On Oct. 21, residents of Fort Smith will head to the polls to elect their next mayor and council. 

Ahead of the election, SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½ sent a set of identical questions to both of the town's mayoral candidates SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” incumbent Fred Daniels and his opponent Dana Fergusson SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” to learn more about their backgrounds, their platforms, and their plans for the community and its roughly 2,200 residents. 

What is your professional background? 

- Born and raised in Fort Smith

- I have over 30 years of experience in territorial and Aboriginal politics

- ISA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™ve been both a chief and councillor for Salt River First Nations and Smith Landing First Nation (SLFN)

- I have assisted with the negotiations SLFN land claims

- Worked for SLFN department of public works as well as the housing and equipment management

- Negotiated ATCO hydro project worth $50 million from 2008-2010

- Was a town councillor from 2003SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½“2006

- ISA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™m also the chair of Thebacha Leadership Council (TLC)

- Served as president of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce from 2004SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½“2005

- Have been the caretaker at Sunset Chalet Seniors Home starting in 2013 to present

- Private business owner in Fort Smith for over 30 years

What motivated you to run in this election?

"This past term has been an experience but find with another term it will enable me to follow through with major infrastructure projects which our town needs greatly."

What do you intend to do about the drug and alcohol problem in Fort Smith?

"I intend to work closely with the as well as TLC leadership to ensure the town stays safe and that we all can help those with addictions and to help those that want assistance in recovering that they have programs to assist them."

What facilities are most needed in your community, and how do you intend to procure them? 

"The facilities that I feel our town needs are the lagoon, water treatment plant, second water holding cell, housing, fire hall, municipal garage and arena. These facilities will be fixed by prioritizing these much-needed town infrastructure upgrades."

What other issues do you consider most important for Fort Smith, and what do you plan to do to fix them?

"The college to ensure it stays here, the road south, the continuation of fire smarting the town, medical travel and medical issues, correcting possible job losses. Continue to take part in all meetings for each of the issues with leadership until all issues are dealt with."