LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS - A third candidate has officially entered the mayoral race in Norman Wells.

Dudley Johnson received written approval late last week to run in the municipal election alongside fellow candidates Sarranda "Sam" Kivi and Tim Melnyk.

Johnson, the Sahtu regional co-ordinator for Aurora College's community learning centres, has lived in Norman Wells for nine years and in the Sahtu for 15. Before coming North, he served as deputy mayor in his hometown of St. Anthony, N.L. He currently fills many roles in the Sahtu, including coroner, marriage commissioner, notary, regional vice-president for the NWT Federation of Labour and Justice of the Peace, a position he would give up if elected mayor.

He said he wants to see town council become more transparent by putting out newsletters to ensure residents are informed about meetings, and become more responsive to citizens' needs, such as infrastructure and recreation.

"One of my biggest concerns is the road conditions in town," he said, adding he believes the roads need to be replaced entirely. He'd also like to find an environmentally friendly way to cut down on dust, rather than slicking the streets with oil, he said.

As mayor, Johnson said he would reserve a council seat for a youth representative to "get them involved in making the decisions so they feel more a part of the community."

He said he's committed to forming a support network for "disenfranchised" youth, and he's looked into acquiring a building to transform into a "homework cafe," a safe place where older youths could go at night and have access to tutors to help with their studies.

He also wants to focus on bringing communities together to promote the Sahtu region as a whole, particularly the tourism industry, he said.

Voters go to the polls Oct. 19.