Fort Simpson (May 13/05) - Of the 110 names on a TJ's Grocery petition to protest construction of a Northern store gas bar, one caused Mayor Raymond Michaud to publicly voice disappointment.

That signature belongs to Kevin Menicoche.

Menicoche, who is the MLA for Nahendeh, said he endorsed the petition as an individual, not as an MLA.

"Despite me being an MLA, I still have a private life and I support a locally created business by local people," Menicoche said.

Michaud argued that Menicoche should have exercised more discretion because he's always the MLA.

"When Kevin says he did this on his own time, I beg to differ," said Michaud.

Menicoche replied that he doesn't regret signing the document, but he has pledged not to sign any other petitions in the future.

"It's a learning experience," Menicoche said. "I've got to assume that I'm in the public eye 24 hours (a day)... I didn't put MLA Kevin Menicoche on that petition, I put Kevin Menicoche, but it carries a lot more weight than I intended it to." He said his predecessor, Jim Antoine, seemed to have a knack for being able to remove his MLA hat to speak to issues. That's something Menicoche said he's still trying to master.

In gathering opposition to the North West Company gas bar, the petition sat on the counter at TJ's grocery throughout much of April. It cited concerns such as parking congestion and "money going directly south." The North West Company has its headquarters in Winnipeg.

The document also stated that gasoline in Fort Simpson is already priced competitively even though there is only one other commercial gasoline outlet in the community.

Despite the petition, Village council did not reverse its decision to authorize the North West Company's development permit.

Menicoche said he believes council acted in the best interest of "their residents."

"They're doing their job appropriately," he added.