Inuvik (Oct 06/06) - Jeff Otto has heard plenty of jokes about being a dog catcher and running for mayor.

"I know people laugh at me sometimes," he said.

But in his view, clearing Inuvik's streets of stray dogs is honest and necessary work.

"Animal control is a service that keeps the community safe," he said.

While the job might have gained him some notoriety in Inuvik, Otto said he has plenty of other experience.

For instance, he is certified in early childhood education, has served on the community board of Menden Hall in the Yukon and has spent two years on the national board of the Williams Syndrome Society, which raises awareness of a rare genetic disorder.

Added to this, Otto said he's owned businesses in Inuvik and the Yukon, including a meat shop, a cleaning company and a hydroponics booth.

Clearly, he is a man who wears many hats.

Otto, 51, said this varied experience will help him shake up municipal government.

"We have a new council coming in, and we need a new person at the helm. (Derek Lindsay and Arlene Hansen) have given a lot of their lives to their positions, but a lot of people think it's time for a change," he said.

Among the things Otto proposes is the establishment of a Neighbourhood Watch, to help curb youth vandalism.

"Basically, people would sign up and drive around at peak times. They would report anything suspicious to the RCMP," he said.

Another more expensive promise is a ladder truck for the fire department.

"It's a safety issue," he said. "We have people living on the third floor and the firefighters can't reach them."

As the campaign goes on, Otto said he'll keep talking to people and trying to prove himself a worthy candidate.

"Some people think all I can do is catch dogs," he said. "But there's a lot more to me than that."