SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Last month, shortly after nominations closed for a number positions up for grabs Oct. 19, Yellowknifer posed a series of questions to candidate hopefuls running for mayor, city council and the two city school school boards. Below are their responses.

What we asked mayoral candidates:

Question #1: Why are you running?

Question #2: Is the 12 per cent property tax increase since 2005, and the expected close to 12 per cent tax hike over the next two years justified?

Question #3: Which would you give a greater priority to, residential development, green space, or maintaining and upgrading city streets?

Question #4: What is the role of the city in solving social issues on the streets?

Question #5: What are you going to do to stop the population drain in our city?

Bryan Sutherland

Age: 34

Profession: Internet media and administration

Years in Yellowknife: 13 in the NWT, 8 in Yellowknife

Family status: Married with one daughter.

Question #1: I don't believe that the city of Yellowknife is being managed effectively and there is a disconnect between city administrators and the public at large.

I believe our leaders have failed the public through misspending and mismanagement, currently; spending on services grows while the population shrinks; more houses are being demolished than constructed; the city pays $2.8 million to widen and re-asphalt 700 meters of existing city street, ($4000/m!) while the GNWT can build a highway from scratch for far less (about 1/5th!); the list goes on. With change; we can do better through efficient and targeted spending practices.

Question #2: No. The municipal government should be focused on creating housing starts to increase municipal revenues, not taxing those that are already here. Why should homeowners pay for increased services when the population is dropping? As mayor I would advocate for eliminating the tax hike, and re-focus city resources on increasing the availability of residential lots at a reasonable price for new home starts. The only way to increase property values is to ensure population growth and affordable living. Raising the tax burden will further reduce disposable income and deter others from building. The cost of living is already too high.

Question #3: Residential. I like green space, and there is plenty of it around Yellowknife, no farms, logging or otherwise, that is more suited to green space; this should not be a problem. We need to build new to replace our aging residential buildings, get the city growing and increase the tax-base, not raise taxes. 100 residential units, would add approximately $500,000/year to municipal coffers. If the city achieved a target of only two per cent yearly residential growth we could easily lower taxes and further fuel housing demand. The city needs unique solutions and cannot use the same old excuses for failure.

Question #4: The city and its residents are most effected by these social issues; it is incumbent on us to address them. As a casual employee of an organization that works directly with providing opportunity for rehabilitation, I understand what can be done to improve the situation, (such as increased municipal enforcement, and a work program). You can feed someone who is unemployable, give them a safe-bed, and access to support, but if they cannot stand on their own, the problem will continue to grow. We need to make all people employable, accountable, and independent, or we will only enable the problem.

Question #5: Aforementioned, and; currently there is a great voter apathy caused by a lack of public involvement and poor communication practices at city hall. We need to improve communications and implement procedures that will assure residents their input is appreciated and will be dealt with in a courteous, efficient and timely manner. Creating a feedback tracking system will document every concern brought by a resident, track its progress including who dealt with it, and to what end. If not satisfied; they do not need to start from the beginning or argue who is responsible, it will all be recorded and available.

Gord Van Tighem

Age: A young but experienced 60.

Profession: Retired territorial banking manager. Nine years as mayor of Yellowknife. Lifelong angler, hunter and committed conservationist.

Years in Yellowknife: Lived here 18 years. Worked here 29 years.

Family status: Married to Carol, three children and three grandchildren.

Question #1: I have been very proud to serve my community for the past nine years. We have overcome many challenges to make Yellowknife Canada's best small city, twice, and as the changing North embraces new opportunities, I believe I have the proven experience to help our community build on success. The Social Plan, Smart Growth Plan and Energy Plan will give us the momentum we need to improve social conditions, recreational facilities, infrastructure and housing affordability that will benefit the capital for years to come. And most importantly, I have my wife's permission.

Question #2: Council works diligently to minimize property tax increases, while maintaining the desired standard of living through enviable city programs and services. As you identify Yellowknife has increased about 12 per cent in the last decade, but in the same timeframe Edmonton has increased 50.4 per cent. Two problems with growth and increased Federal Infrastructure support, tax increases can be minimal, but we need to watch for the pay now or pay a lot more later scenario. Additionally, property tax is the only taxation allowed to Communities and represents only eight per cent of the total from all orders of government. We need to continue the lobbying for a redistribution of taxation authority nationally to minimize or negate future increases.

Question #3: Without residential development (affordable and attainable) we cannot attract new residents, let alone retain those we have. Almost 60 per cent of the land within city boundaries is undeveloped green-space. If we don't maintain city streets and essential public health and safety infrastructure, we pay more later.

The community generated Smart Growth Strategy will look at the next 50 years of development. Our Affordable Housing Strategy is due out shortly and capital improvement is an existing 10-year plan with new, but time limited, federal support.

Question #4: Social issues impact the city, giving us a clear stake and the need to work with a range of interests. Our support to the Homelessness Coalition has started a participation with a variety of stakeholders and service providers and our recently adopted Social Plan outlines the strategy to address issues through the motivation of those responsible to action without taking on their responsibility and expense. A recent collaboration of Health and Social Services, Ekati and the city to establish a day use shelter will assist those in need and reduce public inebriation and loitering, this fall.

Question #5: As our population based on 2006 estimates will be released tomorrow and this is challenging. The 2004 General Plan projected 19,300 this year and we are there, according to available sources. Population ebbs and flows constantly and is shaped by external factors that can both push and pull people from other provinces and communities. We need to focus on a more attractive, more affordable and a more positive community. Economic diversification, action on the Social Plan, facilitation of affordable housing initiatives and celebrating our success is paramount to constantly renew our optimism.

John Westergreen

Age: 52

Profession: Electronic engineering technologist C.E.T.

Years in Yellowknife: 1982 to 2009, 1978 to 1981 lived in Inuvik.

Family status: John lives at 56 Rycon drive in the family home with his youngest daughter Jena who attends Sir John and is in Grade 10. Anneka his oldest daughter is 27 and lives in Yellowknife. Ben, John's middle son recently graduated from the University of Victoria with a BA in Fine Arts with distinction. Ben is pursuing a career in painting in Victoria.

Question #1: John is running to honour the Canadian tradition of the electoral process. John loves the city and would like to give back to the city. While city hall is productive and running better than in other years, the small business component needs more support.

Question #2: The electrical load shows the city has less people in it than last year. To maintain the current plan of services and to add the growth of services, a smaller tax base of people means a rate increase will be needed. Just maintaining the current infrastructure with higher cost replacement materials and goods means it will just cost more.

Question #3: To me residential development with green space are one in the same. People don't just live in houses but the areas around them, which includes green space. I love to see people get the opportunity for water view properties and also be able to get on their bike and ride for a hour or two on green line trails and paths. I choose to live on the edge of the city were I can just walk out on the land. To grow, the city must expand and my edge will end but others will have the edge for their time.

Question #4: The city has really connected with the players in the city. It plays a role in supporting and identifying needs and organizations which directly meet the needs of people. These people are often the les fortunate, disadvantaged, physical or mentally challenged. While the city cannot be all things to all people it has become more sensitive with its support and partnerships in identifying and seeing that all layers of business and governments are moving towards common goals and standards of living.

