Letters from November 24th
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I think the results so far indicate the voters in NWT want change and they want a stronger Government in the future.
Jamie
It is with a real sense of dismay that I write to try to put into words my feelings on Mr. Handley’s outlook on the issue of the voters being able to vote for the premier of the NWT.
His view seems to revolve around the perception that if this happens the premier will feel he is accountable only to the people – and thus will do as he wishes because cabinet or the members will have no control over him. Well pardon me for believing the basis of democracy is that our leaders are responsible to us, the electorate. This is why we vote for representation, is it not?
He wants to keep the current system where between election day and the convening of elected members to elect a premier every lobby group, community Mayors, Chiefs, Band Councillors and yes, even friends, can approach those members, make deals and exert a great deal of influence on the outcome while I, as an ordinary voter, seemingly have no influence. Certainly my elected representative may listen to me, if he has the time in between listening to the “big boys”, but when they are behind closed doors he votes the way he wants. The platitudes then roll out that yes he did vote the way his constituents wanted him to. As a veteran of many NWT elections, most often the person elected leader appeared to have very little of the concerns and values that we, the electorate who put them there, would endorse. I have never seen an elected member use this time frame to meet with constituents to get input on whom to vote for as premier. Perhaps some may have discussed it with their campaign committees/supporters but, I guarantee the rest of us were certainly not consulted!
Mr. Handley’s remarks struck me as very selfish. He sees nothing wrong with being accountable only to the eighteen members in the legislative assembly. My support goes to those members who have the courage to suggest we try a new approach, as they at least seem to care about our votes. The system does not have to embrace party politics to make this happen. We are only asking for the opportunity to vote in our government leader. There will be growing pains and perhaps a few mistakes in the process, but at least give it a chance! Apathy, or what appears to be apathy, will give way to a renewed caring about our Territory if we, the electorate, feel we had a say in how the leadership is truly put in place. Heather Poitras
For Yellowknife, I feel the most important thing right now is that the sorry excuse for a highway gets fixed up a.s.a.p.
As an RV owner, I'm woefully aware of the damage that the rotten road causes to such vehicles. And for the owners, repairs aren't cheap. The way it is now, the road is a huge detriment to tourism. We've got a superb destination, but we simply HAVE GOT TO make it a pleasant experience for our visitors.
Word of mouth is the most effective advertising of all. Right now, the word is "Don't go there, if you don't want to go broke!"
The bridge isn't necessary. Crossing on the ice-road or the ferry is
a really great part of the experience of visiting the capital of the
NWT. The road is absolutely essential.
Patricia
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