Fort Simpson (July 21/06) - David Wright has resigned from village council in Fort Simpson.

After considering resigning for a month, Wright sent a letter to the mayor and council with his decision on July 11.

David Wright has resigned from village council in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Frustration and stress and not being able to accomplish his goals were the primary reasons for the move, said Wright.

Since the election in March, council has done a number of things Wright said he disagrees with, including raising municipal taxes and water rates, ignoring responsibilities regarding sewage pump-outs and allowing the discharge of firearms in a residential neighbourhood for the purpose of destroying loose dogs.

Wright added that when he joined council he thought the first mandate would be the expansion of the fire hall but ground still has yet to be broken on the project.

"This is really a decision of conscience," said Wright.

Knowing a lot of the people who voted for him and why they voted the way they did, Wright said he hasn't felt effective.

None of the issues were important by themselves but they all added up, he said. One example is the way the areas to be chipsealed were decided. The process has been drawn out so the project hasn't started yet, said Wright.

Wright emphasized, however, that he is not out to get Duncan Canvin and that this council has been more effective than the previous one.

Mayor Duncan Canvin said he thinks he's always followed council's direction.

The chipsealing project on village roads is supposed to start next week, and council is working with a consultant to design the fire hall, he said. Concrete should be poured by winter.

"It's too bad he decided to resign, but it's of his own choosing," said Canvin.

Council voted to accept Wright's resignation on July 17. The position will be left vacant for the remaining three months before the next election.

Wright previously served one full term after being elected in the fall of 2003 but likely won't run again.

"I've had enough of municipal politics," said Wright.