Mayor points to success after leaving his position
Deputy mayor Jim McDonald promoted for remainder of term
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, August 27, 2015
INUVIK
Mayor Floyd Roland focused on positive achievements as he officially stepped down to pursue a campaign as a federal election candidate last week, following an appearance with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Hay River the week before.
Former Inuvik mayor Floyd Roland, left, who stepped down to become the Conservative party's candidate in the NWT, introduces Prime Minister Stephen Harper at a campaign event in Hay River on Aug. 14. - NNSL file photo
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Roland stated Aug. 20 that he feels honoured to have served the people of Inuvik as a member of the legislative assembly, a councillor, premier and mayor throughout his political career so far.
"Since being elected as mayor in October 2012, I am proud to have led a council committed to a diversified economy in Inuvik," Roland stated in an e-mail.
"Examples of these successes include our tourism industry which has increased dramatically - both in the summer and winter months - the Sunrise Festival has grown to become a can't-miss event every January, and the development of the satellite receiver station continues to progress, thanks to our work with both the territorial and federal governments."
He also stated he plans on continuing to serve Northerners and build on the investments made by the current federal government in environmental stewardship and sovereignty as a candidate for the Conservative Party.
Meanwhile, the town has filled the mayor's chair with the deputy mayor until this fall's municipal election.
"The mayor had informed town council and staff of this decision during the day," staff for the Town of Inuvik stated in a news release on Aug. 17.
"As a result of his resignation, deputy mayor Jim McDonald shall assume the duties of mayor until the end of the current council's term, which expires on the first Monday of November 2015."
Roland did not respond to requests for comment but McDonald said Roland had cleaned out his office the same day as the announcement to council.
McDonald also said he doesn't necessarily have an opinion on whether Roland should have stepped down to run as a federal candidate for the Conservative Party.
"It could have caused some optics issues, but I think he rethought it all and felt it was best he resign," McDonald said.
"I think campaigning will keep him away from the community a lot."
The release stated that the town's administration thanked Roland for his dedication and wished him well in future endeavours.
As for what McDonald expects in his new post, he said more of the same.
"The term so far has been good, I don't expect anything to change," he said.
"I'm filling in, I guess, until the end of the term."
The election is currently set for Oct. 19, with the new council set to take over Nov. 2.
McDonald said although he has put a lot of thought into whether he will run again - and for which position on council - he has yet to make any decisions.
"I've been asked that a lot," he said. "Especially recently."
