Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 24, 2007

HAY RIVER - Three people are vying to represent Hay River South in the Legislative Assembly.

Incumbent MLA Jane Groenewegen is seeking re-election, but is being challenged by Marc Miltenberger and Greg McMeekin.

"I want to make sure Hay River keeps pace with the best quality services and infrastructure that we can possibly have to accommodate a growing community," said Groenewegen when asked about her core issue.

Miltenberger said his main issue is to bring organizational stability to health and education programs, and to get the community and its political leaders working together.

"That's what it is going to take to make the difference," he said.

McMeekin said the economy is his major concern.

"I think Hay River has lost a lot of its small businesses and that was the backbone of our economy," he said.

Resident Jackie Gibb said her main concerns are health and education, which she believes are shared by most people.

"Something needs to be done," she said.

June Eirikson said her main concern is also health, particularly people having to travel to Yellowknife.

"Many people have to leave home to get medical service," said the senior who lives in Paradise Valley.

Hay River South has 1,079 eligible voters.

It has most of the industrial area of the community, plus the main downtown shopping and service area.

Groenewegen has represented Hay River since 1995 - first when the town had one MLA and Hay River South since 1999.

The 50-year-old is married and the mother of three children. Aside from her political career, she is a self-employed businessperson mainly involved in real estate. She said she is running again to continue to put all her experience to work on behalf of Hay River.

Her slogan is "Experience Working for You."

Over the last four years, she noted the community has gotten a new dialysis unit and more housing for seniors, and construction of an assisted living centre for adults will soon get underway.

"We always hope for more, but I think a lot of the needs in Hay River were responded to," she said.

During the last session, she chaired the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development.

Miltenberger, 44, said he comes from a political family, noting his father and brother were both mayor of Fort Smith, while his brother Michael was MLA for Thebacha.

"It's something I've been around all my life," Miltenberger said, noting he once served as councillor in Fort Simpson.

The married father of two children is president of Midnight Petroleum.

Miltenberger said he is running because it is an opportunity to serve the community which he loves and is proud to call home.

His slogans are "Your Choice for Change" and "Vote to Make a Difference."

McMeekin, a single 42-year-old, is a newcomer to politics.

"I don't think political experience should count for much," he said, noting experienced politicians can't seem to improve things like health care.

McMeekin said he is running because the economy is in terrible shape.

In the past, he has worked in several small businesses and in several trades, such as carpentry and auto body repair.

McMeekin has no visible campaign.

"It will be done on a face-to-face basis, and I'll let the people decide," he said.

Beyond just being elected MLA, McMeekin wants to become premier.