CBC News NB WebPosted Aug 17 2001 BURNT CHURCH. N.B. - Two candidates running for chief in Burnt Church People in Burnt Church are preparing to cast their ballots in a band election Saturday. Treaty rights surrounding the lobster fishery top the list of issues confronting voters. Wilbur Dedam, a long-time chief, is running for re-election. Leo Bartibogue, a newcomer to band politics, is also running for chief. At this time last year, people in Burnt Church already had their lobster traps in the water. But this year, their fall fishing season was postponed until after the election. The big question now is whether the band will sign a deal with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans once the election is over. So far, the current chief, Wilbur Dedam, has held out. Dedam and most of his supporters aren't talking to media until after the election, and neither is the DFO. Lita Richardson says she plans to vote for Dedam, and she has faith the long-time chief won't be signing any deals. "I know in my heart he never will," she says. "He's for the people and I know he will fight." But Leo Bartibogue says there have already been too many discussions and meetings with the government. He says band members made it clear during a referendum last year that they aren't interested in DFO's management plan. He says he's not about to go against the will of the people. "If elected as chief I will grab onto that treaty with both hands and hold onto it because that's all we have left to fight with," he says. After nearly 20 years under the same leader, Bartibogue says it's time for a new chief in Burnt Church.