McDonald not afraid to take the heat
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Apr 25/01) - The number of councillors the city employs is going up for review despite staunch opposition from two councillors who wanted to exclude it from an upcoming council salary and structural review.
An otherwise placid council meeting Monday night ended in heated debate triggered by Coun. Ben McDonald tabling terms of reference for striking an "independent and arms-length" committee to review everything from how much the mayor gets paid to the size of council.
Coun. Robert Hawkins moved for an amendment to exclude the size of council from review. The amendment went nowhere, with Hawkins and Coun. Kevin O'Reilly the only votes in favour. Coun. Dave Ramsay was absent.
Hawkins said council could look hypocritical if the committee recommended a cut in councillors and council rejected it.
"I want us to prepare to look like hypocrites," said Hawkins.
"It's insulting to strike a committee and throw it out...let's strike up another committee," said Hawkins.
McDonald dismissed Hawkins' warning.
"I refuse to be bound by recommendations from committees," said McDonald.
"I'm the politician, I'm the one who takes the heat. I'll be absolutely happy turfing the whole report," said McDonald.
Coun. Kevin O'Reilly seconded Hawkins' amendment and said the number of councillor reflected the diverse views of Yellowknifers.
"I support removing size (from the table)," said O'Reilly.
"It's important we maintain the numbers to maintain diversity," he said.
McDonald voted against Hawkins' amendment and said council should be open to recommendations of an increase in councillors. He said he had no qualms about paying the price for more democracy.
After Hawkins' amendment met its death, council unanimously approved the terms of reference tabled by McDonald including a review of councillor salaries, severance packages, salary of the mayor, deputy mayor and assistant deputy mayor and the size of council.
McDonald requested to fast track the motion, opting to waive the notice usually needed to introduce new business at council meetings.
This is the second time discussions surrounding an impending council review have triggered intense debate.
During a priorities policies and budget committee meeting last week council retreated to in camera to discuss the issue despite protests from Hawkins and Ramsay.
