Ruben family dominates politics in Paulatuk
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Paulatuk (Nov 20/00) - They're not as famous as the Kennedys but in Paulatuk the Ruben family could sweep council seats up for grabs in the Dec. 6 hamlet election.
Of the 17 candidates vying for four council seats and the mayor's chair, 11 are connected to the Ruben clan.
For the outsider this might seem as a recipe for disaster. Combine the cut-throat characteristics of politics with the intense emotional ties of families and the outcome could be messy.
But according to mayoralty candidate Frances Wolki, daughter of incumbent councillor James Ruben Sr. and great-niece of mayoralty competitor Garrett Ruben, it's just a part of politics in a small town.
"It's part of everyday realities," said Wolki. "We just have to live and plan the future of the community."
There are four Ruben four siblings vying for four council spots, Christopher, Phoebe, Brenda and James Sr., along with a husband and wife contest between Brenda and Bobby.
The sibling's cousins Jean Agnes Ruben and Bill Ruben are also in the running.
All this political jockeying has little effect on family ties, says James Ruben Sr.
"You have to have positive trust," said Ruben. "The whole community has to live close together."
According to Phoebe Ruben, the political stuff stays outside of family life. It's an unwritten rule she says.
"We know how to deal with it," said Ruben. "It's not an issue at all."
Mayoralty candidate Garrett Ruben sees the family connections as a good thing in terms of figuring out the future.
"We share a common vision because we share a common tie with the community," said Garrett.
He says that if issues get dicey in council, every member writes their thoughts on a piece of paper to get the wording just right so as not to offend anyone.
"We also go outside for help if we can't figure things out."
He added that it's very rare they go for outside help and that it's better do things in house.
Confidentiality issues aren't a problem either says James Ruben Sr.
"If something confidential is done in hamlet it's sealed and stays there," said Ruben.
But the Ruben clan is not the only family with a stake in the elections. Council candidates Andy and Lottie Thrasher are a mother and son team.
Also, Johnny Nakimayak is running in place of his incumbent councillor father, Jonah.
In the end, says Wolki, the future of the community comes before family differences.
"Things run smoothly because everyone is a team," she said.