Question #5: Work towards improving the small business climate in the City of Yellowknife first. Increase the marketing of the city and its northern climate to others as a wonderful place to raise families, find meaningful and enjoyable employment. Based on the difficulties of people and resourced to grow in a small businesses my hat goes off first to the long term business who have served the city for years and who welcome others to join them in the city. Marketing and education.

What we asked city council candidates:

Question #1: Is the 12 per cent property tax increase since 2005, and the expected close to 12 per cent tax hike over the next two years justified?

Question #2: Which would you give a greater priority to, residential development, green space, or maintaining and upgrading city streets?

Question #3: What is the role of the city in solving social issues on the streets?

Question #4: What are you going to do to stop the population drain in our city?

Lydia Bardak

Age: 48

Profession: Not-for-profit manager/social justice advocate

Years in Yellowknife: Since 1989, with a few years living away.

Family status: Two cats have allowed me to live with them in their downtown condo (as long as I bring home food).

Question #1: We need to balance inflation and increasing costs of fuel, power, and other items that the city does not control with the efficient provision of services and affordability. The Community Energy Plan has already reduced our dependence on expensive fossil fuels.

We need to continue to find new and better technologies to see where we can save. The public is invited to comment on the budget each year and council scrutinizes it closely to see what savings we can find because we are taxpayers too.

Question #2: One does not exclude any other they are all connected. Residential development includes green spaces and well maintained streets. We do not want to have to drive to a park to play with our children or to have a picnic. We want a variety of housing that gives people and families of different incomes and needs a place to live in Yellowknife. Redevelopment and infill, while preserving green spaces and maximizes housing options while minimizing the roads needed.

Question #3: Only an indirect role. Taxes are collected for infrastructure like roads, sewer, clean drinking water, land-fill facility, and recreation facilities but we can advocate with other orders of government that have a direct responsibility and we can partner to create solutions, like the Homelessness Coalition.

And now the new day shelter will relieve pressures on our emergency personnel who are often called upon to deal with public intoxication.

Question #4: We recently saw an example of a community in British Columbia coming here to entice our residents to live there. Then we have people working in the NWT but living (and paying taxes) down south. Can we offer the same or better? We have great arts, music, culture and recreation. We need to work more with our business sectors and the Chambers of Commerce to explore further employment and education opportunities here in Yellowknife. We must create a desirable community and offer affordable living. The Affordable Housing Plan and the Re-development Incentive Plan are two ways to deliver more affordable housing.

Bob Brooks

Age: 52

Profession: Senior policy analyst, Government of the Northwest Territories.

Years in Yellowknife: 29.5

Family status: Married to Lynn Brooks, two daughters, 18 foster daughters, four grandchildren, and nine foster grandchildren.

Question #1: Yes and no. Prior to 2005, Yellowknife enjoyed a long period of time when we saw no tax increases in an effort to reduce our cost of living, reduce any unnecessary expenditures, and live within our means. Since 2005, we were required to adjust tax rates to keep up with the inflation that was not addressed prior, to improve our quality of life, and bring on new necessary programs. Today, we are currently financially sound, but in today's global economic realities, we must once again work to reduce our cost of living and strive for a ZERO percent increase.

Question #2: You can not build a successful and prosperous community with a good quality of life by only focusing on one or two of those priorities. We want a well planned community that not only balances our residential neighbourhoods with appropriate housing, green spaces and connecting trails; but the city as a whole needs to have an abundance of parks, playgrounds, residences of all shapes and affordabilities, businesses, well planned transportation corridors, facilities, etc, etc. What is necessary, is to consult with the residents, and put a well thought-out plan in place that residents and planners have helped to create.

Question #3: For many years, this city has taken a hands-off approach to social issues because of the fear we would have the social portfolio offloaded to the city from a higher order of government. The problem with that strategy is that social problems in Yellowknife continue to grow to the point where residents now rate social problems as their No. 1 concern. Recently the city has taken on a facilitation role to bring together all the appropriate parties and agencies to coordinate many solutions, like the Bailey House, Homes for the Homeless and an expected new day shelter that's our role.

Question #4: As a councillor: I will support ways to reduce our cost of living, by striving for ZERO percent tax increases, supporting the construction of affordable housing, and maximizing development where appropriate; I will continue to look for ways to improve the city's quality of life, by balancing neighbourhoods, protecting and promoting green spaces, and promoting facilities that keep our children and adults busy and enthused; I will continue to look for opportunities that will help our local businesses and attract industry; I will concentrate on solutions that will make our streets safer, cleaner, socially acceptable, and more attractive.

Francis Chang

Age: 53

Profession: Business owner

Years in Yellowknife: 33 years, 34 starting on Oct 11.

Family status: Married with two children.

Question #1: I have not seen the justification for the tax increases over the past three years and do not see it why we need to increase it over the next two years, When wages are being frozen or raises are 2-4 per cent, a six per cent increase this year and next does not justify the level of services we see in Yellowknife. I need to see justification before we raise taxes.

Our tax base increased substantially over the past five years, so where is all this money going?

Question #2: Maintaining and upgrading our streets is more important as we need to keep what we have up to a reasonable level of repair and maintenance. If we do not our cost to replace is more expensive than maintaining properly.

We have many unsold lots or a long time trying to sell them in Niven Lake and the residential development has been Blast and Build. Knock down all the green space, fill with blast rock and tell the homeowner to make that space greener at his expense.

Green space should be incorporated into residential development, these current developments are being approved by the city, therefore who should be monitoring the permits to make sure this is done properly in the first place.

Work with the land not against it, design and build to suit the property you acquire.

Question #3: Since we have the problems on our streets, it will be up to us to solve these issues. We need to work with the GNWT and the Feds to manage these issues.

We should play a larger more intense role to address the issues as it affects all Yellowknifers. It is ridiculous when people won't even drive or walk down 50th street and 51st Avenue.

Question #4: No. 1 answer, high cost of living, starting with land prices and then housing, including rental properties.

Find out why we can't keep the price of land lower and don't keep raising taxes. This causes property to be more expensive and rents to be higher, and cost of living to increase.

Our cost of electricity is three times southern prices. I can't believe that Northland Utilities promotes energy saving ideas but when we are using less power the prices go up.

Jeff Corradetti

Age: 34

Profession: Auto detailer

Years in Yellowknife: three

Family status: Single

Question #1: The municipal level of government has limited tools to raise money to operate the city; a property tax levy is the first step to budget for services. Yellowknife's recent boom in have not put financial pressures on the city's resources to make those types of increases, especially when major capital investments were not made.

The expected 12 per cent tax hike over the next two years is not justified with the current proposal. Lack of infrastructure upgrades, shrinking population and extra pressures put on by external jurisdictions will make any increase unfair to the residents of Yellowknife.

Question #2: The role of council is not to pick favourites, but balance the needs in a fair and supportive manner. Residential developments and upgrades important, especially when you have a population that has very challenging and expensive rental options, rising home ownership costs and limited development options. Green space must be managed so that we do not lose the frontier lifestyle we all enjoy. Maintaining and upgrading city streets is also a very important part of the city that needs to be looked after. Everything we do revolves around transportation and with better engineered roads, it will result in greater efficiency.

