Photo by Whitehorse Star

Cam Kos, Norm Hamilton and Duke Connelly

Connelly joins swelling line of candidates

A former city councillor who served three terms to the end of 2003 has put his name forward for the Dec. 1 byelection.

By Chuck Tobin on November 4, 2011

A former city councillor who served three terms to the end of 2003 has put his name forward for the Dec. 1 byelection.

Duke Connelly told the Star this morning he has the time and desire to return to public office.

There's nothing specific that's driving his decision, though from where he's sitting, it appears like the city is spending an awful lot of money, he said.

The 81-year-old resident of downtown said serving on council would keep him active and mentally sharp. It would also provide him with a direct line to check on the city's spending habits.

First elected in 1991, Connelly was narrowly defeated in 1994 because, as he puts it, some voters didn't like the way he stirred things up. He was re-elected in 1997 and 2000, but did not run in the 2003 election.

The seat on city council was vacated Oct. 11 by Doug Graham when he was elected to the territorial legislature. The Yukon Party MLA-designate will represent Porter Creek North after he is sworn in tomorrow.

Connelly and four others, as of this morning, have filed their nomination papers at city hall, while a couple of others have formally announced their intention to run.

Harry Hrebien, Cam Kos, Mike Tribes and Martin Lehner have filed their papers. Norm Hamilton, Patrick Singh and Ron Pumphrey have announced they'll be running.

So far, 27 nomination packages have been picked up.

The next general election for municipal councils in the Yukon is October 2012.

Nominations for the byelection will close at noon Nov. 10, and the advance poll will be held Nov. 24.

Lehren issued a press release Thursday afternoon indicating his intention.

The 26-year-old newcomer to civic politics said with the continuing growth of the city, it is especially important to ensure city council exercise fiscal responsibility.

Housing, he said, is high on his list of importance, as is seeing a mix of commercial and residential development along the waterfront.

"Our city's waterfront is our crown jewel, and to sit stagnant on it is a disservice to the community,” said Lehren.

The private businessman also teaches computer lessons for the Yukon Council on Disability to help prepare clients for the workforce.

Comments (11)

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Brice Carruthers on Nov 12, 2011 at 7:58 am

I don't think anyone is against having a vibrant and active waterfront. Years of neglect and industrial usage are what precipitated the planning which led to the myriad of projects that have been constructed since 1995. The last component missing at the waterfront is the businesses activity we see in many other cities. Granville Island in Vancouver is a popular example that people cite. However, Whitehorse is a seasonal and much smaller city. I don't think it is reasonable to expect that we could duplicate Granville Island or Halifax Harbour here. More importantly, it takes the private sector to make these things happen. I think the City has done what can reasonably be expected in terms of upgrading infrastructure and making more lots available on the Waterfront. Now it is up to the private sector to start investing in the area. I think the new condo developments initiated by Northern Vision Development and Vuntut Gwitchin Development Corp are a sign that we are headed in that direction. Perhaps, we need to be patient and allow the private sector to continue investing.

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Celeste Marchand on Nov 10, 2011 at 10:06 am

I for one agree totally with Mr. Lehner, there have been many improvements to the waterfront over the years, but for someone visiting or new to town what they're going to see when they look at our waterfront is a beautiful park on either end, a wharf and a cultural centre, but what's in between? Either barren empty land or some great bushes for some of our more troubled residences to drink in, and perhaps drunkenly yell at those visitors walking by, making them think twice about returning. Any city's waterfront should be a big tourism draw, something people go home and tell their friends 'you should see their waterfront, it was beautiful.' And it can be that one day with even more improvements, but why are we only focusing on this one issue? Mr. Lehner also wants to focus on housing, which is a huge issue for all of us. But most of all I am glad to see a candidate with multiple stances and goals, I would much rather vote for a candidate like that than one who has only put forth their name because they have one personal issue, such as not liking the new taxi bylaw.

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mmyukon on Nov 10, 2011 at 3:12 am

Brice,

How do you feel about Ranj ? I think he is only a 9 year resident of Whitehorse...maybe he should step down from City Council ? I guess another strike against him would be his age...

