Paul (P.J.) Prosper is seeking a second term as chief of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia. His lone opponent is Gerard Julian, the man Prosper defeated for the top position two years ago.
Voters in Paqtnkek go to the polls on November 19.
Prosper says he is running again so he can continue on with improving his band’s financial situation.
“I think it’s important to have some continuity of what was accomplished over the last two years,” Prosper says.
“We really worked quite hard on improving our financial situation here. We’ve really done a lot of work in improving financial management policies and procedures,” he explains.
According to the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) website, Paqtnkek has reduced its overall debt by $2-million since 2013. For the fiscal year of 2013-2014, Paqtnkek ended its year with a surplus of $97,068. It also reduced its debt by $1.3-million to $3.1-million.
For the 2014-2015 fiscal year, Paqtnkek ended its fiscal year with a surplus of $561,188. The band continued to reduce its debt down to $2.5-million.
“We’ve been able to be more efficient with the allocation of funds through policies and procedures we developed,” Prosper says.
“We’ve been able to increase revenues within the band, particularly through own-sourced revenue,” he adds.
Gerard Julian did not respond to Kukukwes.com’s request for an interview.
There are five spots available on council. The current councillors are seeking re-election. They are:
- Anne Paul
- Robert Pictou
- Darlene (Dolly) Prosper
- Kerry Prosper
Candidates also running for council include:
- Vincent Basque
- Wilfred Johnson
- Judy Yvonne Julian
- Rose Julian
- Nancy Morril
- Bradley Curtis Paul
- Diane M. Paul
- Molly Peters
- Sharlene Pictou
The current chief and council’s term expires on November 26, 2015.
According to AANDC’s website, the position of chief comes with an honorarium of $50,000 per year. Councillors receive an honorarium of $40,000 per year.
Paqtnkek has 406 band members on reserve and 165 band members off reserve.
