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n PELLY-NISUTLINThis riding is spread out, connected by hundreds of kilometres of potholed roads.It includes Faro, Little Salmon, Ross River and…

n PELLY-NISUTLIN

This riding is spread out, connected by hundreds of kilometres of potholed roads.

It includes Faro, Little Salmon, Ross River and Teslin.

And the long stretches of lonely highway leave drivers in the hands of volunteer ambulance crews often struggling to recruit enough members.

This riding’s communities are feeling neglected, said New Democrat Gwen Wally, who was canvassing in Ross River on Monday.

“In the communities there is widespread concern that the government is not following through on their commitments.”

Childcare is high on the agenda, she added.

“And jobs are a huge issue,” she said.

The Pelly-Nisutlin communities also want better highways, for safety and improved tourism.

Blacktopping the Campbell Highway should be a priority, said Faro councillor George Miller, now running for his third term.

And the South Canol Road, twisting from Johnson’s Crossing north to Ross River also needs work, said Yukon Party candidate Marion Horne.

On a smaller scale, Ross River and Faro share an interest in creating their own community advisory committees.

“Municipal governments aren’t getting the recognition they need,” said Miller.

In Faro, the mine reclamation is a huge issue.

And Miller, who was an equipment operator at the mine, hopes to see a type-two mine office in Faro, to help “put the mine to bed.”

The town currently deals with a liaison officer.

“And we’re having trouble getting the concerns of our town recognized,” he said.

“What we need is a government that is more willing to make changes, rather than just carrying on — a little less red tape and more assistance working on infrastructure.”

Candidates:

Gwen Wally, NDP, a member of the Teslin Tlingit executive council, she works in lands and resources.

Marion Horne, Yukon Party, is Teslin’s justice of the peace and its coroner.

Hammond Dick, Liberal, is chief of the Kaska Tribal Council.

Elvis Presley, independent, says he was abducted by aliens and reincarnated as Elvis Presley.

How Pelly-Nisutlin voted in 2002:

Dean Hassard, YP, 297

James R. McLachlan, Liberals, 181

Buzz Burgess, NDP, 162

The percentage of electors who voted: 79

Did you know?

Faro is a simple, gambling, card game that was popular during the 19th century in the American west.

It is similar to Baccarat. (GK)