Eleven new mayors, one returning mayor
Final municipal elections results now in
SARA MINOGUE
Except for one close call in Kugluktuk, Nunavut’s municipal elections on Dec. 13 ran smoothly, putting 11 new mayors in office.
In Kugluktuk, Ernie Bernhardt was declared mayor after a recount showed that he had won by one vote, rather than lost by one vote.
The initial results showed incumbent Peter Taptuna with 67 votes, Berhnardt with 66 votes and Stanley Anablak with 50 votes. A recount found that Bernhardt had 67, Taptuna 66, and Anablak 48.
In spite of his defeat as mayor, Taptuna won a seat on council with 107 votes.
Sanikiluaq mayor Annie Amitook was the only returning mayor to defeat all challengers. She beat Davidee Kowcharlie by just 4 votes, and will serve another two years.
In Hall Beach, Paul Haulli beat former mayor Jopie Kaernerk with nearly twice as many votes.
In Igloolik, Joe Ataguttaaluk won by a large margin, beating the second place candidate by 182 votes. He replaces former mayor Elijah Evaluardjuk, who held the post for four years.
In Pangnirtung, Jack Maniapik beat Naimee Kilabuk Bourassa, the second top contender.
In Pond Inlet, David Q. Qamaniq won the election with 158 votes. Outgoing mayor Peter Aglak had just 66.
In Gjoa Haven, former MLA Uriash Puqiqnak was elected mayor, beating the only other candidate, Ralph Porter Sr. by 56 votes. That hamlet also got five new councillors.
“With new people there’s always a change,” said SAO Raymond Kamookak, who has been a hamlet worker in Gjoa Haven’s for the last 18 years. “So maybe there will be some changes, but the administration will be the same.”
In Taloyoak, Sam Tulugialik beat Aiolah Takolik by a large margin.
The Kivalliq region also got some new blood.
In Baker Lake, David Aksawnee beat five other candidates with 153 votes. That hamlet also elected former MLA Glenn McLean to serve on its council.
In Chesterfield Inlet, George Tanuyak was elected with 68 votes. Voter turnout there was the highest reported turnout in the territory, at 72 per cent.
In Repulse Bay, Donat Milortok was elected mayor.
In Arviat, Elizabeth Copland was elected, with 205 votes, out of six candidates.
In that community, a whopping 23 people ran for five council seats. The winners were: Teddy Carter, Susan Hillier, Gideon Qitsualik, Josephine Kamookak, and Michael Angutittauruq Sr.
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