HAY RIVER - For Kelly Schofield, honesty really was the best policy in his first try at politics.

Schofield was open with voters in Hay River about the troubles of his past - including his drug use and drug convictions - and he was elected mayor anyway.

Kelly Schofield: new mayor of Hay River has talked to the media for the last time about his past drug use. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"I was a heavy, heavy drug user," he said in an interview after the election.

In fact, he said he was using marijuana until this past July when he stopped "cold turkey" after seeing a counsellor.

"I also allowed Jesus Christ into my life," he said. "Without him, I never would have made it."

Since stopping his marijuana use, he said he sleeps better at night and his dreams are back, "and life is good."

About seven years ago, Schofield pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana and was fined $1,500.

On the same matter, he had been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to that charge and it was eventually withdrawn.

As a teenager, he also had a conviction for possession of marijuana.

Schofield also said he dabbled with using LSD and cocaine as a teenager, but has never used crack cocaine.

In his teenage years, he also faced charges such as drinking in public and disturbing the peace.

As a young person, he said he had zero respect for authority.

Schofield, 34, said the election for him was not just a matter of running for public office.

"It was about making a stand and showing that I'm a different man and a better man," he said.

The mayor-elect believes most voters respected his honesty.

"Being honest, that's what got me elected," he said.

Schofield describes himself as a family man with a great compassion for his community.

"I went through learning my lesson, developed from that and moved forward with my life," he said.

In fact, he said his background will be very valuable in helping Hay River combat drug use, noting as a "reformed bad guy," he knows all the tricks of the trade.

Hay River has had its fair share of pain caused by the drug trade.

Two years ago RCMP officer Christopher Worden was gunned down while chasing a man suspected of trafficking in the community.

The first degree murder trial of the man accused, Emrah Bulatci, began in Yellowknife last week.

Schofield said he intends to take an active role in community efforts against illegal drugs.

"But I'm not going to force anyone," he said. "I'm going to educate them. I can offer a unique insight into the world of drugs."

Following his interview with News/North, Schofield said he is finished forever with talking to the media about his past, and intends to look to the future and serving Hay River as mayor.

Jean-Marc Miltenberger, the outgoing Hay River mayor, said Schofield was very open about his history throughout the campaign and won a mandate from the people.

"That's a testament to himself," Miltenberger said.

The outgoing mayor said he is confident in Schofield's capacity to be mayor.