Question #3: All three levels of government play a very important role when it comes to social issues. In Yellowknife we are fortunate to have multiple organizations that help address these social problems. Yellowknife needs to properly assist these organizations with a better support system and partnerships that work. Open and efficient communication will be a first major step towards benefiting those organizations that are on the front line every day. Yellowknife is the NWT's capital city and we must be part of the solution when it come to working with organizations and help them maintain and build upon their success.

Question #4: The population of the North has remained stagnant for many decades; this is also the case with Yellowknife. Population growth has many benefits. If I am elected to council, I will champion this issue with great determination. High housing costs is one of the biggest negative factors affecting Yellowknife. With affordable housing, a more business friendly city hall, improvements to parks, streets and lobbying for more affordable hydro rates with the GNWT, I am confident that Yellowknife will attract and maintain more people who want to live and raise a family here.

John Dalton

Age: Did not answer

Profession: Manager of exploration mining company

Years in Yellowknife: 37 years

Family status: Married with three children and four grandchildren, all born in and still living in Yellowknife.

Question #1: No increase should be automatic. The past council has set this tax hike based on their priorities and they need to be reviewed to see if they are still valid. First, do they meet our contracted and immediate needs? Are the short and long term planning goals realistic in today's economy and our environment? Our population is decreasing, we cannot put the burden of such a tax hike on a smaller population. We have the review planned expenditures and if necessary cut back or change the priorities in order to reduce this tax hike.

Question #2: Yellowknife needs affordable housing and will have to grow if we are to maintain even what we have. Yellowknife population is not growing but our expenditures are. People seem to believe that development comes at the expense of environmentally sound planning.

This only happens if we let it. We have to be open to growth and encourage it through a strong marketing program. Our bylaws must not hinder development. If we do not continue to maintain our infrastructure, it will only increase our eventual costs. However, we can cut back on the scope so as to not increase the tax burden.

Question #3: City council is responsible for what happens in Yellowknife, but the territorial and federal government have a vital role to play. We have to work with the RCMP and Department of Justice to deal with the drug problem. It is widely believed that it can be solved. People who are released from the correctional institutes should be returned to their community or region. We need foot patrols in the downtown core as a permanent program. We must also get our share of social funding to deal with the expenditures that are made for residents of other communities.

Question #4: Yellowknife must diversify its economy. We have to develop a very aggressive marketing program for Yellowknife. Our bylaws must help development, not hinder it. Our tax burden must change. We need affordable building lots. We need leadership. We need to solve the downtown core problem. We will have to solve the Northland Trailer Park issue. We have to develop a community that embraces youth, young families and believe it or not seniors, grandparents as they help to give a community an anchor. I want to be on council to work on these issues.

Paul Falvo

Age: 40

Profession: Lawyer

Years in Yellowknife: Eight

Family status: Married, one child.

Question #1: Northern families already face a high cost of living. Keeping taxes as low as possible is a priority. I believe in value for taxes. A tax increase may be justified if it results in our residents gaining something, or improved standard of living. However, I do not accept that municipal government needs to grow and grow, out of proportion to our population. In 2008, I voted against what I saw as an unnecessary tax hike.

The goal is to raise revenue through growing our tax base, and reduce expenditures through efficiencies (e.g. our community energy plan) not annual rate hikes.

Question #2: No one would want to live in a city that lacked any of these. Balance is the key.

People need places to live. Businesses need to attract and retain employees. Council is on track for making housing available in a number of places. The record snowfall in November 2008, and streets still unpaved, are constant reminders of the need to devote resources to maintaining and upgrading our streets. Innovations such as the city's new CimLine Melter make road repairs faster and cheaper. Meanwhile, outdoor recreation and green space are vital for our quality of life, and reasons for living here.

Question #3: Social issues, including health and crime, are primarily territorial responsibilities. However, Yellowknifers continue to identify social issues as a priority. We want our families to be safe downtown - and throughout the city.

Council needs to ensure that territorial responsibilities and costs - are not downloaded to city ratepayers. But the city can and does play a leadership role in facilitating cooperation between the GNWT and other stakeholders, for example Bailey House and the future day shelter. Continuing challenges, which council needs to address in our next term, include a transition house for women and public washrooms downtown.

Question #4: In 2008 and 2009 I worked with local businesses to organize downtown litter clean-ups, at no cost to ratepayers. Visitors and residents alike are praising our success. That's one small example of results that attract and retain residents.

In 2009 I supported tax incentives for downtown infill. This will help generate affordable housing, and boost local business. But, there is much more to do. Residents want green space, arts and sports facilities. And, we need essential services. It all must be fiscally responsible. I'll continue to work to make Yellowknife a place where families can enjoy quality and affordable living.

Mark Heyck

Age: 33

Profession: Website and multimedia coordinator, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Years in Yellowknife: Life-long, except while away at school.

Family status: Partner of 13 years Amy, sons Sam and Alex, dog Tonka, cat Buddy.

Question #1: The city has struggled with declining tax revenues from the Giant and Con Mine properties in recent years. Coupled with inflation of over 12 per cent from 2005-2008, the city has been fiscally challenged in maintaining service levels for its residents.

Recent initiatives have helped to make the city more efficient and to save tax dollars. Using wood pellet heating to heat some of our facilities is one example that has already saved Yellowknife taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. As for the future, I have no doubt the next council will be able reduce those projected tax increases.

Question #2: None of these issues can be looked at in isolation. Livable, vibrant neighbourhoods must incorporate green spaces, trails and efficient transportation networks into their residential development.

We need residential development to accommodate future growth, but often, it's amenities such as green spaces and trails that attract people to a particular neighbourhood. And maintaining and upgrading city streets can also serve this purpose, as the great work that was done on 50th Street this summer has shown.

Downtown revitalization helps attract people and businesses to the heart of our commercial sector.

Question #3: The city has neither the resources, nor the expertise, to deliver social services directly. However, the city has successfully facilitated action on a number of social issues that affect our most disadvantaged residents.

Recent examples include the Bailey House transitional housing facility and the soon to be opened day-time drop-in centre, where the city's involvement was critical to their success. So while we need to be mindful of our mandate, I believe we have a role to play in bringing together various stake-holders in an attempt to solve Yellowknife's chronic social issues.

Question #4: While I wasn't aware that we are suffering from a population drain, there are things we can do to attract new residents to Yellowknife. First, focusing on improving our quality of life through facilities and amenities such as the new soccer field house and the civic plaza in front of city hall will help make Yellowknife a more attractive destination for new residents.

Second, through a concerted effort to control our cost of living in the areas of housing, heating and electricity, we can make our city more competitive economically, attracting businesses and their employees to Yellowknife.

Tara Kearsey

Age: 32

Profession: Community development coordinator, Status of Women Council of the NWT

Years in Yellowknife: 10

Family status: Single mother

Question #1: Since there was a period which included no property tax increases for a few years prior to 2005, the tax increases since then were justified in order to keep up with rising costs.

However, due to the declining economic situation, as a member of city council I will work to ensure that every dollar spent is necessary and that the city lives within taxpayers' means.

Question #2: Definitely residential development - specifically affordable or attainable housing. Every parcel of land approved for development should include a provision to ensure that the developer will construct affordable housing units. However, there are some areas which should be reserved as green space. Tin Can Hill could never be developed for affordable housing and is more valuable to Yellowknife as a preserved, protected area.

Question #3: The city needs to take a lead role in putting pressure on the territorial government to provide or find funding for an addictions treatment centre in Yellowknife. The city should continue to support the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition and ensure the women's transition home is built within two years.

