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INUVIK
Floyd Roland was named the new mayor of Inuvik Monday. Roland ended up with a total of 527 votes while his competitor, Todd Shattler, brought in 145.

Celebrating Floyd Roland's election as mayor at the Mackenzie Hotel on Monday were, from left, Vince Sharpe, Angela Young and Floyd Roland. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

The total of 670 votes signified a pretty low turnout, said senior administrative officer Grant Hood. There were between 1,730 and 1,750 eligible voters.

After 10 hours of voting at the two polling stations, one at Ingamo Hall and the other at the Midnight Sun Complex, the winner was announced just before 10 p.m.

"I think my experience goes a long way," said Roland at his victory party in the Mackenzie Hotel. "I always told people 'Good news or bad news, I'm coming back home.'"

The vote came just days after the all-candidates forum, held at the Midnight Sun Complex Thursday.

For one voter, the forum is what got him out to vote Monday. Pete Smith originally didn't want to go to the forum, but he was dragged there by Clara Elias, who convinced him it was important to hear what the candidates had to say.

"I really didn't want to go but hearing what some of them had to say made me vote tonight," said Smith. "I might even start going to town meetings."

It's important to vote, said Elias.

"If you don't vote you can't complain about what happens in town."

Across town from the Mackenzie Hotel, Shattler said he is scared nothing in Inuvik is going to change.

"I only ran this time because I was concerned about the town," he said. "I never grew up wanting to be mayor."With the official results now in, there are some new faces on council. Melinda Gillis, Joe Lavoie and Derek Lindsay will be joining retuning councillors Terry Halifax, Jim McDonald, Alana Mero, Kurt Wainman and Clarence Wood.

The results of a recount were released Tuesday afternoon, after clarity was sought because less than four votes separated Clarence Wood, who ended up with the eighth seat on council, and Natasha Kulikowski.

Long-serving incumbent councillor Vince Sharpe was not re-elected. Although he was a little surprised, he said it's not the first time he's lost.

"It was the people's choice, it's not the first time and I'm always available to do whatever is needed," said Sharpe, who has served on town councils over the past 30 years.

"I'm glad (Roland) got in, I was hoping to be on his team and work with him," he said.

As for the new councillors, Sharpe has a simple piece of advice.

"Just try to do your best and keep the community in mind."

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