Calgary mayor hopefuls slam Enmax CEO's pay

Calgary mayoral candidates are weighing in on the multi-million dollarpay and perks enjoyed by the head of a city-owned power utility.

Enmax CEO Gary Holdentook home$2.4 million in 2008 and $2.7 million in 2009, including base salary and bonuses, making him one of the highest paid heads of any publicly owned company or government agency in Alberta, the CBC has learned.

Holdenis also provided withacar and driver, and has hosted parties at his Calgary-area house featuring big-name rock stars events paid for by Enmax.

Taxpayers are justified in questioning what's happening at the company, said mayoral hopeful Naheed Nenshi.

Holden's compensation is approved by the Enmax board of directors, Nenshi said. But that board which includes two aldermen shouldkeep in mind thatEnmax is a city-owned company and is ultimately spending taxpayers' dollars, he said.

According to mayoral candidate Ald. Ric McIver, Holden's pay and perks are "obscene and unforgivable," and the board owes Calgarians an explanation.

There seems to be a limitless "air of entitlement" at Enmax,said McIver, who addedhe would change that if he'selected mayor.

Most Calgarians would find Holden's pay to be excessive, said mayoral candidateBarb Higgins.Enmax's operations should be reviewed, she said.

Higgins said she attended a party last year at Holden's house, where singer Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip performed.

But she had no idea that the event was funded by Enmax, she said,calling the arrangementinappropriate.