In an election that produced no surprises, David Masty Sr. has been re-elected Chief for a second three-year term in Whapmagoostui. Masty won by a landslide, taking 209 out of 245 votes cast. His challenger for chief, Josie George, gained 52 votes.
In other races from the July vote, Frances George was elected as the woman councilor over Emily Masty, 150-94. Elected for terms as regular councilors were Robbie Dick Sr., John Mamianskum, Losty Mamianskum, Robbie Masty, and Robert Wynne. Elected for the position of elder councilor was Andrew Kawapit Sr. by 6 votes over nearest candidate Noah Sheshamush. Elijah Sandy was elected for youth councilor, edging Rachel Sheshamush by 4 votes.
Chief Masty Sr. says he is planning to retire after his new mandate expires in 2006. At that time he will be 61, and he hopes to leave politics for good.
Masty hasn’t really thought about what he wants to do after being in politics for over 30 years, but suggested he might be interested in getting into translating, or any types of initiatives in protecting culture.
Masty had originally taken over the post as Chief in 1999 after Matthew Mukash resigned as Chief to tend to his duties as deputy grand chief on the Cree Grand Council.
Now that he has been re-elected, he hopes to bring the people together to try to combat social problems in the community. Working together to find solutions, he says, is the best way for the community to grow.
There are also councilors that were elected for the first time, and Masty said he wants to work hard to make sure everyone in the council is on the same track.
