by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 14/98) - Revered by some and reviled by others, the city's top bureaucrat, Doug Lagore, has brought his 11-year reign to an end.

The senior administrative officer told council he was tendering his resignation during an in-camera session at a committee of the whole meeting Monday.

"I've been here 11 years -- that's a long time for any administrator in any community," said Lagore, when asked what led to his decision, the latest in a string of resignations that has changed the face of city hall dramatically over the past few months.

Lagore said he will be taking over as administrator for the city of Salmon Arm, in the interior of B.C. His last day of work for Yellowknife will be Feb. 20.

Community services director Max Hall will serve as acting city administrator until a permanent replacement is found.

"I can leave here with a clear conscience, knowing the city is in excellent shape, both financially and management-wise, contrary to what people might hear," Lagore said.

Mayor Dave Lovell said Lagore told him of his intention to resign Monday morning.

"There was certainly no pressure from myself or council," said Lovell. "There's never a good time for a guy like that to go," he added.

"This guy's been working 12-hour days forever," said the mayor. "It's just a tough job and it's been getting harder and harder all the time."

City hall watcher Matthew Grogono, who came within seven votes of replacing Lovell in the last election, said he was "ambivalent" about Lagore's departure.

Grogono, one of three houseboaters named in a lawsuit brought by the city, often criticized Lovell for allowing Lagore to control city hall.

"I feel it's very healthy for the city to have a change," said Grogono.

Lagore's resignation is just one of a rash of departures by senior managers since last summer. Among those the city lost are: clerk Brian Chambers and his replacement, Tracey Foster; director of finance Joe Kronstal; public works director Neil Jamieson, economic development officer Archie Gillies; municipal enforcement chief Gil Cox; and senior planner Dennis Peck.

Council accepted Lagore's resignation at a regular meeting Monday night.

Before the vote, however, Ald. Blake Lyons spoke of what a loss Lagore's departure will be to the city.

Lyons described Lagore as "not only a tall man, but a very big man," and spoke of him as one who suffered the "slings and arrows" of criticism with magnanimity.

"I look at my colleagues here and know they're the finest in Canada, bar none," responded Lagore in a breaking voice. "Sorry, I'm a little emotional, it's difficult leaving these people ... treat them well, they're the best you can get."

During his time in Yellowknife, Lagore served under three mayors -- Mike McGrath, Pat McMahon and Lovell. Before coming to Yellowknife, he worked as administrator for the now-defunct mining community Pine Point and in Edson, Alta.