All the Presidents Candidates
South Burnaby resident Raymond L.Y. Leung is leaning towards running for city council with TEAM Burnaby. Leung is TEAM's president.
Leung, a former realtor, is vice president of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada.
Leung ran for the Liberals in Vancouver East in the 1988 election. He sought the nomination in the 1997 election in Vancouver Kingsway but wound up running with Reform in that riding. In between he ran for the BC Liberals in 1996 in Vancouver-Hastings and for Vancouver council, also in 1996, with VOICE. Leung failed to gain office in his previous attempts.
Leung, a former realtor, is vice president of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada.
Leung ran for the Liberals in Vancouver East in the 1988 election. He sought the nomination in the 1997 election in Vancouver Kingsway but wound up running with Reform in that riding. In between he ran for the BC Liberals in 1996 in Vancouver-Hastings and for Vancouver council, also in 1996, with VOICE. Leung failed to gain office in his previous attempts.
posted by Robert Burnaby at 4:01 PM
64 Comments:
Sounds like a real winner. Just what Team Burnaby needs.
A candidate who wants to be someplace, but never gets there.
He's been all over the political map, except being an NDPer.
His leadership of TEAM will tell alot of the politically aware voters in Burnaby how good he would be on council.
Best thing to do is to pass on this guy and elect a BCA candidate instead.
Between Leung and Rankin they certainly have all the bases covered. From NDP to Liberal to Reform. Heck ,with that kind of diversity, they dont even need other candidates.
So the next question is - who will carry the Team mayoralty banner?
And then when will they hold their much anticipated nominating meeting? Did somebody say it was going to be in June?
and also another question in regards to Team Burnaby..
have they completely cleared off their 2005 campaign debts? If not, right after the fundraiser, the creditors should get what they raised from it first, then the rest can go to Team Burnaby.
Problem is if the money is owed, that will have to be paid out first then TB will have to try and fundraise again. Pay the debts first then use what's left.
It is fair. Everyone has to repay what is owed. Including Team Burnaby.
As for the nomination meeting, it would be a waste of member's time since many of the candidates have already been hand picked by who ever is the head of the Election Prepardness Committee from what is now making the rounds on the street.
Sounds like Lincoln's resume.
So this is truly shaping up to become the BCLIB vs BCNDP proxy war, if successful. As someone has mentioned, if this were to become the proxy war, BCNDP now polls below 30%, approx. 10% less than its civic counterpart and 10% more than its federal counterpart.
Can Harry Bloy and Raymond Leung bring BCLIB together? Given their partisan nature it certainly looks more than likely. If this is to become a proxy war, then there is no doubt that BCLIB will pressure TB dissenters to come back and that will spell disaster as John Nuraney will too join Harry Bloy on the campaign. While Richard Lee continues to be the best bi-partisan mayoral candidate, I have no doubt that he too will be joining his two fellow MLA's on the campaign.
Some may claim that it may be bad to have TB associated so closely with BCLIB parallel to BCNDP's Burnaby civic branch. But I beg to differ, the more proxy in nature the next election becomes, the more likely BCLIB/TB will be united. With all of us realizing unity is the only path to victory, marginalizing BCA as the BCNDP's spin-off will be more than effective to have everyone campaigning for a new TB government.
"So this is truly shaping up to become the BCLIB vs BCNDP proxy war, if successful. "
More of a comical play than anything else.
Why does the BC Liberals need to be a part?
"As someone has mentioned, if this were to become the proxy war, BCNDP now polls below 30%, approx. 10% less than its civic counterpart and 10% more than its federal counterpart. "
Not really comparable, and the election isn't until November.
"Can Harry Bloy and Raymond Leung bring BCLIB together?"
Probably not. The BC Liberals don't really need either of them.
If this is to become a proxy war, then there is no doubt that BCLIB will pressure TB dissenters to come back and that will spell disaster as John Nuraney will too join Harry Bloy on the campaign.
The so-called dissenters will tell the BC Liberals "take a hike" and
"hell with that idea, you're on your own" 8-)
John has more important things to worry about, like his own re-election.
"While Richard Lee continues to be the best bi-partisan mayoral candidate, I have no doubt that he too will be joining his two fellow MLA's on the campaign."
Richard won't be running for Mayor. Why does this silly notion keep coming up? Richard has more important things to attend to, like his own riding.
"Some may claim that it may be bad to have TB associated so closely with BCLIB parallel to BCNDP's Burnaby civic branch. But I beg to differ, the more proxy in nature the next election becomes, the more likely BCLIB/TB will be united."
Why does it need to be Team Burnaby? Jsut elect the best of the non-NDPers irrgardless of federal or provincial afflilation and you've have a good council.
