Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 14/04) - After serving under five premiers over six years, Drew Williams says it's time for fresh blood.

Williams' days of directing media traffic at the legislative assembly came to an end yesterday.

Drew Williams, former press officer to the premier and cabinet, directed countless press conferences over the last six years. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

"It's not unusual for a change to come when a new premier (Joe Handley) comes in," said Williams.

"It wasn't predescribed, but it was a chance to re-think on my part more than anything else. It's always good to have fresh ideas with a new administration."

Williams has seen his share of both dizzying highs and plummeting lows during his tenure at the premier's office.

The first premier he served under, Don Morin, was forced to resign in 1998 after he was found to be in conflict of interest over several business dealings. The next to last, Stephen Kakfwi, narrowly escaped getting the boot after a report by Auditor General Sheila Fraser concluded a severance pay package to his former chief of staff, Lynda Sorensen, was too high.

But Williams was also working in the premier's office during several historic events, including the division between Nunavut and the NWT, and the emergence of the territory's diamond mining industry.

The former journalist also served under premiers Jim Antoine, Goo Arlooktoo, and Joe Handley.

"My job was to facilitate communication and the flow of information," said Williams.

"Sometimes situations arise because there has been a miscommunication or the information hasn't been clearly understood."

Williams is being replaced by Julia Mott, currently the manager of government affairs with First Air.