Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Sep 14/01) - Louie Constant didn't run for mayor, he inherited the job.

When Sam Gargan resigned in July, Constant, then deputy mayor, moved up the ladder. No other councillor made a bid for the mayor's seat, he noted.

As mayor of Fort Providence, Louie Constant is tackling issues such as training and employment and recreational facilities. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"They (council) voted me in and I just accepted," he said. "I'm just getting familiar with it. It's something very new to me ... I do get some advice from other councillors."

Among the many topics he is confronting is whether or not he deserves a salary as mayor. Council had approved a half-time salary of $15,000 for mayor while Gargan was serving in that capacity. When Gargan stepped down to take over as chief, council suspended the salary to review it further.

"The pay's not that good -- I'm not after the pay or anything, but somebody else might be in a different predicament," Constant said. "I think other communities get more than we do. Right now I'm just looking into it."

Among the other items he is turning his attention to is having an indoor swimming pool constructed. A fitness centre would also be beneficial, he suggested.

"People really do need that ... instead of walking around," he said.

He noted that he is starting to feel more comfortable with chairing meetings and getting to know the rules of order. He's also becoming accustomed to people approaching him with their concerns.

"It's a pretty good position to have. People to look to you with problems they may have and you try to look after these problems as much as possible," he explained.

Constant previously worked as a liaison officer for the Deh Gah Got'ie, overseeing their educational, home support, elders council and addictions programs. He still serves as a band councillor too, which gives him a greater understanding of many issues that come before tri-council -- the combined council formed by the band, hamlet and Metis local.

The mayor is in Yellowknife this week to attend meetings on employment and training. That's another one of his priorities, he added.