by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 12/97) - Western Arctic New Democratic candidate Mary Beth Levan made a three-day whirlwind tour of three Sahtu communities last week, dropping into Norman Wells, Tulita and Fort Good Hope.

Her Nunavut counterpart Hunter Tootoo, however, is less well-travelled.

Levan also planned to tour Dettah, Hay River and Fort Resolution before an all-candidates meeting in Yellowknife, May 13.

Though it will be difficult to arrange a visit to all 34 communities in the riding before the June 2 federal election, Levan said it is vital to keep in touch with concerns of citizens in smaller communities.

"I know that there are lots of people in the communities who feel they've been forgotten. The concerns of people in the communities don't seem to make it down to Ottawa," she said.

While in Tulita, Levan impressed some constituents with her platform.

"I thought some of her platform issues were exciting," said Tulita Mayor Bertha Lennie. Specifically, Lennie said she was impressed with Levan's outlook on aboriginal rights and women's rights.

In the Eastern Arctic, Rankin Inlet resident Tootoo has stepped forward to accept the Nunavut NDP nomination.

Tootoo has been out of town on business, however, and has not been available to comment on his platform or campaign plans.