Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 14/05) - Feeling pressure from the public, Yellowknife city councillors decided to hold off on a 35 per cent raise for themselves until after the next general election.

"This may help dispel the notion were are voting ourselves a pay increase," Mark Heyck said at a Tuesday night council meeting.

An independent committee - which included a former councillor - recommended councillors receive a raise to $20,000 annually. The report also called for $4,000 in computer and child care expenses.

Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to send the recommendations to city administrators, who will draft a bylaw.

The raise, however, is still far from a done deal. The legislation will be subject to public consultations and debate in the council chamber.

The increase has become a public relations minefield for councillors and one called it a "political hot potato."

Several pointed out the raise was not for themselves. Instead, it will ensure future councils can attract the best possible candidates - people who might otherwise shy away from the municipal government because of the low wages.

"Maybe that will expand the horizon of candidates," said Coun. Blake Lyons.

His suggestion that the mayor receive a raise triggered the pay review, something Coun. Doug Witty said was long overdue. "We have to catch up to par."

Councillors have received one raise in the last decade and during that time their salaries have not kept up with inflation, said Kevin O'Reilly.

He went on to chastise the press for fuelling public discontent with the pay hike. "The media is drinking this in right now," he said.

The two councillors who opposed the pay raise, Dave McCann and Alan Woytuik, said the increase was simply too much.

"The 35 per cent is a big change," McCann said. "For the taxpayers who underwrite this it will be a concern."

Woytuik also voiced his opposition and said council was "getting ahead" of itself.

"This is not a regular job," he said. "If you're running for office, you should be willing to volunteer your time."

Coun. Bob Brooks said members routinely work 20 to 30 hour weeks and rarely leave the house without running into people who want to discuss political issues. "This is a 24/7 type job."

Details of the proposed raise can be found on the City of Yellowknife website under the section devoted to council.