Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Jan 20/06) - Youth programs and services for people with disabilities are two of the interests of Fort Simpson's newest village councillor.

On Jan. 3, Lynn Wharton was sworn in as a councillor, a big step for her second council meeting.

Her first exposure to council isn't the reason she decided to run for office. In fact, not a lot happened at that meeting, she admits.

"The thing that made me decide to run is my curiosity about what's happening here," said Wharton.

"It's how I get in the know."

Wharton moved to Fort Simpson in 1998. She's worked as the manager of the Stanley Isaiah Supportive Living Home for the past nine months. Earlier, she managed the Kid's Corner daycare.

"Fort Simpson is a really interesting place to be right now because of the pipeline," she said.

Wharton was a bit surprised about becoming a councillor. She won by acclamation when no one else ran. She heard about the decision through her network of friends before getting the official word.

"It's great to be acclaimed. It's so easy," she said.

Despite never holding a position like this (her closest experience was as the president of a housing co-operative in Nova Scotia), Wharton knows where her interests lie.

"I can see a need in the area of services for people with disabilities," she said.

She is also interested in youth programs offered in the village and what is happening at the rec centre.

Being a councillor is also a good learning experience for her four children, said Wharton. Three of her daughters were on hand to watch her swearing in ceremony.

"It's awesome," said Grace Nowdlak about her mom being a councillor.

Wharton is looking at the whole process as a chance to learn.

"I'm really looking forward to the experience," she said.