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Geraghty takes on Lee

Jessica Klinkenberg
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 24, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Veteran Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee is facing a challenge from political newcomer Ashley Geraghty.

Only 49 per cent of the 1,623 eligible voters in 2003 cast ballots, and Lee took 478 votes. This year there are 1,491 registered voters.

Geraghty, 34, knows the race won't be easy, but is hopeful that his experience will help. He has a degree in network administration, and a diploma in industrial drafting.

He's been in the military, taught at a college and has been the chief shop steward for the Union of Northern Workers at Stanton Territorial Hospital and the first vice-president of local one UNW.

In her three terms as MLA, Lee has served on several committees, but never in cabinet. She chaired the standing committee on social program, the development committee, and co-chaired a special committee that looked at self-governance.

"I've really matured as a politician and a leader. I enjoy what I do and I do feel like I'm making a difference," Lee said.

Lee has her eye on the Health and Social Services portfolio if she is re-elected.

"We have not had a Yellowknife Health and Social Services minister in 15 years and I think that makes a big issue," she said.

For Geraghty it's about being with people again and wanting to make a difference. "I wanted to see some change. Particularly in family violence."

Geraghty's passion against domestic violence comes from the fact that his sister was murdered by her husband in 2006.

Another core issue Geraghty is looking to tackle is the shortage of childcare. He also has an issue with government accountability and wants legislation to protect whistle blowers in the public service.

Lee said that the key issues she has been hearing from constituents center primarily around health care and recruitment and retention of health professionals.

Eight years ago, Lee said one of the key issues was crowded classrooms.

She said since then they have increased funding 30 per cent to the schools and have brought down the student-to-teacher ratio from 19 students to one teacher to 14 students to one teacher.

She also saw the completion of Highway 3 during her term, which she said was a key issue with constituents. "People kept telling me to get that road finished."

One of the biggest issues that came up at the end of the 15th legislative assembly was the Deh Cho Bridge. Lee said that she wants more information about the bridge before she is willing to make a decision on it.