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Municipal election 2012 profiles Voters prepare to go to the polls on Oct. 15NNSL Staff Northern News Services Published Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 From now until the Oct. 15 election we will be featuring profiles of council candidates. Sean Whelly will have no competition in this year's race for mayor. Meanwhile, 16 residents have been nominated for councillor positions.
The list of
candidates includes Celine Antoine, Adolphus Augier, Walter Blondin, Larry Campbell, Gus Croatto, Robert Hanna, Leah Keats, Marie Lafferty, Ron McCagg, Stella Nadia, Dennis Nelner, Renalyn Pascua-Matte, Michael Rowe, Patrick Rowe, Gordon Thompson and Tom Wilson.
Profiles of the candidates from other NWT communities can be found in News/North, Inuvik Drum and the Hay River Hub.
Robert Hanna Profession: Mechanical contractor Political experience: I have been on council for about 15 years and before that I served on the DEA. How long have you lived in the village?: I have lived in the village for 25 years. What do you think are the top two issues in the village and how would you handle them?: The number one priority would be getting the swimming pool open for next year and number two would be to continue upgrading municipal services as funding allows and this includes water sewers, roads and even riverbank erosion. Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?: I have a proven track record working together with council as a team to make things happen and I won't back down when we have to make some unpopular decisions. Why are you running for council?: I'm running for council because I want to continue to be involved in the goings on in the village to keep it a safe and pleasant place to live. Celine Antoine Profession: Public servant Political experience: I have a lifetime of experience. How long have you lived in the village?: Thirty-seven wonderful years. What do you think are the top two issues in the village and how would you handle them?: Dehcho process; Work with all Liidlii Kue citizens to engage them to productive discussions on how we work towards self-government; Current municipal infrastructure; Support our employees with relevant training. Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?: The people will make their choice. Why are you running for council?: I have enjoyed working with the previous council, they have maintained respect and worked with open mind towards maintaining a safe and healthy community. My experience has helped me to see that our shared motivation is to maintain good governance and we continue to help towards consensus on all major decisions on behalf of Liidlii Kue citizens. I am very happy to see so many interested candidates. Tom Wilson Profession: retired Political experience: I have spent 24 years on village council. How long have you lived in the village?: I have lived here for 32 years. What do you think are the top two issues in the village and how would you handle them?: My first issue is riverbank erosion because it is a health and safety issue to not only the businesses but private residents. The village's only source of water coming into the treatment plant runs under the road. The second would be continual work on roads and ageing infrastructure in the community. With the bank erosion it's beyond our financial capabilities we're going to need help from the federal and territorial government to get something done. We are having it assessed and hopefully some positive solutions will come from that. Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?: I bring a wealth of experience to the council and work hard for the benefit of all residents in the community. Why are you running for council?: I feel I have a lot to offer. I'm trying to make this the best community in Canada to live in. Leah Keats Profession: Adult educator Political experience: None How long have you lived in the village?:I have lived in Fort Simpson for 13 and a half years. What do you think are the top two issues in the village and how would you handle them?: I would recommend introducing bylaws obliging property owners to maintain their properties in a presentable manner and to set reasonable completion dates for all new construction and repairs or facelifts to existing properties. Taking pride in one's community is a great way to represent it. Second, road and ditching maintenance in Wildrose. I would recommend regularly scheduled maintenance – ditching maintenance every two to three years and road grading every two to three weeks with dust control in summer. Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?: Because I would be new to council and I come in with fresh ideas. I'm not afraid to ask questions when I don't understand. I will state my opinion openly and keep a clear and open mind to new ideas. Why are you running for council? I am running because I believe it is important to contribute to my community and believe I will be a good representative for all the population. I believe it is important to speak up in the right environment if one wants to make a difference. Larry Campbell Profession: Retired Political experience: I'm new to politics, however, I've had a lot of interaction with politicians, prior. How long have you lived in the village?: I've lived in village for 26 years. What do you think are the top two issues in the village and how would you handle them?: I feel that the two main topics are: to maintain and provoke more usage of the facilities that we have, i.e. the recreation center. Not enough going on in the recreation center, and it needs better up keep. To ensure that the people of Wildrose receive the same service as the people that live on the Island. From the roads, water, sewer and playground services to base taxes. All need an equal playing field. Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?:I think people should vote for me because I am honest, partial and a good listener. I am also easy to approach, I do not give advice unless it is good advice. Why are you running for council?: I am running for council because I feel that I can offer support and input to ensure that Fort Simpson remains as a good memory for visitors and a good place to live for the residents of the community. Adolphus Augier Profession: Retired Political experience: I have been on council for two and a half years. How long have you lived in the village?: I have lived in the village about 18 to 19 years. What do you think are the top two issues in the village and how would you handle them?: Property taxes, road repairs and river bank erosion. Priority one would be trying to collect property taxes owing to the village. Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?: I would bring their concerns to the council and I'm a good team player and don't give up or back down. I would be more than willing to represent the people of Fort Simpson. I think I'm a good councillor. I have proved it in the past. Why are you running for council?: I have had two and a half years experience as a village councillor. I would like the opportunity to continue serving the people of Fort Simpson and knowing what the town's needs are.
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