Question #4: Young families, single parents and single professional adults are the largest demographic leaving Yellowknife. The population drain is due to the high cost of living and lack of affordable housing.

As a city councillor, I will work cooperatively with the mayor and council, Yellowknife MLAs and our Member of Parliament to find ways to reduce living costs, improve the overall quality of life for Yellowknifers, diversify the economy, and develop a city where people want to stay and raise their families.

Amanda Mallon

Age: 52

Profession: Education consultant

Years in Yellowknife: 36

Family status: Part of a community of family and friends

Question #1: There has to be a balance between services and programs people want and the taxes they are prepared to pay. Citizen surveys indicate Yellowknifers feel that they are getting good value for taxes. The previous budgets were set by council to provide for the conditions of the times.

As time changes, the situation changes. Any new council will have to look at the budget with a critical eye, taking into consideration the programs and services that Yellowknifers have identified as priorities. We may find out the economic situation has changed substantially before the next tax cut is to be enacted.

Question #2: Intelligent community development should balance the competing needs of infrastructure, green space and residential development. For example, there are existing conditions such as aging water pipes that require timely attention. At the same time, we must realize that good streets are no good without good residential development and well-planned green space.

My priority is to ensure that we balance our needs logically and develop our community as a whole. Smart Growth principles can guide further development.

Question #3: The city must act as an advocate bringing together all levels of government to meet the needs of Yellowknifers, including social needs. In the 2008 citizens' survey, Yellowknifers identified social issues as the most important local issue.

Currently, the city is working with partners to address housing shortages, homelessness and addictions. An example is the homeless day shelter designed with counselling services and washrooms developed in a partnership with BHP, the city, and GNWT Health & Social Services. I look forward to working with others in making Yellowknife a safe, caring and healthy community that attracts and retains its residents.

Question #4:

To stabilize our population, we need an economy that's less dependent on world markets. Our city government must promote continued growth of small business and ensure land and services are available for new development. Support for Yellowknife's growth as the territorial centre of higher education, information and business will provide a more sustainable economy.

Yellowknife's increasingly vibrant arts and cultural scene is an attraction for residents and tourists. Tax incentives to attract businesses will have a positive effect on tourism, and economic development. The city needs to continue to encourage environmentally friendly industries such as rare earth mineral developments.

David McCann

Age: 66

Profession: Community planning consultant

Years in Yellowknife: 35

Family status: Father of two grown sons; grandfather of a Yk-resident grandson.

Question #1: Property tax rates for the last few years, while increasing, have been less than the average of those in our competing communities of Alberta; not bad when you consider that council has been steadily paying down long-term debt.

The city still has additional work to do in becoming more efficient, effective and responsive for its citizens; and I will continue to push the agenda in this direction. To the extent that five members of the upcoming council follow-up diligently with the productivity theme, we should be able to bring in future rates below those currently projected.

Question #2: Make no mistake - we need them all; but each development must be based on a comprehensive list of factors. Realistically, decisions are influenced by many elements: terrain, density, servicing costs, livability, energy conservation, GHG's, transit, available federal-territorial funding, etc.

It's the sum of all factors that provides the right-sized blended-but-affordable solution. Some investments will be costlier or have a longer pay-back period, but others will have to be more affordable to keep spending within our means to pay. This approach will help minimize our cost-of-living compared to other major southern communities competing for potential new residents and businesses.

Question #3: As I see it, the basic problem is one which has been largely down-loaded to us by a territorial government ignoring the effects of their bringing individuals to Yellowknife for services - people with few urban-marketable skills.

As the NWT capital, the city has a responsibility to help deal with this reality. Our proper role is that of facilitator; working with other levels of government to acquire the right mix of housing, training and counselling for stressed individuals in social and lifestyle adjustment. The city's full-on adoption of an on-street community policing policy could also bring about major improvements.

Question #4: Many departing folks are motivated by the perception that our higher cost-of-living overcomes Yellowknife's quality-of-life possibilities - compared to some other location they have in mind.

Yellowknife has become more challenged and less attractive in the current economic climate. I'll continue to urge council to improve the small business environment (ex: public market). Measuring for continual improvements in efficiency and productivity in city operations is key, as is the building of a culture of innovation with staff incentives.

My intent is to lessen the tax/fee burden on the ordinary resident while increasing quality-of-life experience.

Shelagh Montgomery

Age: 43

Profession: Senior environmental scientist and office manager for local consulting firm

Years in Yellowknife: 7.5

Family status: Common-law

Question #1: The cost of living in Yellowknife has risen more than 10 per cent since 2005 so the tax increases by the city are certainly in line with those for other services and goods. Possible tax increases will be dealt with by the next and future city councils.

Maintaining our quality services, programs and facilities plays a very large role in our quality of life and retention of residents. Fiscal responsibility and openness are also critical for residents to understand trade-offs and long-term planning.

These are the values that I will bring to city council.

Question #2: My priority is to improve overall quality of life for all residents. As such, the real issue is how to balance residential development, preserving green space, and maintaining and upgrading streets in any given situation.

The city needs affordable and better designed residential development. There is also a need for a systematic inventory of green spaces and protection of a representative selection of important landscapes and unique features.

The city has been redeveloping the downtown to build a more vibrant and sustainable community. I will support these initiatives if re-elected to council.

Question #3: Social issues are a shared responsibility with GNWT, federal government, private sector, and NGOs in our community. As the champion of the Social Plan I see the city's role being that of a facilitator to bring the responsible parties together to identify and implement real solutions.

Creating an Inter-agency Community Social Plan Committee to act on the recommendations in the Social Plan is a first step. Additionally, the city needs to lead the creation of affordable housing through a variety of zoning tools and tax incentives. This is work that I have pushed for, and work that is underway.

Question #4: According to the NWT Bureau of Statistics, Yellowknife's population declined less than two per cent between 2006 and 2008. Population growth is not necessarily desirable or sustainable.

It is far more difficult to recruit new residents than it is to retain those families that already live here. Quality programs, services and facilities are what will keep people here and attract new people.

More affordable and attractive housing, and the creation of mixed-use neighbourhoods, through the city's Smart Growth initiative will build a community where people wish to stay or move to.

Varick Ollerhead

Age: 52

Profession: Professional engineer, professional lands surveyor.

Years in Yellowknife: 22

Family status: Married

Question #1: The 12 per cent property tax increase since 2005 has been reasonable. However, the expected 12 per cent hike for the next two years have not been justified.

With the existing high cost of living, six per cent annual increases are not reasonable, unless a significant improvement in services can be demonstrated.

Question #2: I would give a higher priority to residential development. I believe if we can increase the supply, the cost will decrease. Making it more affordable will make Yellowknife more attractive to new residents.

Question #3: The city should be active in resolving these issues. The problems exist on our city streets and must be dealt with by the city with the assistance of the Departments of Health and Social Services, Housing Corporation, law enforcement, and other social organizations.

The city cannot cover all these cost by itself, but must be involved in finding solutions to the issue. Housing, washroom facilities, day centre for people to utilize, food program, work program to earn meal money.

Question #4: If high quality and more affordable housing were available our population drain would stop. I would change development bylaws which are currently too restrictive to developers and builders.

