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Inuvik races draw early candidates
Robert McLeod and Chris Larocque vie for seatsSamantha Stokell Northern News Services Published Thursday, July 28, 2011
Chris Larocque, Inuvik's Deputy Mayor, has announced his intention to run in the Oct. 3, territorial election. Roland has held the Boot Lake constituency since 1999 and announced he was not running again in May. Roland ran unopposed and was acclaimed to the seat in the past two elections. With this opportunity arising, Larocque decided to run for MLA. "It was always in my long-term plans, but I thought I would have a couple more terms as deputy mayor," Larocque said, who has participated in municipal politics for six years. "Due to Floyd not running, people have been coming in and supporting me." Another candidate has expressed interest but due to restrictions caused by his employment cannot campaign until a later date. The current MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Robert C. McLeod, plans to run again in this election. In 2004 he won a byelection against seven other candidates, with 25 per cent of the vote. In the 2007 election, McLeod beat one other candidate and claimed 53 per cent of the vote. "I've got a few years under my belt and I have a lot to offer," McLeod said. "I've got a lot of good support and I support my constituents." His advice for candidates thinking of running is to run for the right reasons. "My right reasons are that as long as I can contribute something to Twin Lakes," he said. "Now I've got some experience, so it would be good because I could help the Boot Lake MLA." McLeod, a carpenter by trade, represents a large number of contractors in his Twin Lake riding. He thinks the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk road will be a major issue for them in the next assembly. "The feds have announced funding, so this goes on the territorial government," McLeod said. "If we can get it in the main estimates, it would a huge benefit." Candidates must announce their nomination before Sept. 9 at 2 p.m., with nominations opening on Sept. 5.
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