LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The newest member of the Fort Simpson village council said she's eager to start working with the council.

Marilyn Lee won a place on the council during a by-election held on Jan. 14. Lee received 46 votes compared to 33 for Ron McCagg, 18 for Marie Lafferty, four for Larry Swartz and one for Eric Menicoche.

Marilyn Lee, the newest member of the Fort Simpson village council, enjoys a cup of coffee in her home the day after the election. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"I was quite surprised," said Lee about the outcome of the election.

With Ron McCagg's previous experience on the council and Marie Lafferty's role as the president of the Fort Simpson Metis Nation, Lee said she expected one of the two to win the seat. Lee said, however, that she's pleased to find she has community support.

"It's nice to see," she said.

This will be Lee's first time on the village council. Lee has lived in the community for about 22 years and works as a cook supervisor at Long Term Care.

"I love the community and the people so I figured I'd give it a try and see if I can help make a difference," she said.

This is an interesting time to be on the council as big issues including oil and gas development and land claims are discussed, she said.

As a new councillor, Lee said she has a few areas that she'd like to address.

Improving access for people with disabilities is an important issue for Lee, who uses a walker to help with her own mobility.

"When you become disabled yourself, you realize what's not accessible," she said.

Lee said she hasn't been in the village's post office for two years since she started to use a walker because the steps are too narrow. Buildings such as the post office and the village office should have been made accessible years ago both for people with disabilities and elders, she said.

Lee is also interested in implementing tougher laws for people who mistreat animals.

"I think that's a big issue here," said Lee.

"I think people should be held more responsible."

In her more than 20 years in the village, Lee said she hasn't seen any changes in the treatment of dogs and the number that run loose.

"Especially in this kind of weather you feel sorry for them," she said.

Lee has also expressed interest in upgrading village roads.

Joining the council, Lee said that she's in good company. Councillors such as Tom Wilson and Bob Hanna have been there for years and their knowledgeable input is important, she said.

"I'm just new at this so I'll take it as it comes," said Lee.

Lee expects that joining the council will be a learning experience.

"I hope I can help," she said.

The byelection wasn't well attended, said Rita Cazon, the returning officer.

A total of 103 people voted out of the more than 800 that were eligible to cast a ballot.

"It's a very, very poor turnout," Cazon said.

A byelection normally draw out approximately 250 people, said Cazon. The recent deaths in the community, including one on the day of the election, might have been partially responsible for the low voter turnout, Cazon said.