These revised bylaws would focus on what we as residents and the city WANT AS A FINAL PRODUCT, not on HOW to do it. We want affordable housing, meeting high energy efficiencies and on landscaped lots. Whether the tree is the original tree on the lot or a newly planted one is up to the builder.

David Prichard

Age: 58

Profession: Photographer

Years in Yellowknife: Five

Family status: Common-law

Question #1: A 12 per cent property tax increase since 2005 is not out of line with inflation for that period particularly when the high price of fuel in the last few years is considered.

The city has committed to several major capital projects, such as the field house and Sombe K'e park. The 2009 budget allows for major upgrades and repairs to such things as the Multiplex and other municipal buildings as well as water treatment and sewers.

It is foolish to defer maintenance as it only serves to increased costs later. While a 12 per cent increase over the next two years may reflect such upgrades, to continue with such a level of taxation is a burden to both business and citizens.

Question #2: Affordable housing. Up Here magazine states that rents in Whitehorse are half that of Yellowknife yet both locations share the same difficulty in transportation and logistics. If the city is to attract and retain residents, businesses need to be able to offer affordable housing to potential employees.

Question #3: All three levels of government need to address this matter, the city alone cannot solve them. The city needs to identify specific problems, determine appropriate solutions and in cooperation with federal and territorial agencies. After planning and development, cleaning up the downtown has been expressed to me as the greatest concern of both business and citizens.

Question #4: Affordable housing, ease of establishing and conducting business, good recreational and entertainment facilities are required by any municipality to attract and retain both business and residents. The NWT was once described to me by a visitor as Canada's best kept secret. The profile of Yellowknife, particularly in regard to tourism, needs to be better promoted not only nationally, but internationally.

Rick Poltaruk

Age: 58

Profession: Contractor/entertainer

Years in Yellowknife: First moved here in 1978 and then again in 2004.

Family status: Widower

Question #1: Having not been on council at the time, I cannot draw a conclusion as to whether or not tax increases were justified at the time.

However, my personal desire is to strive for zero per cent tax increases, and with the present financial situation in the country as a whole, being that of a recession, I do not support tax increases at this time.

Question #2: I would focus more on residential development and affordable and attainable housing. Keep in mind, that to focus in this area, means that a residual result would be maintaining & developing green space as well as fixing our city streets.

These would be needed to fulfil residential development for the safety/peace of mind of the residents that would benefit from this kind of growth.

Question #3: I see the city's involvement taking on many roles: facilitator, mediator and plan implementer. My longing is to clean up our city so that our businesses will grow, the job base will grow, and more residential development, all of which is so that we see an increase in tourism, dollars used in the city as well as a better way of life.

I feel that when dealing with social issues, it must be a problem solved, not just a Band-Aid that will eventually fall off.

Question #4: In all ways, making our city more attractive and affordable is a priority. As someone who is approaching my senior years, I would think that there is a way to stay in the city after retirement, both financially, residentially and activity wise.

This also goes for the young people who are looking for careers and ways to raise families, that will be a good and constantly growing way of life.

Cory Vanthuyne

Age: 39

Profession: Project manager

Years in Yellowknife: 34

Family status: Single, no children

I was born in Inuvik and moved to Yellowknife with my parents in 1972.

I currently sit on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and Skills Canada-NWT. Past board experience includes the Yellowknife golf and curling clubs. I am a committed advocate for cancer charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life and the Terry Fox Foundation. This year I founded the first annual Golf Fore Life Charity fundraiser in Yellowknife to support the Canadian Cancer Society.

After 12 years of experience in management and construction, I now work as a technical manager (project manager) for the NWT Housing Corporation.

Question #1: They are not justified until other sources of revenue have been carefully reviewed and considered:

User fees. Reasonable increases to user fees to help offset the operating costs of user facilities should be considered.

Licensing and permitting. I believe this is a vastly overlooked area of revenue that needs to be entirely re-evaluated prior to any tax increases being considered.

Private services. A review of our programs and services to determine if we are paying more for services from city operated functions than what we might pay for privately operated functions should be given full consideration.

Question #2: All three of these matters are of equal priority to me.

To be truly sustainable, city hall must balance the livability needs of a dynamic growing young city with developments, parks, trails, playgrounds and municipal infrastructure necessary to support economic development, public safety as well as programs and services, all the while creating a city that is vibrant and welcoming.

Question #3: Considerations to improve our downtown core that will address social issues.

Locate social and cultural activities in the downtown core. Supporting festivals and other social events makes our city vibrant.

Support downtown core businesses and community organizations.

Improve walkability: By making downtown more pedestrian friendly we will ease traffic concerns and improve our sense of community. Support downtown core residential development: More downtown residents means stronger, safer neighbourhoods.

Address security concerns.

Enhance municipal and RCMP enforcement through increased foot and bicycle patrol as well as neighbourhood watch programs and early intervention programs.

Question #4: Having a council that is determined to plan and prepare for Yellowknife's future provides stimulus and confidence to its residents and welcomes those who can see that Yellowknife is a vibrant city planning for balanced growth and long term success.

It means developing a city that thrives not only now but well into the future. It means creating a city of opportunity and prosperity. It's about ensuring that we are an efficient and affordable city.

One of my goals is to make Yellowknife a place that offers a lifestyle second to none!

David Wind

Age: Not relevant

Profession: Retired businessman

Years in Yellowknife: 28

Family status: Married, two children, four grandchildren

Question #1: Property taxes along with a myriad of fees and charges are a major component of living costs and are a continuing hardship for residents.

During the economic downturn the city's population has actually decreased and growth in the total value of properties has slowed. All the while, the city's expenditures keep growing, driving up tax rates.

The high cost of living is a major factor which people consider when deciding whether to live here or to commute. The next council and administration must be prepared to make the difficult choices necessary to ensure property taxes are not increased further.

Question #2: Definitely the maintenance of the city's existing infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, water and sewer system are most important. Infrastructure also includes buildings and facilities such as the fire hall, the city garage, recreation complexes, the landfill and other assets

Once these basic needs have been attended to, council can consider funding for new initiatives such as residential development, parks and green spaces, new recreation facilities such as a library as well as other new infrastructure. Parks and green spaces should be planned and developed in conjunction with residential development and they should not be treated as separate either/or items.

Question #3: Social issues have long been identified in the city's citizen surveys as their most pressing concern and yet municipalities have not been provided with the mandate nor the financial resources to address the social needs of residents. This should not serve as an excuse to simply finger point.

The Bailey House is an example how the city can deliver a response by bringing government and non-government agencies together. Council must show leadership in identifying the problems and facilitating stakeholders in finding solutions. The city should also use its good offices to identify funding and other resources which may be available.

Question #4: Quality of life is often cited as the reason why people choose one community over another to live. While this is important, I believe living costs along with economic activity which actually produces new jobs are even more important factors where competing communities are located hundreds of miles apart.

I support measures which will attract investment and economic activity and I will look for ways to encourage rather than hinder development. In the next version of the city's general plan, due in 2010, I will insist the planners consider residential development alternatives which will result in decreased housing costs.

What we asked Yk1 candidates:

Question #1: What do you intent to do about government plans for board mergers?

Question #2: What is more important, that children be kept with their age groups or they must meet curriculum standards?

Question #3: Are you happy with the school facilities as they are?