"With all of us realizing unity is the only path to victory, marginalizing BCA as the BCNDP's spin-off will be more than effective to have everyone campaigning for a new TB government."
No it won't because all you're doing there is playing a familar song from Hit Parade. Most people have known the BCA is NDP afflilated and they haven't hid that fact themselves.
Besides the majority of voters don't care if the BCA is NDP.
let's elect good people to council, not those who the BC Liberals like Harry Bloy who want certain people on council.
A good balance of BCA candidates and other candidates (not nessesarily all Team Burnaby) is a good way to go.
Maybe the bloggers can ask the two snake oil salesmen who a) promised to raise money for the 2005 TEAM campaign and then b) suckered the poor candidates into loaning money to the campaign -- to pay off the TEAM debt. I'll bet they're working hard to live up to their promises -- just like O.J.'s working day and night to find the true killer of his wife. Ask the conmen who put one over on TEAM and its candidates in 2005, if you can find them.
Very true, and this group wants to be the civic party of government?
They can't eve run their own group right.
And a few of them have blogged at length about sound civic fiscal principal?
Give it a rest.
"No it won't because all you're doing there is playing a familar song from Hit Parade. Most people have known the BCA is NDP afflilated and they haven't hid that fact themselves.
Besides the majority of voters don't care if the BCA is NDP.’No it won't because all you're doing there is playing a familar song from Hit Parade. M’’ost people have known the BCA is NDP afflilated and they haven't hid that fact themselves."
Actually they do, and it is worth repeating, especially to Mrs. Corrigan, BCNDP now polls below 30%.
No, BCA are certainly not hiding that fact. And TB should certainly be proud of the fact that they are the party that have members that directly report to Premier in Victoria. It is not even a question which of BCLIB vs. BCNDP can out-fund raise the other.
.
Again, unity is the key. No matter if it is unity against Derek Corrigan, or unity behind Gordon Campbell. It was a no brainer for people to decide between a party that polls 20% and one that polls in 70% in 2001 and Team Buranby has made it clear which provincial it wants to be associated with.
With BCLIB officially endorsing Team Burnaby, and BCNDP officially endorsing BCA, it will be foolish for independents to take on either side. Those independents who too would like to see a transition of power happening should pick their side wisely.
"sound civic fiscal principal?"
Talk about sound civic fiscal principals. I imagine this is coming from someone who would like to see Mayor Corrigan re-elected which he and those who have voted with him through computer-gate should lose by a landslide shall common-sense prevail.
Should I feel more pain with how a civic party mismanages its money or should I feel more pain with how the government mismanages its money? I hope BCA candidates have their answers well rehearsed.
The question regarding Mayor Corrigan's re-election however, is not how "bad" its opposition party is, rather, how "good" he himself is worth getting re-elected. And again, 10% extra voter turnout and Mayor Corrigan's cakewalk will easily become a fairytale.
"Talk about sound civic fiscal principals. I imagine this is coming from someone who would like to see Mayor Corrigan re-elected which he and those who have voted with him through computer-gate should lose by a landslide shall common-sense prevail."
If common-sense prevailed, Team Burnaby would be much improved civic group than the junk it is now.
If a civic group can't effectively manage its own finances, the voters should not consider them to run city council.
If it comes down to choosing between Corrigan and some of the convulted Team Burnaby possible choices for Mayor, the voters would be better off to go with Corrigian even with his infamous faults.
Should I feel more pain with how a civic party mismanages its money or should I feel more pain with how the government mismanages its money?
Actually both. It's a sign of a party wanting to be government to properly manage its fiscal affairs.
It's like going after a job. You make sure everything is in proper order. A good impression is a lasting impression.
I hope BCA candidates have their answers well rehearsed.
I hope Team Burnaby retires its debt before the election otherwise it might come up in candidate debates.
The question regarding Mayor Corrigan's re-election however, is not how "bad" its opposition party is, rather, how "good" he himself is worth getting re-elected. And again, 10% extra voter turnout and Mayor Corrigan's cakewalk will easily become a fairytale.
Too bad Team Burnaby didn't manage to get that extra 10% last time.
Who would want Team Burnaby representing the majority on council when they can't even manage their own fiscal affairs and the group is rife with personality conflicts.
Come back to us taxpayers when you guys have your house in order. Then maybe we'll consider you as city government material.
"No, BCA are certainly not hiding that fact. And TB should certainly be proud of the fact that they are the party that have members that directly report to Premier in Victoria. "
Actually there is only one Team Burnaby member (Harry Bloy if he is still a member) that directly report to the Premier in Victoria.
No one else except MLA's and BC Liberal caucus staff report to the Premier directly. Even the caucus staff do not report directly to the Premier, they go directly to the Caucus Whip.
It is not even a question which of BCLIB vs. BCNDP can out-fund raise the other.
