Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 24, 2007

ENTERPRISE - The soon-to-be hamlet of Enterprise will elect its first mayor on Oct. 1.

The three candidates - Allan Flamand, John (Trapper) Kuiper and John Leskiw II - got a chance to make pitches for votes at a meet-the-candidates night on Sept. 13.

Three men - left to right: John (Trapper) Kuiper, John Leskiw II and Allan Flamand - are seeking to become mayor of Enterprise. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo -

About 25 people in the community of about 90 turned out to hear the candidates.

They were asked written questions submitted by those in attendance, such as how council could get more information to residents.

"I think it's the mayor's job to communicate and talk to people one-on-one," Flamand said.

Leskiw said a newsletter would be helpful, but added, "I'd really prefer people come to meetings and get the information first-hand themselves."

All three candidates said they have the time to commit to being mayor.

When asked how council should promote Enterprise, Kuiper said tourism is important and it could be expanded by promoting recreational opportunities in the community, such as dog racing, rafting and the waterfalls on the Hay River.

The candidates were also asked if they considered it appropriate for council members to bid on contract work with the community.

Flamand said it would not be good to restrict people on council. Leskiw noted bidding would be fine if a conflict of interest is declared immediately and bidders removed themselves from the decision-making process.

"To say no, you can't make a living because you're part of the council, that's not fair," said Leskiw.

Kuiper noted Enterprise is a small community. "We want to support ourselves."

The Oct. 1 vote will be the first time Enterprise will hold a separate election for a mayor. As a settlement, the community elected only councillors and they chose a mayor from among themselves. Enterprise will become a hamlet on Oct. 29.

Eight people have been acclaimed to the new eight-member hamlet council, including the three men running for mayor. The new mayor will resign as a councillor, leaving seven members on council.