Inuvik (Oct 01/04) - Those running for mayor and council in the Oct. 18 municipal election are expected to be on hand at the all-candidates forum at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex Oct. 4, beginning at 7 p.m.

Mayoral candidates, incumbent Peter Clarkson and challenger Kurt Wainman, will be asked to make opening statements of no more than five minutes, outlining their experience and positions on the issues. The speaking order will be determined by a draw.

While candidates will be expected to address questions from the floor, there are four set questions each mayoral candidate will be expected to answer.

Candidates for councillor are permitted to pass on any of the predetermined questions if they feel they have nothing new to add to the debate.

Four questions

1. Do you support or oppose the recent pay increase for mayor and council and what is your reasoning?
2. Which interest groups can and will you bring to the table when decisions must be made on important issues?
3. Provide two examples of areas where you would increase town spending, and two where you would decrease it.
4. What do you consider the most important issue that has not yet been discussed here tonight?

There will be one less name on the ballot than anticipated.

Incumbent councillor George Doolittle has withdrawn his name from consideration for town council.

"After I determined that I would be unable to attend half the meetings due to other obligations, I decided to withdraw," he said.

He said it would be unfair to the town's residents for him to hold a seat if it was to remain empty 50 per cent of the time. All other councillors in the previous session remain in the race. They are Gayle Gruben, Arlene Hansen, Derek Lindsay, Denny Rodgers, Marja Van Nieuwenhuyzen and Clarence Wood.

Challenging the incumbents are Linda Binder, Victor Ciboci, Maureen Cournoyea, Terry Halifax, Karen King, Paul Komaromi, Delma Pielak and Vince Sharpe.

An advance poll will be held at the Inuvik Centennial Library Oct. 6.