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HAY RIVER
Hay River has two representatives in the legislative assembly, but the boundary between its northern and southern electoral districts doesn't really divide the community.

"There are definitely no lines in the sand," said Mayor Kelly Schofield, noting the MLAs for Hay River North and Hay River South work as a cohesive unit and take the whole community into account when bringing issues to the legislative assembly.

Schofield, a resident of Hay River South, would like to see that co-operation continue after this fall's territorial election, no matter who is elected.

"They need to work as a whole to look after the town and to see it prosper," he said.

Schofield said his number one election issue for Hay River is economic stability and growth.

In particular, he would like to see a streamlining of the process to permit exploration for minerals and energy, noting such companies are having too much trouble in the NWT and sometimes move elsewhere.

Mineral and energy exploration and development have an impact on Hay River as a transportation centre, plus some projects are close enough to create jobs in the community, the mayor noted.

Schofield sees a little more focus on infrastructure development in Hay River by the territorial government, and he hopes that continues and expands.

"Yellowknife is not the centre of the Northwest Territories," he said. "We all play a part, and I think what Yellowknife needs to realize is without the smaller communities Yellowknife will hurt. Not everything can be centralized in Yellowknife."

Brian Lefebvre, president of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce, said the organization's main election concern is the economy.

"There needs to be some serious focus on the local economy," said Lefebvre, a resident of Hay River South.

Lefebvre noted the chamber will hold an all-candidates forum before the election.

Natacha Kruger-Rewega, an artist who lives on Vale Island in Hay River North, said she would like to see the GNWT continue to support the arts.

Kruger-Rewega said she has been pleased with the help offered to artists by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).

"These guys have been amazing," she said, noting an ITI official has even been calling artists to see if they need support.

Karen Felker, a former chief of West Point First Nation and a resident of Hay River North, has concerns about a number of issues on Vale Island, including the lack of territorial help to prevent spring breakup flooding and the condition of the highway.

Felker believes it is time for a new representative for Hay River North in the legislative assembly, noting current MLA Paul Delorey has seemed to be distracted from serving the people by his duties as speaker of the assembly.

"I think there has to be a change," she said.

Felker will get her wish since Delorey is not seeking re-election, meaning Hay River will have at least one new MLA after the election.

While noting experience is always an advantage, Schofield thinks it could be a good thing to get some fresh blood in the legislative assembly.

"Maybe it was time for a change," he said of Delorey's decision. "Maybe it's for the best."

Long-time MLA Jane Groenewegen is seeking re-election in Hay River South, and will face at least one challenger - Jean Marc Miltenberger.

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