This is an incredibly interesting time in Vancouver right now. In the next eight months, we will be thrust headlong into three campaigns, renewing each of the three levels of government.
Federal
Good news for Joyce Murray and Blair Wilson (as good as news can get for Blair nowadays anyway) in that David Emerson will not be seeking reelection. As much of the buzz was that Emerson would try to unseat the vulnerable Murray in Vancouver Quadra, the district in which he lives. Blair Wilson’s West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea To Sky Country was also touted as a possible parachute target. Blair’s riding is going to be interesting – provincially, the ridings that comprise WVSCSTSC vote Green at rates over 20%. When an incumbent MP, one who has a fair degree of name recognition in the riding and still (interestingly enough) has a fair degree of personal popularity. One to watch.
Provincial
Not much going on right now, aside from Gary Lunn sticking his ugly mug into the mix. I wonder if this might make one or two hardcore BCLP supporters vote Liberal rather than Conservative out of spite.
Municipal
Fun things going on on the other side of Blanca Street. I like Ladner and Robertson, and am really just happy that Sullivan will no longer be the Mayor. When you have an oppertunity such as the Olympics, it is your job not to squander it, which is exactly what Sam did. We could have revitalized this city, and solved som of the serious housing and addiction problems that confront us, especially in the Downtown East Side. Alas, it was not to be – one of these two men, however, should be able to salvage something from the wreckage.
