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New mayors in Fort McPherson and Fort Providence

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There have been some big changes in small NWT communities after six hamlets held municipal elections on Monday.

New mayors rose to power in Fort McPherson and Fort Providence.
William R. Koe narrowly defeated Vasilios (Bill) Prodromidis by 36 votes in Fort McPherson. Residents also voted to lift alcohol restrictions.
Danny Beaulieu’s victory in Fort Providence was a little more convincing after he defeated Sam Gargan by 83 votes.
The mayors of Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok were re-elected while new councillors were chosen in Fort Resolution.
All candidates in Aklavik, Enterprise and Tuktoyaktuk were acclaimed.

Fort McPherson

In Fort McPherson, Koe was the successful candidate in a two-way mayoral race. He received 133 votes to Prodromidis’ 97. Elizabeth Vittrekwa did not seek re-election.
Joyce M. Blake, Shaylene Blake, Sierra Daley and Ashtyn McLeod were elected to two-year council terms.
Ruby McDonald, Dennis Wright, Lawrence Firth and Robert Greenland were elected to one-year terms.
Over 71 per cent of voters elected to lift restrictions on beer and wine while maintaining restrictions on hard liquor.
Residents were asked if they supported, “The removal of the restrictions relating to beer and wine within the boundaries of Fort McPherson; and the addition of a provision allowing for a person authorized by the Fort McPherson council to bring into the restricted area a quantity of spirits in excess of the prescribed maximum for weddings, community events or special occasions.”

Fort Providence

In Fort Providence, Danny Beaulieu received 162 votes to defeat incumbent Sam Gargan who received 79. Bernadette Landry received 41 votes and Rudolph Landry received eight votes in the four-way mayoral race.
James Ben Bonnetrouge, Ronald Bonnetrouge, Linda Croft and Shirley Gargan were elected to council.

Paulatuk

Ray Ruben has been re-elected mayor of Paulatuk.
He received 63 votes to beat his only opponent Angust Green who received 41.
Michael Green, Donna Ruben, Kelly Ruben and Millie Thrasher were elected to council.

Ulukhaktok

Laverna Klengenberg has been re-elected mayor of Ulukhaktok.
The incumbent won in a landslide, picking up 106 votes. Jack Akhiatak, the only other candidate in the race, garnered 24.
Annie Goose, Sadie Joss, David Kuptana Margaret Kanayok were elected to council.

Sachs Harbour

Up in Sachs Harbour, Floyd Lennie was re-elected mayor after receiving 27 votes. Challenger Norman Anikina received 11.

Fort Resolution

In Fort Resolution, Angela McKay, Elizabeth Ann McKay and Brandie Miersch were elected to council.