Joe acorn

Age: 38

Profession: I have a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master degree in Civil Engineering. I am a self-employed environmental and regulatory consultant. Projects that I have recently worked on include the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline and the NWT Water Strategy. I am also the chair of the Public Utilities Board of the NWT, board member and treasurer of the Arctic Energy Alliance and a board member of the Assessment Appeals Tribunal.

Years in Yellowknife: 11

Family status: I live with my wife, two children and two dogs in the Willow Flats area of Old Town. We are an active, outdoor family. I play soccer in the YK outdoor league and also assist with coaching a youth soccer team. My two children attend J.H. Sissons (pre-school and Grade 1) so I will have a direct and personal connection with YK1 for many years to come.

Question #1:I do not support the concept of merging school boards with health and housing boards. I also believe that school boards should be elected, not appointed, and that Yellowknife should have only a single school board. I believe that YK1 needs to adopt a more proactive, respectful and professional approach towards the board reform initiative. The board needs to get ahead of this matter by identifying the values and interests that YK1 wants to protect and then develop options, including a school board merger, to address concerns that led the GNWT to start the board reform process.

Question #2: Our primary responsibility is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need for whatever they choose to do after leaving YK1. While there are pros and cons of both the social promotion and academic promotion approaches, I believe advancing to the next grade should primarily be dependant upon achieving the academic standards. However, there should not be a fixed rule either way. Schools should make this decision, after consulting with parents, in the best interests of the particular student. In some circumstances, social promotion might be the best option but it should be the less used option.

Question #3: I am a strong believer in daily physical activity for students both through physical education classes and recess. All YK1 schools should have, but currently do not have, the necessary facilities to promote physical activity. This would include each school having its own field or at least access to nearby facilities.

Terry Brookes

Age: 55

Profession: Professional engineer

Years in Yellowknife: 20

Family status: Married with four children

Question #1: The government states that it wants to improve service delivery through better integration of the various government agencies. The government should be reducing inter-agency barriers to allow for better educational services for students. However, this goal does not need to be at the expense of grass roots democratic decision making. I believe the best decisions are made by those closest to and directly accountable to the educational stakeholders (the parents of our children). I would oppose any change that takes away the rights of parents to elect representatives who they feel will best support the interest of their child.

Question #2: The important question is what is in the best interest of the child for educational success. Children, particularly in the younger ages, have a high variation of maturity levels, cognitive and educational skills. Social promotion needs to be balanced with a child's learning strengths and weaknesses, and the child's social wellbeing. In the senior grades student advancement should be based on subject achievement. The decision needs to be made by trained and qualified education professionals in consultation with parents. For high school graduation, curriculum standards have to be fully met by the student to qualify as a high school graduate.

Question #3: When I compare our existing facilities to some facilities in southern Canada we can be proud of what we have. Schools must provide a safe and comfortable environment from the harsh weather conditions in the North. However, school facilities are physical structures that age through normal wear and tear. New education techniques also demand continual changes in the use of the school facilities.

Energy conservation and 'greening' our schools save money and protect the environment. Repair, upgrading and replacement are inevitable. While being fiscally responsible I want to always provide the best educational facilities I can for our students.

Jay Butler

Age: 45

Profession: Computer systems analyst with the GNWT

Years in Yellowknife: 16

Family status: Married with two children in YK1 schools

Question #1: Merging boards on the scale the GNWT is looking at is an ambitious undertaking. There are many stakeholders, and a lot of divergent interests. As the largest education board in the NWT, YK1 needs a seat at the table, and a veto on any new policies, structures, etc. that affect education by our terms, remembering our students are our top priority.

That said, we must work to benefit of all students in the NWT. We should especially cooperate and ally with other school boards in the Yellowknife area.

Question #2: Until the high school level (Grade 10+), as a general rule, I believe students should be kept with their cohorts; at the high school level, students are more involved in choosing their curriculum, can retake courses, etc., and the point is largely moot.

Our focus should be on ensuring our students get the most out of school they can, by offering education in different forms to accommodate students with different needs, abilities, interests, etc.

We must keep the best interests of our students foremost in mind.

Question #3: There is always more that can be done with any school facility. YK1 schools are now the oldest in Yellowknife, and there are some serious needs in terms of upgrades and new development required. If there are opportunities to develop joint facilities, all Yellowknife students and the community would benefit; we stand more to gain by cooperating than by competing.

Reanna Erasmus

Age: Ageing gracefully

Profession: Yellowknives Dene First Nation - Aboriginal Head Start program manager for over 10 years.

Years in Yellowknife: over 25 years

Family status: Married - two grown children attending post-secondary institutions

Question #1: I do not believe in one super board and I would lobby against one super board.

Question #2: Students have different learning styles and come from different home lives. There are no pure Grade 4 classes for example - in the class there may be students that are at a Grade 3 level or Grade 5 level. It is up to the curriculum and teachers to meet the needs of each student where they are at.

Question #3: Many of YK 1 schools are older and need to be upgraded. JH Sissons is the oldest YK 1 school and has been on the capital plan for many years. It would be great for our children if all YK 1 schools could have upgrades on the school buildings.

Mira Hall

Age: 30

Profession: Advocate with the Center for Northern Families/ coffee roaster

Years in Yellowknife: 30

Family status: Did not answer

Question #1: I would oppose the plans as I understand them to date. The formerly proposed board merger was not clearly outlined and did not seem to be understood even by the minister(s) bringing the idea forward.

The merger effected more than just the school boards and I would not support a merger with the health and housing boards, certainly when the super board would appoint rather than elect directors. The current board structure keeps the trustees and the district directly accountable to the public.

Having multiple school boards gives a range of examples of how education districts can work and allows the public to choose what they prefer.

Question #2: I don't believe that these are mutually exclusive. YK Education District 1 already has successful examples of keeping children with their age groups while offering course work at multiple grade levels within the class. Whether children are on modified programs due to being behind or ahead of their grade levels I believe that it is important to maintain the dignity of the child and that we create schools that embrace diversity within the classroom.

To achieve this, schools and districts must keep families informed; work in partnership with families and the community in an effort to support every child in achieving their greatest personal potential.

Question #3: There are some impressive school facilities within the YK1 district, but there are obvious discrepancies. It's clear within our community that some schools have better playground equipment, libraries, or computer labs than other schools and my priority regarding school facilities would be to ensure that ventilation systems are up to par, older wooden playgrounds are replaced throughout the district, and ensuring that the buildings are conducive for good health.

Blake Lyons

Age: 68

Profession: Labour relations consultant

Years in Yellowknife: 29

Family status: Married, 4 children, 7 grandchildren

Question #1: I will oppose any proposed mergers that are not in the best interest of YK1.

Question #2: Initially it is important to keep children within their age groups but the over-riding goal is to have children meet curriculum standards. In order for this to be accomplished we must ensure teachers and support staff are given the time and resources to help students achieve or surpass curriculum standards.

Question #3: I am not happy with the school facilities as they are. We have older schools that require immediate structural repairs. The funding received from the GNWT for the operations and maintenance of the schools is inadequate. YK1 deserves a priority for new schools plus an improved funding formula for the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

Tatiana Rutherford

Age: 33

Profession: Flight attendant, president of First Air CUPE Flight Attendants

Years in Yellowknife: 1year and 4 months, worked in the North since 1997

Family status: Married, two kids ages 7 and 9 attending J.H Sissons

Question #1: As an individual trustee, I believe it will be my role to work with the new board to ensure that together we exert enough pressure on the GNWT to cancel its plan for one "mega-board." Merging Education with Health & Social Services and Housing is definitely not in the best interest of our students.

