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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
City council shouldn't ask taxpayers to fund extra time off for city staff, even if it's only a half day for Long John Jamboree, argues city councillor Niels Konge.

The construction company owner was the sole councillor to vote Feb. 11 against what has normally been a routine proclamation, dating back more than 50 years for Caribou Carnival and resumed for its successor, the Long John Jamboree. But Konge said city staff already have generous vacation packages via negotiated collective bargaining agreements and shouldn't expect even more time off.

"We have a collective agreement that very clearly states what people get off and the benefits they have and I think that should be sufficient in giving people extra time off on the taxpayers' dime," said Konge.

The half-day off begins noon Friday, March 15 at the start of the festival weekend.

"I didn't think it was a big deal until Niels voted against it," said Coun. Bob Brooks, acting as mayor last week in the absence of Mayor Mark Heyck, and deputy mayor Cory Vanthuyne, who declared a conflict of interest and stepped out of the room because of his involvement with the Long John Jamboree board of directors.

"The reason it was implemented in the first place was that we wanted an opportunity for the whole community to celebrate the spring solstice and the spring carnival."

Only four councillors were left to vote after Brooks was forced to take the mayor's chair when Vanthuyne left the room. The proclamation was approved 3-1. Also absent for the vote was Coun. Rebecca Alty, and Coun. Adrian Bell, jamboree president, who, like Vanthuyne, declared a conflict of interest.

Brooks said he understands Konge is an employer and therefore doesn't like the idea of paying someone for not working. However, the half day off is common practice with all levels of government in the city, and many private sector employers as well.

"We are talking about the big picture with community well-being, community morale and participation and that sort of thing," Brooks said.

"It is just like when the GNWT or the federal government gives Canada Day. It is the same thing. You end up paying somebody for something they're not doing."

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