by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 30/97) - City councillors aren't interested in discussing with Northland Utilities a possible takeover of the company, says Northland boss Al Brekke.

"I've had the door slammed in my face," Brekke told a gathering of about 20 Northland customers Tuesday evening.

Recalling a March 24 meeting of council, Brekke said, "I made a personal plea to council and I left the meeting with the feeling there was a sincere interest in holding constructive meetings to talk about this. But the (meetings) never materialized and that's why we're making this presentation today."

When it took over power distribution in Yellowknife in 1993, Northland inherited a franchise agreement that includes a buy out clause.

The city has committed up to $280,000 to investigating whether buying the utility will bring lower rates in the medium and long term to Yellowknife customers.

Northland does not want to be bought, and questions whether the agreement gives the city the right to buy anytime before the agreement expires, in 2001.

Along with Yellowknife MLAs Roy Erasmus, Seamus Henry and Jake Ootes, two city representatives -- senior administrator Doug Lagore and finance director Joe Kronstal -- were on hand for the meeting.

Following the presentation, Northland customer Ken Wowk turned to Lagore and asked, "Why does the city want to buy Northland?"

"We're here as consumers, Ken. We're not here to answer questions," replied Lagore. "You should direct your questions to elected officials."

When Brekke pointed out that no members of council had accepted an invitation to the presentation, Lagore said the invitation was not extended until late that day.

Brekke said he believed council was included in an invitation extended May 16. Lagore said he was mistaken, that only administration had been invited.

A day after the meeting, Brekke wrote a letter pointing out it was Lagore who was mistaken.

The Northland manager attached a copy of the invitation, addressed to Lagore, inviting him and "others on your staff and members of council" to the presentation.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult to communicate with the mayor and council when we have been expressly told to channel all information through you," wrote Brekke.

"Attempts to do so, as we have done in this instance, have proved fruitless as the information provided specifically to you was not shared with the elected representatives of Yellowknife."