Inuvik (Sep 08/06) - Inuvik will have a mayor after the town goes to the polls Oct. 16.

Two-term incumbent Peter Clarkson said he won't seek re-election when his term ends on Nov. 6. Clarkson said he is proud of his six years as mayor, but felt it was time to retire. Before being elected mayor in October 2000, he served two years as Inuvik's deputy mayor.

Mayor Peter Clarkson has announced he will not seek another term in office, while Jeff Otto, below, has announced he will be running for mayor.

"I decided six years was a good run. It's time to pass the torch," he said.

When asked about his favourite achievements in office, Clarkson mentioned the Inuvik Family Centre, which was planned and completed within his term. He also mentioned improvements to roads and to the town's waste management program, which he said "cleaned up" Inuvik and made it more attractive to tourists. As a resident of Inuvik for more than 20 years, Clarkson said the town looks better now than when he arrived.

"The roads were in terrible shape," he said.

While he said his plans for the future were uncertain, Clarkson said there are a few pet projects he wants to push forward before his term ends.

One example is a full-service kitchen at the Midnight Sun recreation complex, which is currently being planned. Clarkson said he also looked forward to discussing energy conservation in Inuvik, since the price of natural gas has recently increased.

"It's going to affect our budget," he said, adding the town might have to explore ways of cutting services or increasing taxes to offset the rising cost of natural gas.

Another issue Clarkson vowed to keep watching is vandalism. He said it was unfortunate that Inuvik's recent vandalism rates were higher than average, and said there might be ways to curb vandalism, such as a spray-paint registry in town, showing who bought which colours, to help with investigations.

With elections coming up Oct. 16, only one person has filed nomination papers, which are due Sept. 11.

It is Jeff Otto, a small business owner and animal control officer in Inuvik. While he has some projects to suggest - such as a ladder truck for the fire department and an increased call fee for firefighters - he is by no means Clarkson's opponent.

"Everything Clarkson has done has been for the betterment of this community," he said. Deputy Mayor Arlene Hansen has also said she's interested in the job but has yet to file papers.

"I think my past experience as deputy mayor would serve the community well," she said.

Hansen also added she had nothing but respect for Clarkson, with whom she has served for the past eight years.

"I think he will sorely be missed," she said.