My number one priority will be to ensure that all students in our district receive the best possible education, and having a dedicated board of trustees for education is the only way to make this a reality.

Question #2: While a set curriculum forms the basis of education systems across our country, I believe it is important to recognize each and every student as an individual. Just as no two adults will conform to set norms in the same way, neither will children.

In some cases, social passing - for the sake of keeping a child with their peers - actually causes more frustration and sets the student even further back in their ability to grasp concepts and learn the more advanced curriculum. In every case, doing what is best for the individual student is most important.

Question #3: School facilities are like homes. They need to have a solid foundation, be structurally sound, and have a good roof over them, and we need money for that. But, what really matters is what is on the inside.

My children attend J.H. Sissons and both my husband and I are very pleased with school. The library, at the centre of learning, provides students with the most updated resources to enhance their education; and the teachers are second to none. Providing an atmosphere of caring in all of our schools will enable students to thrive.

Allan Shortt

Profession: Superintendent for Clark Builders. Presently I am building the Field House; I have built building all over the NWT Including: The North Slave Correctional Facility and the Green Stone Building.

Years in Yellowknife: 31 years

Family status: Single father of two girls that were born and raised in Yk: Hayley Shortt, 17 years old, Grade 12 at Sir John, and Jordan Shortt 15 years old Grade 9 at Sir John.

Question #1: As a board we are waiting to see what the new board merger plan looks like.

Once we have all of the detail we will decide, what is best for our students and our stakeholders.

Question #2: This is a complex question that in some cases needs to be looked at what is best for a particular student. But for most students I would like to see them meet the curriculum standards or at least be close enough to that level that they will be able to catch up and be successful in the next grade.

Question #3: All the schools in YK 1 are great facilities. They all need on going maintenance and upgrades. J H Sission is due for a major renovation.

Duff Spence

Age: Old enough to run for election

Profession: Manager within the GNWT

Years in Yellowknife: 44

Family status: Contented

Question #1: For the last year, I have been the spokesman for YK#1 and on numerous occasions have attempted to clarify the minister's position on this issue. If elected, I will continue to work to better understand what problem the minister is attempting to solve with his proposal and also provide other solutions that would better serve the children of YK#1. It is important to remember that the current board has an accumulated surplus of $1.8 million, the largest number of high school graduates annually and the best results from the Alberta Achievement Tests compared to all other school districts in the NWT.

Question #2: The practices of YK#1 are required to comply with GNWT legislation and policies, for which it does. As well, the district in partnership with parents and their children define critical success factors to be achieved throughout a child's time within YK#1. Not all children will go off to University, but all children do deserve to feel productive within our community with the education and skills they have learned within the district and understand even after they leave high school learning is a lifelong adventure.

Question #3: The age of all of these facilities is a great challenge for the board due to the higher cost of operations and maintenance as well as the challenges in attracting students. If elected, I will continue to advocate to the department to provide monies to renovate Sissions.

This is a school that is over 30 years old and deserves to be renovated sooner rather than later. But, as we all know, buildings are not the only thing that makes a district. Having committed staff and administrators to the success of the children of the district far outweighs the challenges created by the age of the facilities.

John Stephenson

Age: 56

Profession: Public servant, Government of NWT

Years in Yellowknife: 35

Family status: I am married to Karen Johnson and we have two children at Ecole J. H. Sissons School. I also have two young adult children who are graduates of Sir John Franklin High School.

Question #1: In 2008, the GNWT proposed regional service boards for health, housing and education services with appointed board members and accountability to one GNWT minister. Board reform is a GNWT initiative and is pending further study at that level. Yellowknife is a tax-based community with two publicly elected education boards.

I believe that there could be benefits from increased cooperation between the education boards to reduce duplication of services. I am interested in serving as a trustee to work on continuing to improve educational opportunities in our community and I am not interested in working on board reform.

Question #2: Parents, teachers and peers influence a child's success at school. Generally, it is beneficial for a student to stay with their age group. It is important to identify gifted or learning-challenged students in the early school years. Creative solutions are needed for individual learning styles.

To help students meet curriculum standards, teachers need the resources and tools to provide students the support they need, when they need it. Parents must also be vigilant and involved in the education process.

The goal is to keep kids in school and prepare them to be productive members of society.

Question #3: Yellowknife is blessed with tremendous facilities and I believe in making good use of all of our facilities. We have 12 schools in our community, including Ndilo and Dettah, with numerous amenities between them, plus the other complimentary facilities of library, museum, recreation, sport, theatre and outdoors.

Some of our schools are relatively new while others are not. We should always be evaluating and planning for improvements to our facilities.

However, improvements are extremely expensive and involve choices on best use of limited funding. Where real needs are identified, the required funding should be pursued with persistence and determination.

John Westergreen

Age: 52 years old

Profession: C.E.T. as an electronic engineering technologist

Years in Yellowknife: 27 years

Family status: Family man with three children, two which are adults, daughter Jena 15 in Sir John High..

Question #1: As a past president of a private school board, the history and setting of education style/context must be respected and encouraged. The blank proposal did little too address this and appeared to be a business function rather a social understanding of what people believe the purpose of education is about. I am running in YK1 as my children need this system but respect the goals and context the Catholic board is on. YK1 needs a clear mandate as to it identity right now without just being the only school board.

Question #2: Curriculum with support. Long story with my own child.

Question #3: No, more technical and trades support is necessary.

Mildred Wilke

Age: 66 years old

Profession: Once upon a time I had the position of small town weekly newspaper editor for two communities in Manitoba.

Years in Yellowknife: 19 years

Family status: Retired, mother and grandmother, two grandchildren in public school in Yellowknife.

Question #1: Work with fellow trustees once we receive notification from the government. I feel strongly about keeping it in the hands of trustees who have time and interest going into a MEGA complicated governing system.

Question #2: Children should be with others of their own age, speaking as a mother of four.

Question #3: Yes, however, Sissons needs some work on the building.

What we asked city YCS candidates:

Question #1: Do you endorse a Catholic-only board?

Question #2: What do you intend to do about government plans for board mergers?

Question #3: Which is more important - that children be kept with their age group or that they meet curriculum standards?

Question #4: Are you happy with the school facilities as they are?

Francis Chang

Age: 53

Profession: Business owner

Years in Yellowknife: 33

Family status: Married with two children

Question #1: In principle yes, because of the faith base education practised by the Catholic Board. In reality it is up to the voters who they elect to the board and as long as that person is true to the work of the district I would not have an issue with it.

Question #2: I looked into it in the prior format. I understand that they are revising the decisions, but have yet to see it on paper. I believe Yellowknife would need to be exempt.

I also feel that the regional board would become a political nightmare for the persons involved on selecting the board and serving on the board. How would you please all the people all the time?

Question #3: I believe that the children should meet curriculum standards; we do a disservice to the child and the family by moving them through.

The child will meet and associate with their friends socially, during and after school. I also believe if parents speak with their children and teach them that we are all different from each other and should treat each other with respect, then this will be an issue dealt with before it gets to the school.

