Hill, a teacher who has lived in the community for seven years, said he would like to have a youth representative on council. "There are a number of young people in the community showing leadership in different aspects. It would be nice to bring them into the council," he said.

"And perhaps having support for things such as Dreamcatchers (an annual youth conference in Edmonton)."

Hill was the only person to run for mayor. He admitted he would have preferred to have won the seat in an election.

"Just to see what people wanted or how people felt. With acclamation, you're kind of left not knowing for sure," he said.

Hamlet elections often suffer from a lack of nominees.

Several councillors have had to be appointed in Fort Liard over the years. Hill said he is at a loss to explain why such apathy exists.

He has spent six years on council, two of those as deputy mayor. His wife, Lorna, also a teacher, will be a member of the new hamlet council.

Hill said he is not expecting he and his spouse will always vote the same way.

"I'm sure there will be times when we won't see eye to eye. I'm sure we'll have our own individual opinions on many topics," he said.