TETLIT'ZHEH/FORT MCPHERSON - Four of Fort McPherson's former mayors are vying for the position again during the hamlet's Dec. 14 election.

Hazel Nerysoo: Served as mayor between 1993 and 1995 Rebecca Blake: Community resident for past 24 years. Fort McPherson Election Candidates Mayoral candidates Philip M. Blake Rebecca Blake Hazel Nerysoo Bill Prodromidis Council candidates Leslie P. Blake Rebecca Blake James (Jim) Clark Mary Clark Taig Connell Wayne Greenland Paul Hanthorn Louisa Kay Diane Koe Hazel Nerysoo Richard Wilson

Mayoral candidates are Philip M. Blake, Rebecca Blake, Hazel Nerysoo and incumbent Bill Prodromidis, while 11 candidates are running for five open council seats. Candidates for hamlet council are Leslie P. Blake, Rebecca Blake, James (Jim) Clark, Mary Clark, Taig Connell, Wayne Greenland, Paul Hanthorn, Louisa Kay, Diane Koe, Hazel Nerysoo and Richard Wilson.

Rebecca Blake has been living in McPherson for 24 years and has been involved in hamlet operations from 1995 to 2007, including serving multiple terms as mayor starting in 2001.

"Over the past two years watching the hamlet, I just felt that I had some new ideas to contribute," she said.

As mayor, Blake said she would focus on infrastructure upgrading and maintenance, as well as securing funding for hamlet programs and facilities.

"I've heard there are a lot of problems being encountered right now with one of our main facilities, which is the recreation complex, and that building plays a vital role within the community," she said, adding that she would also prioritize upkeep of the youth and elders' centre.

Blake is also a local contractor and she said her business experience would be useful when it comes to the hamlet's financial planning.

"I would just like people to know that I am honest and I'm transparent in my dealings. I can stand up for what I believe in and I believe I can be articulate when I need to be and I have a lot of vested interest in the community."

Hazel Nerysoo, another veteran local politician and a probation officer in the community, served as mayor for a term between 1993 and 1995.

"People have stressed that we need change in the community," she said, explaining that she also wants to focus on community infrastructure, as well as providing more training for rescue operations, strengthening the hamlet's relationship with the band, and creating more opportunities for young people.

"One of the questions I asked the youth is are we doing enough for them? What more can we do?'" Nerysoo said.

But she's wary of making too many big promises.

"I can't promise anything until I see the finances of the hamlet."

"Our little radio station has been on the news quite a bit and they just celebrated the 27th year this past weekend and you see the spirits up there, so how do we keep the spirits up in the community?"

As mayor, Nerysoo said she would help bring people together.

"I've always been involved in the community in different ways," she said. "I don't just close my door at five o'clock."

Current mayor Bill Prodromidis has been living in McPherson for 20 years, working at the Department of Transportation and managing the Peel River and Arctic Red ferries. He said he's hoping for another term so he can finish some projects on his agenda. He wants to see a new solid waste site, a new soccer field and maybe a new swimming pool for the community.

"That's the reason I put my name back again, so I can do all those things," Prodromidis said, adding he also wants to work on the community's drainage system.

"Every spring for the last 20 years you get up in the morning and see a big puddle outside of your house," he said. "I'm going to do that this year."

He said he's proud of his record as mayor so far, which has included paying off the hamlet's deficit and lowering the water rate by 20 per cent this month. Prodromidis said if he's elected again he plans to create more jobs for young people and work with the schools to encourage them in their education.

"My hope is I can make this place affordable for people to live and create jobs," he said.

The fourth candidate, Philip M. Blake, could not be reached for an interview. He served as mayor of McPherson starting in 2004.