Eric Lawlor will take over the mayor's office in Pangnirtung due to a 20-vote win in Monday's municipal byelection.
Lawlor was named on 97 ballots while his only opponent, Stevie Komoartok, earned 77 votes.
photo courtesy of Eric Lawlor
Voter turnout was a paltry 24.7 per cent.
Lawlor, 38, has worked in numerous roles with the hamlet since 2007: bylaw officer, youth centre manager, economic development officer and, most recently, the planning and lands officer.
Among his stated priorities as mayor are the relocation and reopening of the youth centre as well as creating a community development corporation or community interest corporation to address economic, social and environmental issues.
“I’ve always been very keen on helping the community and doing what I can to make the community better for my kids when they grow up,” said Lawlor.
The byelection was necessary because former mayor Hezakiah Oshutapik suffered a fatal heart attack in April.