring to the road's working title. "That was about ready to go, but I think it's finished for now."

According to Inuvik's central poll supervisor Chris Garven, there was some confusion from one voter about the electoral process. "Basically, we had a gentleman who thought he'd marked his ballot wrong and wanted to vote again," explained Garven adding that the person in question had already voted at the advanced poll.

Later, the same gentleman returned to the poll - at the Midnight Sun Recreation Hall - wearing an Ethel Blondin-Andrew button.

"Nobody is allowed to wear or have anything that supports a candidate within the building and extending out into the sidewalk," explained Garven adding that the entire situation could be chalked up to a misunderstanding.