Inuvik (Sep 29/06) - Inuvik's voters got plenty to think about Sept. 26, as candidates for mayor and town council debated issues at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.

"This is a crucial time for this town, but there seems to be a lot of optimism," said moderator Anne Crossman before the debates began.

Moderator Anne Crossman has a hammer nearby to loudly bang on the table and restore order, should the need arise. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photos

Each candidate got three minutes for an introduction, and then took questions from the crowd.

First to speak were the mayoral candidates Arlene Hansen, Derek Lindsay and Jeff Otto.

Hansen, who has spent 14 years on the District Education Authority and eight years on town council, said she was looking forward to the chance to serve again.

"I always thought it was important to give back to the community," she said, adding she's also volunteered with sports programs and Girl Guides.

Asked what her priorities were, Hansen said council should create a system for regular maintenance of its buildings, as well as prepare for future growth.

A second priority was recreation facilities, such as trails, parks and the Inuvik Family Centre.

"Some people call it frills. I call it quality of life," she said.

The second mayoral candidate to speak was Derek Lindsay. He said he had 30 years of experience in public service as city councillor and as a member of various governance groups such as the Inuvik Housing Board. Lindsay listed his priorities as "water and sewer infrastructure, road management, and good community governance."

He said Inuvik should also diversify its economy and reach out to the military.

"They used to be here, and when they pulled out, that was a big blow to this community. We must impress on the federal government that we want them here. When those families are here, that helps our economy."

The third candidate, Jeff Otto, spoke for less than a minute in his opening statement.

"I feel I have a fair bit of understanding of what's taking place in the community, and that's all I have to say," he said.

His responses to oral questions charmed some in the audience.

"I am not saying I'll be the best mayor and solve all our problems, but I will work with council. All I can do is my best," he said.

He also proposed a controversial plan to replace the library and youth centre, which seemed to surprise many in the crowd.

"What about this: you take the public library youth centre, level it, sell it to private interests, use that money to pay off the debt. Then, we build a new facility and give them the best," he said. He added the new library and youth centre might share space with the school.

Mayor Peter Clarkson asked a question about how candidates would encourage better relations with aboriginal governments.

Hansen spoke of building a welcoming arch for the community. Lindsay told people he would not be confrontational with councillors.

"I'm not a micro manager," he said. "I intend to work with council and take council's directions."

After the mayoral candidates spoke, the audience welcomed 12 candidates for town council. They introduced themselves and listed their top two priorities, also answering questions from the audience.

"I am pleased with the people in the audience. It was jammed," Crossman said at the evening's conclusion.

"I think the issues discussed here are the same as many other towns and cities in Canada, and it's clear we'll have a strong council."

Next week will see the conclusion of our series of mayoral candidate profiles, with an interview with Arlene Hansen.