by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Oct 31/97) - One vote, two votes -- either way it's a little too close for Fort Simpson village council candidate Daniel Lapierre.

When the results came in Oct. 20, Lapierre trailed fellow candidate Lindsay Waugh by one vote, 159 to 160, for the final seat on village council.

As is his right under the territorial election law, Lapierre requested a recount, which was held two nights later.

This time, his margin spread to two votes, 158 to 160, with Waugh again the winner.

On Tuesday of this week, Lapierre said he is talking to a lawyer to determine if he should appeal to a judge for a judicial recount.

"I have until Nov. 3," he said. "I'm talking to a lawyer now.... There were three ballots in question -- two of them should have been rejected and one should have been accepted."

Should a judge approve the request, Lapierre will have to pay the recount's costs out of his own pocket.

"It might cost me but it is something I believe to be wrong, so I'm going to fight," he said. "It's more of a principle thing and it is nothing personal with myself and Lindsay (Waugh)."

As for Waugh, he says he has no choice but to forge ahead, excited by the chance to again be part of council.

"After the recount, I was happy to be confirmed as councillor again," he said. "I can continue to be part of the municipal government that continues very important (community) projects to completion."

On Monday, returning officer Rita Cazon said the ballots would be turned over to the Fort Simpson RCMP for safekeeping until this issue is resolved.