Fort Simpson (Sep 12/03) - With the deadline for nominations looming, only four village council incumbents have declared their intentions to seek re-election.

Mayor Tom Wilson and councillors Dennis Nelner, Betty Hardisty and Sean Whelly told the Drum their names will be on the Oct. 20 municipal ballots.

Coun. Kirby Groat said he'd "probably" run again.

None of the other four councillors ruled out running again, but Duncan Canvin and Bob Hanna were leaning against it.

"You can't do good for anybody it seems," said Canvin, who has seven years experience on council. "It's a terribly unsatisfying job."

Hanna, a nine-year council veteran, was just as candid.

"I'm so frustrated and fed up with the bullshit that goes on, I really don't know (if I'll run again) at this time," he said. "Sometimes I think I've been here too long. I think some new blood would be good, I really do."

Wilson said he foresees a busy three years ahead with a Mackenzie Valley pipeline and potential oil and gas development.

He added that he plans not to let the territorial government "off the hook" for shortchanging Fort Simpson on funding.

The community is not a true tax-based municipality even though it is classified as such, he contended.

"We shouldn't have to go cap in hand to make sure the village (functions) every year," said Wilson, who has served 15 years on council.

Whelly said his goals are to ensure village council is open and fair and its fiscal affairs are scrutinized.

Hardisty said she strives to be responsive to and representative of the demands of community members.

Nelner said he wants to start fresh on a new administration.

Councillors Wayne LeBlanc and Andrew Gaule said hadn't yet made up their minds.

Nominations opened on Sept. 1. They close on Monday, Sept. 15.