Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (July 27/01) - Asked to give herself a title, Tina Visser dispenses with political correctness, simply calling herself "the traffic flag girl."

Tina Visser keeps traffic under control - Dave Sullivan/NNSL photo

This summer she's one of the most familiar faces in Fort Simpson, as one of two women posted at either end of Main Street while it's being whipped into shape for paving.

The 25-year-old starts teacher training this fall at Aurora College.

As for her summer job, she's thoroughly enjoying it.

"There's no paperwork or anything. I like being outside and I don't mind directing people."

The essence of her job is re-routing cars off the main drag to inconvenient side streets.

Motorists haven't been angry toward Visser, but a few men think they're being funny by sometimes swerving toward her in jest.

She gives residents credit for being patient during construction.

"Everyone is used to it. At the end of the day everyone gets home."

For her the best part of the job is talking to people, especially tourists.

"I'm like an information booth. The last guy was a canoeist on his 50th day."

The worst part is fending off the flies.

People who feel sorry for her bring everything from pop and coffee to cigarettes and food.

"People think I'm too skinny," she said.