Question #4: I would be more happy if all schools were filled to the max.

When some schools are operating with a low enrolment but still require the same cost to maintain as a school that is full. It is now an issue of convenience and not of practicality. Its easy to spend tax dollars on something when the total tab is not coming out of your pocket.

It what is good for the whole community not just my child.

I am satisfied with the facilities we have, but not satisfied as a district that we did not get access to another school.

Jen Debogorski

Age: Did not answer

Profession: I am a registered nurse

Years in Yellowknife: Lived in Yk for 16 years

Family status: Married with two children

Question #1: The courts have made a decision that non-Catholics can run and serve on the board and in my three years on the board it has been a positive experience.

Question #2: I do not support board reform and will be proactive in ensuring we remain a distinct Catholic Board.

Question #3: At any age group I believe it is important that children meet thecurriculumstandards.

There are many creative ways our schoolsachievethese standards and do a exceptional job at meeting the needs of all students.

Question #4: I believe our facilities are some of the most beautiful andfunctionalin the North.

Gerda Hazenberg

Age: Did not answer

Profession: Retired from 25 years of teaching, the last 16 years of which were in Fort Simpson

Years in Yellowknife: Two years

Family status: Married, mother of seven children, and proud grandmother of ten.

Question #1: In order for a Catholic board to be truly effective, all board members must have principles that are congruent with the Catholic faith.

Question #2: In Yellowknife we have two boards that compete to earn the parents' support.

If we remove that competition, we also remove the motivation for schools to meet the needs of the students of the students.

Each board has a unique set of values and the parents of Yellowknife must be allowed the choice of which set of values from which their children are taught.

Alberta has demonstrated that it is hard to control costs with a large, super-board.

Question #3: What is most important is that we aspire to have each child meet the curriculum standards.

Question #4: Facilities are not the major concern at this time.

Rose-Marie Jackson

Age: 38

Profession: Former teacher

Years in Yellowknife: Eight

Family status: Married to Stephen and we have been blessed with two daughters (Sophie 3.5 years old, Naomi one year old).

Question #1: No. I am interested in working with individuals of all faith backgrounds as we focus on providing the best education for our students.

Question #2: At this time our board has not been given any indication of what the government is planning in regards to board mergers. Our board, district staff, parents and stakeholders addressed the issue of a potential board merger at the legislative assembly in March of this year. I feel that a strong message was sent to the GNWT that a board merger in Yellowknife would not be acceptable.

Question #3: Naturally, I want all students to be successful in school. However, each person learns at different rates depending on their aptitudes and abilities. For the most part, a student should meet curriculum standards before moving forward to the next grade.

For students who have special needs, they can be addressed with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which will allow them to meet goals while remaining with their peer group. Students benefit greatly when there is a strong, supportive relationship between home and school, another important factor for student success.

Question #4: I recently had an opportunity to tour the completed "Phase 1" of Ecole St. Joseph School's renovation. By the middle of next year the retrofit will be completed. Ecole St. Joseph School will be new and improved and will offer our students and staff a bright, spacious, and modern facility. Ecole St. Patrick High School, the Kimberlite Career and Technical Centre and Weledeh Catholic School are all exceptional facilities that light the spirit of learning in our students. Therefore I am very pleased with the status of our school facilities.

Lee Stroman

Age: 49

Profession: Firefighter

Years in Yellowknife: 10

Family status: Married

Question #1: Yes. We must however, achieve a Catholic-only board through full participation in the democratic process and not by way of application to the courts. I do not endorse the steps taken by previous boards in their legal challenges attempting to achieve a legal solution to the challenges they faced when non-Catholic members were elected.

Members of the Catholic faith community must take their responsibilities seriously and participate in the electoral process to ensure that a full slate of Catholic candidates present themselves for election and also to ensure that all members accept the responsibility of casting an informed vote.

Question #2: Board mergers will threaten the very purpose of both Yellowknife school boards and wide range of other publicly elected boards. Board merger initiatives represent failed concepts that must be challenged and prevented.

We must work directly with other boards, the public and elected officials to ensure that mergers do not proceed. Public education promoting informed public action must always be a priority of the YCS board in this process and all other challenges that it faces.

Question #3: Each case must, as always, be evaluated according to its own merits. School administration, classroom teachers, support staff and parents must work together to ensure that the needs of each child are appropriately met. I believe that meeting curriculum standards is more significant than concerns about a child being kept within their own age group.

Children who do not achieve curriculum standards must never be allowed to simply "fall between the cracks" only to emerge from the education system without having achieved the education that they require.

Question #4: Yes. Yellowknife Catholic Schools enjoys very modern facilities. Modern facilities at KCTC, renovations to Weledeh school in the recent past, renovation and reconstruction now being completed at Ecole St. Joseph School and excellent facilities for Ecole St. Patrick High School provide excellent facilities for all program delivery modes.

Simon Taylor

Age: 41

Profession: Architect

Years in Yellowknife: 16

Family status: Married with two kids (One in St. Pat's, one in St. Joe's)

Question #1: As a school board trustee I would be bound by any decision made by the school board however, the issue has been decided upon by the courts and as such is a moot question.

As a trustee, I would advocate and support the rights and intent of the Catholic school district.

Question #2: I oppose and advocate against the GNWT plans for school board mergers.

Currently, the choice of education delivery offered by the present school systems in Yellowknife enjoy the strong support of the Yellowknife public.

The previously proposed board mergers would cost more to operate in Yellowknife (as identified by the GNWT) and dilute the quality of education for this city's students.

Question #3: There is a fundamental flaw in this question - namely that all students regardless of their ability should be treated in the same manner.

All children are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses. As such the delivery of education - to the extent that can be achieved with the available GNWT funding - is tailored to each student.

At the end of the school year, if a student has not acquired the required knowledge the decision to advance the student is one that should be made in conjunction with the family in the best interest of the student. In some cases it makes sense for a student to repeat a grade, however in other cases it makes sense to advance the student to the next grade tailoring the learning process for the next year to accommodate for the missed information of the previous year.

This does of course raise the question of how the GNWT funds students with unique needs and whether the current block funding approach is really appropriate.

Question #4: My firm was responsible for the design of St. Patrick High School and I was personally involved with the Weledeh Elementary School from its inception to its construction completion.

Also, the soon to be completed Ecole St. Joseph school retrofit was designed by a NWT Architect Association colleague. As such, I believe the Catholic School boards to have some of the best school facilities in Canada. - I may be biased on this issue. One concern I do have is the fact that each of the schools are at or very close to maximum capacity - what would be the next logical step when their capacity is reached?

Mary Vane

Age: Did not answer

Profession: Former teacher at YK Catholic

Years in Yellowknife: 37 years

Family status: Married with three adult children

Question #1: The court has said anyone may run for Yk Catholic.

Question #2: Last March the Board and YK Catholic stakeholders made it very clear, we are not in favour of merger. We remain firm with that decision.

Question #3: Each child must be dealt with on an individual bases. The school, in partnership with the parent must decide what is best for the child.

Question #4: When the renovation is complete in May, the Ecole St. Joseph School will be AWESOME!!! Following the completion, two modular classrooms will be moved to the St. Pat's Weledeh.

This will allow us to improve our teaching and learning options and capacity at that site.Our other schools are in excellent condition.