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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Although Niels Konge admits he has always had an interest in politics, it was his frustration with decisions made by city council during the past two terms that convinced him to put his name in the running for city council.

A journeyman carpenter in Yellowknife for the past 12 years, the Konge Construction owner has not shied away from expressing his views on city development rules, which he says have hampered development.

He said less red tape on development will encourage more homes to be built, making them cheaper to buy, which means more people will move here. A growing number of homeowners will help lower the cost of living in the city overall, said Konge.

"Affordability for everyone - on all levels - from housing to power to groceries," said Konge.

"We all know that things cost more money as time goes by, so inevitability, in order to maintain our services we either need to increase taxes or increase the amount of people paying taxes, more land, more houses that sort of thing. I think that's where the energy of the city should be better spent, is increasing our tax base."

Konge also takes issue with the number of property tax increases over the last several years, which he believes isn't indicative of the services Yellowknifers are receiving from the city.

"I feel that businesses have been underrepresented on council the last two terms," he said. "Increased taxes and decreased services have made the city less affordable for both citizen and businesses alike."

Konge's campaign is not all about lower taxes and fewer restraints on development. He also has a green message, which calls on the city to introduce more energy-efficient vehicles to its fleet, explore the option of offering curb-side recycling using existing funds, and research the value of adding more bike paths in the city, including the Kam Lake/Grace Lake area.

Konge and his wife Renee live in the Kam Lake area and have three children: Leo, Tegan, and foster son Josh. A fourth son Jonas died of heart failure in 2010.

After running the idea past his wife, and figuring out how to manage his time if elected to council, the call to try and effect change in the city was too great to ignore for the 39-year-old.

"How can I afford not to," he said.

Konge's Facebook page "Konge for Council" is up and running as well as his campaign website.

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