INUVIK
With the municipal election looming, the Drum asked all candidates to respond to a few questions in the hopes of helping community members become informed voters. Below are the answers we received. Two people are seeking election as mayor while 12 people are running for eight spots as councillors. Only 10 council candidates replied to our questions.

Bright Lubansa

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

The past four years I have been involved in running the Inuvik Chamber of Commerce where we have made considerable efforts contributing to the economic development and growth of the town. I believe my strong business background and undivided commitment to the well-being of our town will help me bring the much-needed energy to council necessary to move our town forward.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

Economic growth, addressing social ills, revitalization of the youth centre and alternative energy sources.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

Sustainable economic growth: to address this we need to be brave and creative in addressing several obstacles that include but not limited to: cost of doing business; seeking a cheaper source of energy; growing the tax base, which would help raise the necessary funds for investment in infrastructure; address accessibility to affordable child care; create an environment that is conducive for businesses and promotes entrepreneurship and work with various stakeholders in our community to develop human capital.

Joe Lavoie

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

With three years of previous experience sitting on town council, I am aware of some of the current issues the community is struggling with. Having an invested interest in my community, I currently sit on the chamber of commerce board along with the town administrative committee.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

Insuring that there is continual improvement in the town's infrastructure and bringing to light business opportunities as pointed out in the town's five-year economic plan. Furthermore, I would like to see a beautification of the downtown core and enhance the tourism opportunities.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

High utility rates continue to plague all sectors of the community. It is a complex issue that requires input from all levels of government. As a town council we have to present options and possibilities that can develop into a solution.

Natasha Kulikowski

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

I have a passion for Inuvik. I am community oriented and committed to putting my skills as a team player to work. I have a strong belief that people who have a stake in Inuvik are the best representatives for the community as a whole.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

The continued work on the sidewalks and roads in town to keep the streets safe for all of Inuvik's citizens, this includes brush clearing and pothole repairs. The promotion of home ownership and owner pride in Inuvik. Homeowners are community stakeholders and without them there is no foundation for the town to grow upon. The rebuilding and maintenance of airport road through work with the territorial government.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

The economic well-being of the town is a major issue we are facing today. I see the satellite station as one of the leading ideas that can be beneficial not only to our town but to the world. Inuvik is the perfect location for countries from around the world to gather information, as well as provide many local opportunities in the research, scientific and technological fields.

Alana Mero

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

I have had the honour and privilege of serving as a councillor for the past two terms. With a strong history of volunteer work and advocacy in the community I want to use my skills to contribute to a strong council and community.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

My top priorities are the completion of infrastructure projects (water treatment plant, road improvements, Utilidor replacement), economic development and the conversion of the SAM School site into a community space for recreation and cultural events.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

The economy is the most pressing issue in Inuvik. The solutions including supporting local businesses, expanding the satellite receiving station and increasing local positions in this field. Given the downturn in the petroleum industry we need to explore international interest in the resource sector. In addition we need to promote research, advocate for increased programs at Aurora College and support year-round tourism.

Steven Baryluk

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

I was born and raised in Inuvik. I went through the school system here and continued on to complete a post-secondary degree and have returned to town and established a career for myself here. I am a homeowner and a parent of five children from toddlers to teenagers.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

The cost of living is a critical issue for residents. I am interested in seeking out ways to help alleviate or offset the high costs we face through efforts like trying to regain some opportunities for rebate or funding programs to pursue energy efficiency upgrades and alternative energy options for homeowners.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

The current cost of living is the most critical issue the community of Inuvik is facing. With the drastic increase in home heating costs for those on natural gas, coupled with the significant increase in power costs over the last few years, we have seen a significant number of people leave Inuvik. I would seek opportunities to work with the territorial and federal governments and groups such as Arctic Energy Alliance to reinstate programs that residents can access for home energy efficiency upgrades and alternative energy options.

