DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - Voters in Fort Providence will have four candidates for mayor to choose from when they go to the polls next month.

The hamlet is holding elections for mayor and council on Dec. 13. Deh Cho Drum contacted each of the candidates and asked them a series of questions. Here are their responses.

Raymond Bonnetrouge

Bonnetrouge decided to run for the position of mayor because of the encouragement of supporters who think he has the proper experience for the role.

The experience includes having worked as the hamlet's public works foreman for approximately 10 years and having volunteered as the fire chief for approximately nine. Bonnetrouge has also just finished a two-year term as councillor during which he sat on the committee for capital projects.

The position of mayor is about providing good guidance and leadership while achieving goals at the same time, Bonnetrouge said.

While Bonnetrouge doesn't think the hamlet is facing any serious issues he has been considering how the conclusion of the Dehcho Process will affect the hamlet's community government.

If elected Bonnetrouge said he would meet with the Dehcho First Nations' negotiation team to find out how the new community government would be run and to work on solutions that may be needed.

The next council will also have to implement the integrated community sustainability plan that was finished earlier this year, he said. The plan deals with a wide area including governance issues, human resources and energy plans and will be one of the bigger issues for the council, Bonnetrouge said.

He also expects the council will have to revise the hamlet's dog bylaw based on the new NWT Dog Act.

Bonnetrouge currently works for Snowshoe Inn Ltd. as a fuel delivery driver and equipment operator.

Tina Gargan

Gargan believes the community needs a good, strong leader who practises a healthy lifestyle.

"I'm strong and I'm positive and I'm a good role model for my community," she said.

Gargan is very familiar with municipal politics and responsibilities. She's served on the council for approximately 14 years including a term from 2007-08 as mayor. After taking a year off Gargan was elected as a councillor in November 2009 and named the deputy mayor.

The most pressing issue for the hamlet is getting the three local governments to re-establish a working relationship. They need to join forces and tackle community issues together as one force, Gargan said.

If elected Gargan said she would begin this process by getting the tri-council back on a regular meeting schedule. During the last year they haven't met once, she said.

Having a strong tri-council and leaders who practise good lifestyles will also help the community address its other issues, many of which are negative.

"There are a lots of community issues that have taken over our community and we need to take our community back," she said. Gargan is currently a community wellness worker with Dehcho Health and Social Services.

Berna Landry

It's been a year and a half since Landry was involved in local politics as the chief of Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation.

Landry said during her time as chief she gained a lot of experience with governance and leadership that she will bring to the role of mayor. Landry said she's also aware of what both the Dene and Metis are doing on the local and regional levels.

The key issue for the hamlet is completing the chipsealing project on the local roads. The drainage was fixed this summer and a lot of people are anxious to see the project finished, Landry said.

The need for recreation activities for youth is also a community concern, she said. There needs to be consistent activities on weekends and evenings to keep youth physically active and occupied. Cultural events like handgames should be incorporated into this, she said.

Landry would also like to increase communication between other organizations in the community and with residents. She plans to use her language (South Slavey) a lot while dealing with municipal affairs.

Landry is currently a special needs assistant in the Slavey Immersion program at Deh Gah School.

Paschalina Nadli

Encouragement from family, friends and community members has led Nadli to seek re-election.

Nadli has served two terms on council including three years as mayor. Being mayor has brought its challenges but Nadli said her goal is to ensure the hamlet continues to provide quality, effective and efficient programs and service.

Among her qualifications Nadli lists being the first elected official from the community to serve as a board member on the NWT Association of Communities.

Nadli said being on the board has allowed her to talk with other mayors about the common issues they deal with and to collaborate on solutions.

The most important issue for the hamlet is to get residents, businesses and organizations to approve the community plan and zoning bylaw which is a prerequisite to receiving federal gas tax funding. Nadli said the proposed plan gives residents the opportunity to realize their vision for the community.

If re-elected Nadli said she would ensure the council keeps the plan and bylaw up to date to meet the community's changing needs. Other current issues include working within the hamlet's budget to provide the community with functional recreation centre and finding a humane solution to the dog control issue. The hamlet also needs to examine how to support local businesses and stay within its annual operations and maintenance budget, Nadli said.

Nadli works for the territorial government.

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