by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

ENTERPRISE (Apr 24/98) - Ensuring that Enterprise runs smoothly.

That's what the GNWT-appointed settlement administrator in Enterprise sees as his main goal.

Ian McCrae, who normally works out of the Municipal and Community Affairs Fort Simpson office, has been on the job in Enterprise since the settlement's council and senior administrative officer were dismissed by a cabinet order April 16.

"My duty is to ensure that essential municipal services remain uninterrupted," he said. "I'm an operational manager and will have no political involvement."

Municipal services in Enterprise include: school busing, recreation, water and sewer service and garbage removal.

He also said that he has spoken to the settlement's three employees and assured them that their jobs are secure.

And, nothing in all this should be inferred about the settlement's former SAO who was let go when the settlement's council was dismissed last week.

"The simple fact is we only need one SAO," he said.

McCrae, who has lived and worked in the North for upwards of 15 years, will also be updating the settlement's policies and procedures and reviewing contracts for services to make sure everything the settlement does is up to GNWT standards.

In the future, McCrae said he is planning to run some councillor orientation sessions for any interested parties in the community. This could even include those who never intend on running for council.

On a personal note, McCrea said he has been pleased with the reception that he has received from Enterprise residents. Citizens in the settlement understand that the government's decision was a political one and he is simply doing his job, he said.

He's currently looking for affordable accommodations in Enterprise itself to avoid the daily commute from Hay River.

"The rent would then be paid to someone in the community as opposed to someone in Hay River," he said.