Inuvik (Oct 23/06) - Just after of midnight on Tuesday morning, Derek Lindsay got the news he'd been waiting to hear - he was elected as the next mayor of Inuvik.

"I want to thank all the people who came out and voted for me," said Lindsay during an interview the day after his win.

The official word came from returning officer Tom Lie at 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Lindsay had won by a comfortable margin of 93 votes. He had 415 votes compared to 322 for former deputy mayor Arlene Hansen and 40 for Jeff Otto.

"I went home after we celebrated the victory at the Legion for a bit," said Lindsay.

The new mayor will be sworn in with the new council on Oct. 27, though the first day under their leadership comes Nov. 6.

The town's budget is the first item on Lindsay's long list of to-dos.

"I also want to find a qualified engineer to assist with the utilidors in town," he said.

"They are deteriorating faster than anyone expected."

A plan is also being made to restore the pilings that hold the water and sewage pipes above the ground.

Another project he wants to see immediate action on is the leak at the family centre pool.

"There is a leak in the pool that needs fixing soon. it has been costing the town money already," he said.

Lindsay said he wants to comb the budget, looking for a way to ensure all roads are drivable in the snowy months ahead.

"We live in a modern community," said Lindsay.

"People should be able to drive to work without having any problems or taking detours."