Hay River (Oct 16/06) - Thirteen men and one woman met in the Hay River community hall last Wednesday to duke it out for seven spots on town council.

Incumbent mayor Diana Ehman was the only woman seated at the long table of candidates.

But, she is used to it. "It's my third time running as the only female, "she said in an interview after the candidates' forum.

The 14 candidates were given the chance to present themselves to the townspeople, in three-minute speeches. The public were invited to ask questions after each candidate had delivered their opening address.

The second mayoral candidate and Ehman's challenger is John Pollard, who previously served one term as mayor. The incumbent council candidates are Ron Cook, Tom Hamilton, Dean McMeekin, Vince McKay, Michael Maher, and Peter Maher. The other candidates running are Ronald Karp, Andrew (Fred) Lamb, Mervin Templeton, Kevin Wallington, Harvey Werner, and Greg Whitlock.

Certain issues were common amongst the candidate's.

Concern over the landfill was one of the first to be brought up, by Ehman.

"A new site must be identified and the old one cleared up," she said.

"The old one is nearing capacity," said Michael Maher in his speech, "we need a new site for a landfill."

It's a major issue, said Ron Cook. He suggested developing a regional landfill site.

The effect the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project could have on the town was also a a focus of the speeches.

"It will have an impact," said Dean McMeekin, "whether good or bad will be up to the council and mayor."

Town beautification was a popular topic.

Mervin Templeton suggested paving roads and putting up street lights in areas where those are lacking.

Fred Lamb recommended more road repair.

"There are more potholes in town than there are politicians," he said with a chuckle.

Health care came up several times, particularly when the public was asking questions of the candidates. Residents showed concern over the lack of permanent doctors in the community.

Vivian Stevely asked what candidates would do to bring more doctors to Hay River, "so when someone gets sick you don't have to fly to Yellowknife or Edmonton to be with them."

Peter Maher noted that the shortage was worldwide and Hay River would have to "sweeten the pot somehow to get them to come here."

Lesli Fisher also challenged the candidates to promise to increase cooperation in the effort to recruit doctors, should they be elected.

Other issues brought up were the need for more RCMP officers, more attention paid to youth, whether schools should have to pay to use the new swimming pool, and the need for a new town hall and fire hall.

A divide between the two mayoral candidates became apparent when Wayne Keefe stepped up to the microphone to ask what they would do for the soup kitchen. Keefe reported that one of the candidates had told him they were embarrassed of Hay River's soup kitchen.

Pollard responded that he was the one who was ashamed of it. He said it was being taken advantage of, as some people eating there could easily afford to eat at restaurants. He wouldn't spend taxpayer's money to support it, he said.

Ehman, on the other hand, said she supports the soup kitchen's work, with the qualifier that the community would have to support it if taxpayer dollars were to be spent fixing it up.

The election is being held Oct. 16th. Hay River voters will go to the polls at the Ben Sivertz Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.