Tony Devlin

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

I love Inuvik. I have a strong record of community engagement and volunteerism and served as a member and vice-chairperson of the Inuvik District Education Authority over the past six years. I was a member of the Town of Inuvik senior management team as director of community services from 2009 to 2013, and played a direct role in municipal planning, budgets and community relations.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

As a follow-up to the 2010 Community Development Sustainability Plan for Inuvik, develop and act on a community-directed Asset and Infrastructure Management Plan; attract new corporate investment, source new opportunities for economic development and incentivize small-business innovation; refresh the town's approach to community services and quality-of-life programs and options offered to our residents and organizations.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

The most pressing base problem facing Inuvik is the need for, and execution of, a long-term vision on stable economic development. Municipal economic development is a core foundation block that triggers increased employment and spending, population and tax-base growth, enhanced quality of life for residents, cleaner streets and civic pride - which in turn attracts corporate and government investment.

Clarence Wood

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

I have served seven terms on Inuvik town council. I have served over 12 years as the vice-president of the NWT Association of Communities. As a current member of five other boards (both local and territorial) I have a proven track record of co-operation and working as part of a team.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

We have a number of pressing problems: I would say that the natural gas issue is the most important at this time. We must also find a way to attract new business and investment to our community, expanding on the success of the satellite receiving station is the prime example of past work. We must continue to pursue the territorial government to work to a solution of the inefficiency of NTPC and work toward lower power rates.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

The most pressing problem is our natural gas supply. We must find a solution and explore other areas. One possible way is to attract a company to build a small gas-to-liquid plant to supply not only Inuvik but the surrounding communities as well.

Kurt Wainman

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

Born and raised in Inuvik, five children raised here, one granddaughter, huge family, business that employs a lot of people here and don't plan on leaving, ever. This is my home and proud of it.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

Top priority for me is good fiscal management and maintaining good services for the community such as the water treatment plant, children's safety in the community, children's activities, road safety, emergency services, sanitation services, infrastructures operation and maintenance to keep our infrastructures current, safe and running efficiently such as the recreation centre.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

One most pressing problem in Inuvik is the high cost of living for everyone. With good fiscal management and ideas from council and citizens, we can help minimize the burden on households and businesses.

Darrell Christie

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

Inuvik is my home. I love this town, am grateful to be a citizen, and I am arguably this town's greatest fan. I grew up here, went to school here, and with my wife's great help we have loved raising our kids here. And, while acknowledging that this is my first attempt at running for town council, I believe that I would be an asset.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

My top priorities, if elected, are: 1) addressing the high costs of living here in Inuvik, and 2) working to enhance all the ongoing tourism initiatives, to strengthen the Town of Inuvik's presence as a tourist destination.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

I think the most pressing problem currently facing Inuvik is the ongoing issue of the cost of maintaining a home in this town - the heating costs especially. While the town continues to work toward providing solutions to our town's energy supply, I think there are details - perhaps small in scope like providing free window insulation kits that can be looked at to help all residents manage these cost more efficiently - or larger in scope like encouraging other "outside" partnerships.

Vince Sharpe

Why are you a good fit for the position for which you are running?

I am a long-term resident of Inuvik (45 years) and have served on many previous councils. Inuvik is not just my home. Inuvik is my passion. Whether on council or not I always try to find some way to make our town a better place to live. We need a very strong council this upcoming term to develop an economic strategy to carry us through the hard times ahead.

What are your top priorities for the upcoming term, if elected?

I believe Inuvik has to diversify in its direction toward economic development. We need to keep up the previous mayor's vision of bringing a gas-to-liquids plant to Inuvik and take advantage of the resources so near and readily available to us with the opening of the Tuk-Inuvik highway.

What do you think is the most pressing problem in Inuvik and how do you plan to contribute to finding a solution?

The economy will be our most pressing problem with the Tuk-Inuvik highway coming to completion. I see no other upcoming projects of this scale that can provide jobs for our local work force so we will be needing to lobby the federal and territorial governments to develop further larger-scale projects for our area (deepwater port in Tuk, gas-to-liquids project).

Council candidates Abdallah El Bakai and Michael Fabijan did not respond requests for comment for this feature.

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