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Two in race for mayor of Liard
Each has previous experience on council

Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, November 24, 2011

ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD
When residents of the Hamlet of Fort Liard go to the polls on Dec. 12, they will have two candidates for mayor with previous council experience to choose between.

Both JoAnne Deneron and Morris McLeod are running in the election. The two candidates have already been acclaimed as hamlet councillors along with Barbara McLeod, Irene McLeod, Ken Nowoselski and Reed Smith.

Deneron said she was originally planning to just run for a position on council, but said residents asked her to also put her name forward for mayor.

If elected, Deneron will be returning to the hamlet council after an absence. Deneron was mayor approximately 15 years ago and, together with her terms as a councillor, has served for approximately 20 years.

Although she hasn't been on council for about 10 years, Deneron said she's familiar with the issues the community is facing and will be able to bring them forward.

"I'm outspoken and an advocate for the people of Fort Liard," she said.

Deneron said one of the key issues for the hamlet is improving communication with residents.

"As a community we need to work together and find out what the left hand is doing as well as the right," she said.

If elected, Deneron said she'd like to make the hamlet office more accessible to residents and also make herself available to people. It's her aim to be approachable so people can come in, have coffee and talk about their concerns.

Another important issue is the hamlet's roads as well as Highway 7, said Deneron. More work is always needed on the roads in the hamlet and the territorial and federal governments need to be made aware that if they want tourists to visit the region the highway needs to be upgraded, she said.

If elected, Deneron said she would also address the issue of staffing that is a problem for the hamlet as well as other businesses in Fort Liard. The hamlet needs certified workers and that requires at least a Grade 12 education, she said. Deneron said she would work with Aurora College to raise awareness about the importance of completing Grade 12.

Deneron said she'd also ask residents what issues they'd like the hamlet to address.

"My leadership style is open-minded to the betterment of the Hamlet of Fort Liard," she said.

In addition to her experience on council, Deneron said she'd bring with her the experience she's gained on a variety of federal, territorial and community boards, including her current role as president of the Acho Dene Koe Investment Board.

Morris McLeod is a familiar presence on the hamlet council.

McLeod just finished serving his fourth consecutive term on council. During the last term, McLeod was the deputy mayor.

McLeod said his previous experience on council and his familiarity with the issues, including social issues in the community, are two strengths he'll bring with him if elected. McLeod said he also has lots of experience listening to people's concerns.

The top issue for residents is road repair, he said. Residents want the hamlet's roads chipsealed and the roads that were closed a few years ago because of flooding to be reopened.

If elected, McLeod said he will work to find the necessary funding to repair the roads during a multi-year project.

The hamlet also has to address the smaller issues that affect residents, said McLeod. The hamlet often receives complaints in the winter when hamlet employees plow the roads. At times, the snow blocks residents' driveways making it impossible for them to receive other services such as water deliveries. McLeod said he would work with hamlet staff to eliminate the problem.

McLeod, who's been the custodian at Echo Dene School for the past 20 years, said he will listen to all of the groups in the community before taking action.

McLeod said he was asked by residents to put his name forward.

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