Fort Simpson - Three men are in the running for two positions on the Fort Simpson village council.

The candidates are Rock Matte, Eric Menicoche and Kim Myers. The by-election is being held on June 11.

Eric Menicoche: Wants to develop a plan to get pets neutered or spayed. Rock Matte: Would like to see more cohesion between the members of the tri-council. Kim Myers: Says derelict properties should be cleaned up.

After living in Fort Simpson for just over two years, Rock Matte said he has developed a desire to contribute and help improve what's already working in the village council made him put his name into the election.

"I believe that everybody has a voice and is entitled to be heard," said Matte.

The three members of the tri-council need to work together closely to send out a joint message about what the community needs and wants, said Matte. The village should assert its rightful place as a regional centre, he said.

"I strongly believe in restoring the true meaning of politics - that is bringing people together for the betterment of all," he said.

Matte said he'd like to have the council work on the issue of youth.

"The youth are sending us a message," said Matte

"We have to create an opportunity for them to let us know what they want to see happening and how we can better serve their needs."

Economic development is also an important issue, he said. Matte said that on council he'd be alert to every opportunity to create a healthier economic environment.

Matte hasn't been on the council before. He's currently in the process of setting up a law firm in the village.

Eric Menicoche said he put his name forward for the election because he wants to help out and be involved.

Menicoche said he has experience, skills and knowledge to contribute.

"I feel that I'm ready to participate in municipal politics," he said.

Menicoche has lived in the community for most of his life and describes himself as an aboriginal entrepreneur. He was on village council for one term in the early 1980s and has also been on the Liidlii Kue First Nation council and was sub-chief at one point in the 1980s.

Village residents would like to see the community beautified, said Menicoche. At one point the village was the garden capital of the North. The streets should be kept clean and more trees should be planted, he said.

Villagers would also like to see a vision for young people, said Menicoche.

There are many sports opportunities in the community but the youth need other activities including jobs. A plan needs to be created because school is almost over, he said.

If he was on council, Menicoche said he'd work to build a common vision between the three members of the tri-council.

"We should have one common vision," he said.

A community council could be created with two representatives from the band and the Metis and three from the community. The council would work in tandem with the existing groups, he said.

Menicoche would also work on a plan to deal with loose dogs. The village could subsidize the cost for people who want to get their pets neutered or spayed, he said.

Seeing more programs become available for youth is high on Kim Myers' list of goals for the council.

"I think you have to keep the youth engaged," said Myers.

Residents are concerned about the lack of programs for youth, substance abuse by teens and graffiti, he said. More programs during both the day and evenings are needed, he said. Because he has a young daughter, Myers said he has a vested interest in the village.

Myers said he decided to run for council because with all the infrastructure projects in the works it's an exciting time in the village.

Myers, the facilities administrator for Deh Cho Health and Social Services, has lived in the community for almost 10 years. This is his first time running for village council, but he was on the board of the Open Doors Society for four years.

"It's time to give back to the community," he said.

As part of village council, Myers said he'd like to see some of the derelict properties cleaned up around the community.

While speaking with residents, Myers said he's also noticed the perception that there's a lack of services between the downtown and Wild Rose Acres. That issue needs to be addressed, he said.

Currently village council is stronger than it has been in the past and the councilors are working well together to resolve most issues, said Myers. Some issues like loose dogs are still unresolved, he said.