Secret meetings ceased and the principles of municipal democracy were established by the courts. Unrealistic court action against houseboaters ended. A costly expenditure was averted by the vote against the twin-pad arena. Key changes in administrative personnel may signal the end to the empire building that not only cost ratepayers big time but ignored their needs and input.

We hope that along with Lovell's admission he made some bad judgement calls in the past is the awareness he ignored what a lot of people were telling him. It wasn't until larger forces were brought to bear that necessary changes were made to problems he could well have fixed himself.

We also hope Lovell will learn from his successes, most notable of which was the establishment of a base for a secondary diamond industry. While the city did not take the lead role, they were active participants and got good results for the money and effort spent.

Leadership is what's required for 1999 on all fronts. The city's waterfront is crying out for development and people want it. Scuttle the confrontational approach on houseboats and treat them as an asset, much the same as the remaining heritage elements of Old Town. Do not let up pressure on industry and governments for more secondary diamond business. Exploit the tremendous boost to the Northern mineral profile the startup of BHP mine fostered and to which Diavik's mine promises to contribute. Get Kam Lake on its feet as a viable site for light industry.

Lastly, keep up the honourable fight for proper representation in the legislative assembly. The regions and smaller communities are the city's future but they must be dealt with from a position of strength, not timid conciliation.

Lovell's observation that the next mayor should have the skills and personality to promote the city is a good one. As he is thinking that way, other potential candidates should do the same.

Yellowknife has lots to offer. We need someone to tell the world.