Aupaluk springs surprise election

ODILE NELSON

Aupaluk residents took a surprise trip to the polls this past Wednesday after the community’s mayor and one of six municipal councillors resigned this month.

According to councillor Mary Saluarsiak, David Angutinguak unexpectedly offered a verbal resignation Nov. 1.

Saluarsiak, who has been acting in his place ever since, said she could offer few details about why Angutinguak resigned.

An employee with the Kativik Regional Government revealed that Angutinguak was not the only municipal representative to resign from council.

According to the KRG employee, who asked not to be identified, the regional government received two resignations — one from Angutinguak and another from a municipal councillor.

The KRG employee had no information about the reasons behind either resignation. But the employee said the resignations arrived together.

Until recently, Angutinguak had served as a commissioner for the Kativik School Board.

In an interview with Nunatsiaq News last week he said he decided not to seek re-election as a commissioner for the KSB because he wanted to give other community members the opportunity to hold public office.

He continues to serve on Makivik’s board of directors.

Angutinguak could not be reached this week for comment about his resignation. His phone line is no longer in service.

The town of Aupaluk refused repeated requests for information about the reasons behind Angutinguak’s resignation. The town would also not name the councillor who resigned.

Johnny Akpahatak, who served as mayor before Angutinguak, and Moses Cain both ran for mayor in Wednesday’s byelection.

Lizzie Oninnak and Jessie Angutinguak fought for the position of councillor.

Results from the election were not available by press time.