Pond Inlet (Oct 02/06) - Voters in Pond Inlet have to choose among four contenders in the upcoming by-election, but the candidates seem to share the same concerns.

Whomever Pond Inlet sends to the legislature, that individual will likely be fighting for a new airport and long-term benefits from mining in the area. The four candidates are James Arvaluk, Rhoda Cunningham, Joseph N. Krimmerdjuar and Sam Omik. Nunavut News/North spoke to three of them this week - Krimmerdjuar was out of the community could not be reached.

All three said they want a new airport in Pond Inlet, and want to see some long-term investment in the people of Pond Inlet by the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation.

"We are very busy with Baffinland coming, and they make several trips a day. They land right in the middle of town. The government doesn't recognize the danger of an airstrip right in town," said Arvaluk.

"The airstrip is too close to the community. With the mining company, I'd like to see more workers from Pond Inlet in training. The minerals will be gone someday, and I want to make sure a mess doesn't get left in Pond Inlet," said Omik.

"Pre-trades should be a priority for the mine opening, so people in Pond will be able to benefit," said Cunningham.

The candidates have their own pet issues as well. Arvaluk - a former NWT MLA for Coral Harbour - wants a breakwater for the community. "We lost two boats here already, we're trying to get that going," said Arvaluk.

Cunningham is a former principal, and education is her passion. "My priority is education, and to work toward training in the trades."

Voters in the Tunnuniq riding head to the polls Oct. 16. The seat was vacated by the death of speaker Jobie Nutaaraq.