Whitehorse Daily Star

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OUT TO LEAD THE CITY – Wilf Carter believes the city has failed to invest enough money in keeping major infrastructure systems problem-free.

‘The leader has to change,’ candidate says

A familiar name is expected back on the ballots for the Oct. 18 civic election.

By Stephanie Waddell on May 17, 2018

A familiar name is expected back on the ballots for the Oct. 18 civic election.

Wilf Carter announced Wednesday he will once again challenge incumbent Mayor Dan Curtis for the top seat on council. No other challengers have stepped forward.

Curtis defeated Carter in the 2015 vote, with the incumbent taking 4,640 votes to win his second term compared to 835 votes for Carter.

A further 437 ballots were cast for local businessman Mandeep Sidhu, the only other candidate to run for mayor in that election.

Curtis confirmed earlier this year he would seek a third term in office, but Carter believes it’s time for a fresh perspective.

“The leader has to change,” he said in an interview, arguing spending continues to be a major issue for the city.

He cited the increases in property taxes and city fees year after year and commented in his statement: “Water, sewage, roads/streets, safety of our basic systems, comes first.”

Carter then pointed to repairs that have had to be made on city service systems over the last six years, including major water main problems near the Farmer’s Market business off Quartz Road in February.

The declared mayoral candidate argues there hasn’t been enough money invested in maintenance of the city’s basic systems.

There are numerous areas where unnecessary spending could be cut, he said, pointing to travel as one.

With video chatting options now readily available, Carter argued, the city could easily cut travel time and use technology to connect with meetings Outside.

Carter highlighted his past experience in many management positions in giving him the knowledge and experience to take on the role of mayor.

He was asked why he didn’t opt to run for a councillor position as a way of gaining experience in municipal government.

Carter said it’s the leadership on council that needs to change – and pointed out he has experience on the management side of municipal government.

Carter worked as chief administrative officer in Teslin for a number of years, among several management positions he has held.

His last position was with the Yukon government as a senior business development advisor, from which he retired in 2011.

“It’s time to bring back leadership to the mayor position, through change,” he said.

Carter acknowledged he learned much from his 2015 campaign.

While he maintains his position that the city should be cutting costs and focusing on basic services, he said this time around, he’s making changes to how that message is delivered through the campaign.

First off, he pointed out, he has announced his plans to run five months ahead of the vote. Getting his name out there early will enable residents to become familiar with him and where he stands on the issues, he said.

Carter said he’s looking forward to speaking directly with voters and listening to their concerns.

Throughout his campaign, he said, he’s planning to host a number of “open house” type events in various areas of the city.

He said he’s also planning to make greater use of social media and campaign signage in this election over the 2015 vote.

Comments (20)

Up 1 Down 0

Josey Wales on May 23, 2018 at 5:01 pm

Everyone of those civic idiots should be punted.
In regards to the mayor or conductor of the absolute gravy train, I would vote for a spoon if it were the only option to King Dan.
Be better than the chronic forking we have been getting from those COMPLETELY outta touch elitist ideological fools.
...no offence wilf and good luck.

Up 0 Down 0

Politico on May 23, 2018 at 4:34 pm

@Politico why don't! I know Wilf and several people who have worked with him. You'd be hard pressed to find former co-workers who would be willing to vote for him. Also, let me point out how hypocritical it is of you to call me out for not using my real name when you don't use your true name! As several posters have pointed out in the past, using your real name invites some nasty public confrontations. I will continue as I have until you right wingdingers learn how to behave in a debate! Though if you want to put your name and number out there I would be willing to give you a call.

Up 1 Down 5

Joe on May 22, 2018 at 5:22 pm

I'm gonna vote for Wilf.

Up 5 Down 3

Stan Winter on May 21, 2018 at 11:46 pm

Good luck Wilf, I hope you do well. We do need change in this town. It has never sunk so low.

Whitehorse is a mess, yes so true
- endless traffic violations on second and fourth avenue, yes
- city infrastructure limping from crisis to crisis, yes
- too many people hanging around who have terrible lives and they seem to not improve their lives
- vandalism and theft in the downtown area
- atvs, skidoos and dirt bikes driven by people who seem to live to make noise on trails around town and in the sub-divisions

Up 4 Down 1

My Opinion on May 21, 2018 at 7:19 pm

I disagree with the statement the "more candidates the better for Mayor". That would split the vote and play into Dan's hands. One good candidate please.

Up 4 Down 1

My Opinion on May 21, 2018 at 7:15 pm

Dan and Sampson should stay. They have been on the correct side of most decisions and I would vote for either for Mayor.

Up 1 Down 1

Thanks to this paper for helping me on May 20, 2018 at 7:30 pm

because I have a disability with dyslexia and can't spell or write properly. I can speak OK.

Up 3 Down 3

Wilf Carter on May 20, 2018 at 7:25 pm

Go on my linkedin site to see who I am. I I support good candidates running for council and mayor. I asked Dan why he did not run for mayor the last time but he did not want the job. I need all of you to help me in the next election so we can make Whitehorse the best it can be.

Up 3 Down 1

Politico why don't you put your name out there so we can all see who you are on May 20, 2018 at 7:21 pm

Makes comments but has no guts to stand up for things that are real. Just a back seat driver. Call me and let's talk. I like people to stand up for what they believe and why so we can debate each others comments.

Up 8 Down 0

ProScience Greenie on May 20, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Anybody but Curtis for mayor. And kick the rubber stampers out of council.

Up 6 Down 0

Albert Langois on May 19, 2018 at 4:39 pm

Whitehorse is a mess
- endless traffic violations on second and fourth avenue
- city infrastructure limping from crisis to crisis
- ignorant and threatening panhandlers on Main street
- never ending vandalism and theft in the downtown area

THE ENTIRE CITY GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

Up 3 Down 4

BnR on May 18, 2018 at 7:01 pm

Of for god sakes.

Up 6 Down 3

Marc on May 18, 2018 at 5:43 pm

Dan Boyd

Up 10 Down 3

Lost In the Yukon on May 18, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Dan Boyd for Mayor

Up 8 Down 1

Jayne W on May 18, 2018 at 10:31 am

Good Luck Mr. Carter. Thank you for putting your name forward. I agree with Sarah, the more candidates the better for Mayor, I don't think it is the easiest job for anyone to have. I would love to see Dan Boyd put his name out there.

Up 7 Down 2

Juniper Jackson on May 17, 2018 at 9:35 pm

I agree with Sarah.. ol' Dan pushed his wage up to OVER 100,000 K a year..PLUS all the perks, travel, per diems, lunches catered at City Hall.. Does Dan have a car now too? That makes it a pretty lucrative job.. This Council has also feathered itself at the expense of taxpayers. I think we would do well to turn out every last one of them.. no Council, inexperienced or not, could possibly cost us as much as this one has.

Up 6 Down 5

Politico on May 17, 2018 at 5:33 pm

Not Wilf, not even once

Up 5 Down 1

Harry Fieck on May 17, 2018 at 5:31 pm

How to show great leadership Wilf. I can't wait to replace as many incumbents at the civic level that we can. Financial prudence went out the window long ago with this crew. Keeping so many on is not realistic either as it will just insure a continuum of weak pecuniary application.

Up 6 Down 4

Thomas Brewer on May 17, 2018 at 4:22 pm

Good luck Wilf, I for one would relish a change in our civic overlords.

Up 11 Down 0

Sarah on May 17, 2018 at 3:53 pm

I would kindly ask forward-thinking, able-minded Yukoners to consider putting their names forward as mayoral candidates so we do not have a horror-show repeat of last election. I prefer to check a box than not. Thank you one and all!

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