By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal A lingering impasse between the Town of Marathon and its closest First Nations neighbour dominated the municipal election campaign this week, perhaps shedding light on differing leadership approaches as the vote looms. The stalemate dates back to a January council meeting in which a senior town staffer mused aloud that the town\u2019s difficulty in securing funding for infrastructure projects was due to the municipality being the \u201cwrong colour.\u201d Nearby Biigtigong Nishnaabeg said it was stung by the remark which clearly, it said, contained racial overtones. Biigtigong has recently secured significant funding for new waterworks, a school and other projects. Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas, who is seeking re-election in the Oct. 26 vote, has insisted the remark contained a political reference and… <\/p>\n
By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal A lingering impasse between the Town of Marathon and its closest First Nations neighbour dominated the municipal election campaign this week, perhaps shedding light on differing leadership approaches as the vote looms. The stalemate dates back to a January council meeting in which a senior town staffer mused aloud that the town\u2019s difficulty in securing funding for infrastructure projects was due to the municipality being the \u201cwrong colour.\u201d Nearby Biigtigong Nishnaabeg said it was stung by the remark which clearly, it said, contained racial overtones. Biigtigong has recently secured significant funding for new waterworks, a school and other projects. Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas, who is seeking re-election in the Oct. 26 vote, has insisted the remark contained a political reference and... <\/p>\n