Incumbent runs on his record
Robert C. McLeod seeks election in Twin Lakes district for another term
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 12, 2015
INUVIK
For Robert C. McLeod, the business of government is not a popularity contest.
Robert C. McLeod: The MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes will be running against Jimmy Kalinek in the upcoming territorial election. He was acclaimed in the last election.
|
"At the end of the day, people will make a decision about who they think will represent them best and who will be able to commit that representation," he told the Drum.
"You don't spend 11 years in government without being committed."
The incumbent MLA was first elected more than decade ago and was most recently acclaimed in the Inuvik Twin Lakes electoral district. This time, however, he won't be running unopposed.
Jimmy Kalinek stepped up to put his name forward just before the deadline on Oct. 30.
"It doesn't change my approach at all," said McLeod. "I'm out there talking to people but I'm always out there talking to people. We're just now in campaign mode."
Despite having represented Twin Lakes for more three terms, McLeod said there is still much work to be done.
He said it's still early days for devolution and that the new funding formula for communities means the next government will have to find other places to cut to free up
some money.
"The government is challenged fiscally right now," he said.
"I've positioned myself fairly well, I think, to use the forum I have to bring the needs of Inuvik forward."
McLeod is the minister of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, as well as the minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corp.
While there are no MLAs during the election, ministers still have to do their jobs, which McLeod said is something of a balancing act. He called what he is currently doing "housekeeping" and said they try to refrain from making serious decisions during the election hiatus.
As to those fiscal challenges, he said Inuvik is facing its own troubles.
"Thank God for that highway," he said, adding his wish for cold weather soon so construction can get underway for the season.
"I'm excited about the fact that tech companies are thinking of Inuvik for their satellites. I've been told we're geographically gifted."
McLeod hopes to see tech jobs created in Inuvik with the growth of the satellite farm outside of town, like data processing.
"Kids now are all technologically literate and we can train them for these jobs," he said.
"I hope we can tap into that potential."
But overall, McLeod said he isn't too concerned over the hard economic times facing the town.
"I was raised here. Inuvik is a resilient community, we've proved that time and time again," he said, using the oil boom and subsequent bust, along with the military leaving to illustrate that sentiment.
"Inuvik has always been able to weather the storm and come back."
He said there is also a depth of experience in the community that makes it a good resource for any current leader. There are three former premiers in town, on top of many other politicians who have represented Inuvik and its people in many levels of government.
"I think voters in Twin Lakes have determined that I am the best candidate for the last three elections," McLeod said.
"I trust that they will again. We don't win all the time, but our voice is always heard."
