by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 22/97) - In less than two months, the city will pass judgment on city council, and council contenders, by committing the act politicians fear most -- voting.

On Monday, Oct. 20 voters will elect the council that will see the capital through division, oversee the construction of the proposed $10-million community centre complex and decide whether the Woodyard remains as it is or is turned into a neat and tidy park.

But why be satisfied with voting?

To run for any municipal or school board positions you need only get nomination from two eligible voters. Though no cash is required, a little ego and a thick skin wouldn't hurt.

Nomination packages will be available at city hall this Friday, the first day contenders and incumbents can officially declare their candidacy.

The deadline for nominations is 3 p.m., Sept. 15.

Residents who want to take a more active roll can run for any one of three job descriptions up for grabs.

Topping the list is mayor. Incumbent Dave Lovell served two terms as an alderman before outdistancing his nearest rival, Robin Beaumont, by better than 200 votes in the 1992 mayoralty race.

Though there will only be one winner of the mayoralty race, the top eight vote-getters going for a seat on council will serve as aldermen.

And there will be room for rookies this time around.

Three aldermen -- Dick Peplow, Jo MacQuarrie and John Dalton -- left council before their terms were up.

Earlier this year Trevor Kasteel declared he will not run this time around, and another alderman is rumored to have sights set on the mayor's seat.

Many new to the political arena enter it as school board trustees.

Fourteen such positions are available this time around, seven for each school board.