Inuvik - Denise Kurszewski and incumbent Robert McLeod are facing off in the election for the Twin Lakes riding.

Twin lake MLA hopefuls Denise Kurszewski and incumbent Robert McLeod are campaigning for votes until the end of the month. Both candidates are urging people to register for voting day on Oct. 1. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

With election day coming closer, both candidates are on the town, gathering support and listening to concerns from the community.

McLeod, who has been at the helm of the west end since 2004, is seeking re-election from the people he depended on last term.

McLeod said that he has learned a lot from his time representing Inuvik and wants to continue his journey.

"It's been a good learning experience," said McLeod.

"It was my first time being at that level in politics."

McLeod also has political experience at the municipal level. He was mayor of Aklavik at the age of 27.

McLeod said that he had support from the community during his last term in office.

"I had people who would call me up to let me know how I was doing and what they wanted to see," said McLeod.

"I've been really lucky to have the support of those around me."

McLeod said that he enjoys travelling to other communities to get a broader perspective on the North and what is happening.

"Being a part of the Government helped me see other communities and what they go through," said McLeod.

He said that after seeing the big picture, each community has its similarities.

"We're all facing the same issues," he said.

Gathering people to hear their issues is something that McLeod wants to do before the election on Oct. 1.

"We've been going door to door, talking with people and getting together at Ingamo Hall," he said.

After serving a term in office, McLeod said that the second campaign is all about keeping his connections with the people strong.

"People have been coming to me with concerns about the Dempster highway," said McLeod.

"It's been about the same thing, people are talking about housing and other issues that are out there."

McLeod will be travelling throughout the community to meet with people about the issues and to see what can be done.

"People have told me that they were happy with the work we did in the last assembly," said McLeod.

Opposing candidate Kurszewski says that her campaign has been positive.

"I've been getting a good response from the community," she said.

Kurszewski has been going door-to-door to hand out information for voters.

"Some people want to have an extended visit, to talk about the issues," said Kurszewski.

Planning community events to gather opinions is something that Kurszewski also plans to do before the end of the month.

"We have a committee planning events for the month of September," she said.

Kurszewski said that she has been getting support from people in the riding who want to see her in office.

"I think a lot of people support the fact that I'm an educator and I have a good educational background," said Kurszewski.

"They see a need for someone who will advocate for them."

Kurszewski wants the voters to be informed about the vote and to support their candidate by placing their vote on or before Oct. 1.

"I think people need to think about what they would like to see," said Kurszewski.

"People need to think about what they want for themselves and their children."

No formal debate or forum has been announced yet, but both candidates were open to the idea of sharing a stage for public questions.