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Ken adams on Nov 10, 2011 at 1:43 am

Brice

It appears you are not a big picture type person. There has been a lot done to the water front, but there is a lot more that needs to be done. The water front is good but could be great. It appears you are more on the Cam Koss boat of stop everything, don't do anything shut down this economy! people want to work, and people like you and Mr. Koss always trying to shut projects down and take work away from Yukoners is shameful.

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Martin Lehner on Nov 9, 2011 at 11:01 am

Brice; there have definitely been developments along the City's waterfront in recent years, as you have indicated. The Millennium trail is an excellent example. However, I do believe that the City needs to take more of a leadership role, and continue building on the foundations it has already set. Our downtown core is situated right along the beautiful Yukon River, and I feel that our waterfront deserves to look stunning, for residents and visitors alike. I'm not stating that there hasn't been ANY development at all, it certainly looks much different than it did back in 2003, but I believe it still has a long way to go. I would like to see a healthy mix of commercial and residential opportunities become available, as has been outlined in previous proposed waterfront development documents. I appreciate the dialogue, I'm always interested in hearing the views and opinions of residents. I've lived in Whitehorse for my entire adult life, and I would invite you and anyone else interested in learning about myself and my campaign to visit www.votemartin.net

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mmyukon on Nov 9, 2011 at 8:02 am

Brice (Lee??),

First I would like to thank you for the education on the development of the City of Whitehorse water front. I really do appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

The second point I have to make is not nearly as nice. I find it disturbing that you feel that just because someone wasn't born and raised in Whitehorse their opinions do not carry the same weight as yours. In reading Mr Lehner's bio I see he has spent his entire adult life in Whitehorse (have you??). Is your concern his age, or do you feel that anyone with fewer than 15 years in Whitehorse could not be qualified to run for City Council?

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Brice Carruthers on Nov 8, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Tannis, I don't know what to make of your comments? The trolley required significant capital upgrades to happen. Sure the O&M is non profit, but who do you think funded the track repairs, bought the trolley, and refurbished the Roundhouse where it is housed? The wharf is a set of pilings??? Have you been there lately? It has a 200 ft by 60 ft deck with impressive views of the waterfront. The grand opening happened yesterday. The KDFN Cultural Centre will house the new library. The point of all these infrastructure upgrades is to plant the seed for the private sector to come in. With the building of new condos and retail space, we now see that happening. If Mr. Lehner had actually been in Whitehorse for the last 15 years, he would have known that the waterfront has come a long way. Oh yeah...I forgot, he was in Halifax for most the waterfront development.

Misinformed...terribly misinformed...

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Tannis Thompson on Nov 8, 2011 at 3:23 am

In support of Martin Lehner; My question is where has this $18 million gone?...because it is far from being visually apparent where it has been spent. The KDFN Cultural Centre - has nothing to do with the City by means of finances, the Waterfront Trolley is operated by a non-profit society, not the City of Whitehorse and pilings for a wharf is not a wharf...just saying :)

Mr. Lehner will bring a mature and responsible voice to City Council through the eyes of the younger generation - refreshing to say the least. If it makes public servants shake their heads, it may be as a result of his insistence of transparency and accountability - across the board.

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yukonlinda on Nov 7, 2011 at 1:37 pm

Well, Brice, since the Star can't get Mr. Lehner's name correct, who knows what the differences are between what he said and what was reported!

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Brice Carruthers on Nov 5, 2011 at 4:09 am

"Our city's waterfront is our crown jewel, and to sit stagnant on it is a disservice to the community,” said Lehren.

It is frustrating to see such misinformed comments from potential Council candidates. Is Mr. Lehren unaware of the $18 million in Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Funding that has gone to Waterfront improvements? Is he unaware that under that program the Millenium Trail, Shipyards Park, Rotary Park Upgrades, KDFN Cultural Centre, Waterfront Trolley, Revitalized First Avenue, and the new Wharf have all been constructed over the last 15 years? I am sure Mr. Lehren's comments have many City public servants shaking their heads.

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Thomas Brewer on Nov 4, 2011 at 3:27 pm

Duke rocks, I for one have missed him on city council. He was the only reason I ever paid attention to city politics.

Not everyone may agree with him, but he certainly won't be bullied by petitioners or city administration.