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New president of NWTAC chosen in unusual manner

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Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Merven Gruben, left, was all ready to run against Coun. Clarence Wood of Inuvik for the presidency of the NWT Association of Communities on Feb. 17, but changed his mind at the very last minute.

Clarence Wood, a councillor with the Town of Inuvik, has become the new president of the NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC) in a somewhat unusual way.

Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Merven Gruben, left, was all ready to run against Coun. Clarence Wood of Inuvik for the presidency of the NWT Association of Communities on Feb. 17, but changed his mind at the very last minute. Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Wood was one of two candidates for the leadership position on Feb. 17 during the organization's annual general meeting in Hay  River.

After giving a brief pre-vote speech to delegates at the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, he was listening to the other candidate speak when Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Merven Gruben suddenly and surprisingly decided to withdraw from the race and support Wood.

Gruben was telling delegates about his experience in municipal politics and with the association when he paused.

He then said he was going to withdraw from the race.

"I was going to run for president, but I think I'll just kind of support Clarence here," he said.

Wood told delegates that he was just about floored.

"I have a lot of respect for Merven, and I thank him for the gesture," he said. "I look forward to the next year."

Wood will serve as president for a year, which began at the end of the annual general meeting.

The Inuvik municipal politician said he respects Gruben very much and they have been friends for years.

Gruben explained his decision to withdraw from the race by noting he already had a lot to do.

"I talked with my wife over lunch and I was weighing my options, and I just started thinking as I was speaking," he said. "I figured, 'You know what. I don't need this.' I mean it's good. The people know me. I do things enough for our community, as well. I like Clarence and he'll do well."

Gruben also noted he and Wood are good friends

"And any issues I have he'll definitely bring it up," he said. "We've been friends for years and years and years."

Gruben also pointed out he served a year as the association's president in 2013.

In his pre-election speech to delegates, Wood had noted he served on Inuvik town council and as a director with the association for many years.

"The NWTAC has a great past and a very promising future with the great support of staff," he said. "This is a future I want to be involved in."