Mayors acclaimed in two northern capitals

When nominations for the Oct. 16 municipal elections closed Monday, the mayors of Iqaluit and Yellowknife were acclaimed to their jobs for another three years.

This will be the second term forthe mayor of Nunavut's capital,Elisapee Sheutiapik.

Ten people are vying to sit on the eight-member council, including incumbents Glenn Williams, Simon Nattaq and Claude Martel. The others areDavid Alexander, Oopeetee Atagoyuk, Mark Boudreau, Allen Hayward, Grant Hipfner, Jimmy Kilabuk and Jim Little.

New mandate pleases Van Tighem

Yellowknife Mayor Gordon Van Tighemwas acclaimed to his third term after no challengers stepped forward Monday.

Although Van Tighemwas ready to campaign to keep his job, he says he ishappy he does not have to.

"I take it as an acceptance that I'm still doing an acceptable job, a good job for the community," said Van Tighem. "I have a number of things that are ongoing. This will now allow me to work on them over the next few weeks."

Elevenpeople will contend for eight council seats:Lydia Bardak, Bob Brooks, Paul Falvo, Mark Heyck, Kevin Kennedy, Blake Lyons, David T. McCann, Steven Meister, Shelagh Montgomery, David Wind and Doug Witty.

Yellowknife councillors Kevin O'Reilly, Wendy Bisaro and Alan Woytuik are not seeking re-election.

Three vie to be next mayor of Inuvik

In Inuvik, Arlene Hansen, Derek Lindsay and Jeffrey Otto will square off toreplace outgoing mayor Peter Clarkson.

Norman Wells Mayor Anne Marie Tout faces a challenge from Peter Guther. In Hay River the competition for mayor is between incumbent Diana Ehman and John Pollard.

Fort Smith Mayor Peter Martselos will run against Janie Hobart on election day.

People in Fort Simpson, who elected a new council in May, won't have to go to the polls again.Mayor Duncan Canvin and his council have been acclaimed to their positions.