Full roster of candidates running for town council in Dawson City, Yukon

From awkward interactions between council members during public meetings, to unpopular bylaw amendments, people living in and around Dawson City, Yukon, have started to take more of an interest in the inner workings of town council.

So much so that 13 residents have put their names forward to be considered for a spot on council; three of which are vying for the mayor position.

Incumbent mayor Bill Kendrick is running for a second term against Sue Lancaster and Stephen Johnson.

The public had a chance to meet all but one of the candidates during a candidate forum held at the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Community Hall on Monday night.

Childcare, accessibility, local health care, supporting local businesses and housing, were among the main issues discussed. Each candidate had three minutes to share their thoughts, and commitments on each of the questions raised by the public.

"I think our next city council needs to focus on our community," Kendrick said. "Talk to the community and ask questions. Show up prepared to make decisions, and take responsibility for making sure those decisions get implemented."

He added, "At minimum our council should be focused on delivering affordable infrastructure, services, and programs that help our businesses thrive and keep our residents healthy, and happy."

Lancaster, who's spent her career in the early education field, is currently the director of the Little Blue Daycare in town. She was recently awarded an Excellence In Early Childhood Education Regional Certificate Of Achievement from the Prime Minister's office.

She openly admitted that she does not have all of the answers when it comes to municipal politics but would rely on the expertise and feedback from the community to move issues forward.

She said she is extremely passionate about improving services around the community, especially around childcare, but her main focus in the short term is to improve communication between the public and the municipality.

"I think that's been really lacking in the last number of years," Lancaster said. "Community engagement. Having forums. Having get-togethers where we can actually speak comfortably and have people that don't necessarily get up to a microphone to speak, that they can actually speak to us."

Mayoral candidate Stephen Johnson did not attend Monday's meeting.

Johnson went to social media to apologize for his absence noting he and his wife had booked their 50th wedding anniversary trip before he had decided to run for mayor.

No acclamations this time

Unlike the last municipal election where three of the four councillors were acclaimed, there is now some competition for the positions. Ten people have stepped up, including two incumbents Alexander Somerville and Patrik Pikalek.

Others include local business owners Tobias Graf, Justine Hobbs, and Cud Eastbound.

Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin citizens Darwyn Lynn, and Lisa Anderson have also stepped up to the plate to put their names forward along with residents Kathleen McGarity, Jimmy Boddie, and Guila Cecchi.

Each of the candidates for councillor said they would be grateful to serve on the new council with any of their colleagues. 

Election day is Oct. 17.