by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 08/97) - How will the city handle the addition of people from other communities, people looking for the kind of services, support and care we take for granted today?

That was one question posed to mayoral candidates at an all-candidates forum hosted by the Yellowknife Seniors Society last Thursday.

"Are we planning for an influx of needy people who will be looking to us for hope, care and a place to stay?" asked Jack Sperry.

He contended that migration from the communities to Yellowknife will accelerate when the full impact of government cutbacks and devolution is felt.

"It's something that's being worked on," said mayor Dave Lovell. "But we've got a long way to go, quite frankly."

Lovell gave as an example of the work being done the Future Focus community consultation workshops and meetings, and named a number of stop-gap measures, such as the Side Door and the Women's Centre.

"That's something council hasn't dealt with," said Ruth Spence. "We have to look at what we can do to make people comfortable and make it their home."

John Dalton said the planning should have started long ago, since social assistance, housing and the high birth rate are problems right now.

"If we didn't see it as a city council, that indicates to me a lack of leadership," said Dalton.

Dalton and the other two candidates who have served on the present council referred frequently to the leadership issue.

City council has come under fire during this term for allowing administration to set the agenda.

Matthew Grogono, the only candidate who has not served on this or any other council, used his opening remarks to outline his background to the audience.

As each of the candidates did, he spoke to seniors' issues, pledging to make the city more user-friendly for both seniors and the disabled.