Hay River (Oct 23/06) - A new mayor, a 26-year-old councillor, and a town council completely devoid of estrogen. - last week's election has changed the face of Hay River politics.

John Pollard has been elected mayor, ousting Diana Ehman - the council's only woman.

John Pollard returns to politics after an 11-year hiatus.

"It would be nice to see some females on council," said Farrah Froese, an administrator at Jameson's True Value Hardware, "but I don't really think it makes a difference."

Blake Lawrence, a partsman at Kingland Ford, said he wasn't concerned. "It doesn't make a difference," he said, adding he thought the councillors elected seemed competent.

With a previous term as mayor under his belt, as well as two terms as MLA for Hay River, Pollard has returned to politics, after an 11-year hiatus.

"He's got a lot of experience and he's well known around town," said Froese.

"I feel secure knowing he is the mayor," added Lucy Young, manager at the Caribou Motor Inn.

Having left politics in 1995 Pollard said he decided to run again after serving as senior administrative officer in Hay River for three years.

Pollard said his number one priority on Nov. 6, when he takes over as mayor, will be handling a $1.9 million grant from the federal government.

"We want to move this as quickly as possible," he said. His first step will be to set up a working relationship with the Metis and Westpoint First Nations, with whom an agreement will be made over where the money will be spent.

Pollard said he has already discussed health priorities in a meeting with former Health and Social Services minister Michael Miltenberger, last Tuesday.

Among topics they covered were the need for more doctors in Hay River, over-stretched ambulance services, and the refurbishment of the Dene K'onia young offender's facility.

In the council election, Kevin Wallington received the most votes, tallying 81 more than his closest competitor. He is the youngest councillor.

"It's great to see that people believe in me," Wallington said in a telephone interview from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was attending a community justice conference.

He said running for town council was a natural thing for him to do.

I just felt that if (Hay River) was to be my home then I really wanted to get involved in the community on a whole new level."

Wallington is the coordinator of the Hay River Community Youth Centre. He said he is looking forward to bringing a youth perspective to the council.

He is also anticipating "shaking things up a bit," he said with a laugh.

"I hope that my personality and enthusiasm will bring a new level of energy," he said.