So why would this be an issue at the civic level? The BCA does its own fundraising as does Team Burnaby. Is Team Burnaby receiving BC Liberal Party money?
"Again, unity is the key. No matter if it is unity against Derek Corrigan, or unity behind Gordon Campbell."
Gordon Campbell isn't running for Mayor of Burnaby. Corrigan will be.
"It was a no brainer for people to decide between a party that polls 20% and one that polls in 70% in 2001 and Team Buranby has made it clear which provincial it wants to be associated with.
Sure. Harry Bloy and The Burnaby Liberals, right?
With BCLIB officially endorsing Team Burnaby,
Where was it said to the public clearly and explicitly that the BC Liberals are endorsing Team Burnaby? Cite?
and BCNDP officially endorsing BCA, it will be foolish for independents to take on either side.
You're wrong there, sweetheart. The BCA is a constitutionally laid down subset of the BC NDP. In other words, there is no "endorsement" since the BCA is constitutionally part of the BC NDP.
Those independents who too would like to see a transition of power happening should pick their side wisely.
Wrong. They should find out what exactly the voters want from city council, and get support for their aims and goals.
Picking "sides" such as BC Liberal or BC NDP is just bullshit coming from political hacks who have nothing better to do than to come up with silly scenarios.
Oh my, all this new information is hurting my head.
So Team Burnaby, which has a huge debt and its only announced candidates are former members of the NDP and Reform Party, will be endorsed by the BC Liberals?
Ouch. Does anyone else need an aspirin, too?
Could all this frufarah possibly be about two individuals who might/maybe/are thinking about running for TEAM Burnaby? If this much attention is given to two possible candidates, just wait until you see a widely contested nomination at the nominating meeting. I spoke to a director who expects there will be 10-12individuals vying for whatever council seats are available. School Board too will be contested. The only reason Gary Begin left was because he probably would not have won a position on the slate. He thought he deserved a sure thing. Perhaps he is well considered elsewhere in the city of Burnaby, but he wore out his welcome at T/B.
I suggest that the bloggers above who spend so much time writing that T/B needs to do this/that/or whatever should worry about something else. If they want to support Gary Begin - go for it. If they want to form a new group - do it. The point is no one cares what either you or they do, so save your efforts and energy for those you wish to help. Second point; TEAM must be doing a lot of things right if all you can do is spend your time trashing it. If T/B were really irrelevant no one would spend any time at all mentioning it. Instead it dominates this blogsite. That must mean something.
If you were at a poker table, everyone in the room would know you were holding a pair of two's, but acting like it was a straight flush. Trouble is you bet the pot and went "all in". Now your bluff has been called and you have nowhere to go.
Sounds like a loser to me.
"Could all this frufarah possibly be about two individuals who might/maybe/are thinking about running for TEAM Burnaby?"
With the personality conflicts, unpaid debts, and the personal agenda of a few within Team Burnaby, one would doubt that.
"If this much attention is given to two possible candidates, just wait until you see a widely contested nomination at the nominating meeting."
And are there more candidates than seats, or is this a hand picked acclaimation that for the members, isn't really worth their time.
I spoke to a director who expects there will be 10-12individuals vying for whatever council seats are available."
Sure, and the hand picked ones will
end up the winners. Not so much at the meeting but preference in using resources one could suppose.
"School Board too will be contested. The only reason Gary Begin left was because he probably would not have won a position on the slate."
That was odd, previously it was
a grandfathered clause that he and Evans along with Rankin would not be exposed to nomination, and the statement is curious. If this 'nomination' is contested, why wouldn't he be if it was the majority vote by the members?
"He thought he deserved a sure thing. Perhaps he is well considered elsewhere in the city of Burnaby, but he wore out his welcome at T/B."
Perhaps it could be the other way around. Curious as to what happened to that grandfathered clause which was in the constitution originally.
"I suggest that the bloggers above who spend so much time writing that T/B needs to do this/that/or whatever should worry about something else."
Typical arrogance. The bloggers are also taxpayers and voters in Burnaby no doubt.
If they want to support Gary Begin - go for it. If they want to form a new group - do it. The point is no one cares what either you or they do, so save your efforts and energy for those you wish to help."
So why are you bothered by Gary and Evans?
Kind of a dumb attitude to take, too. Team Burnaby will need alot of support in order to win majority on council. If they only want their own people, so be it. The bloggers and other voters will vote someone else if that's the way Team Burnaby wants it.
"Second point; TEAM must be doing a lot of things right if all you can do is spend your time trashing it."
Point is, they haven't done alot of things right at all.
"If T/B were really irrelevant no one would spend any time at all mentioning it. Instead it dominates this blogsite. That must mean something."
It means Team Burnaby is a junk civic group that is headed for trouble unless a few key people decide to get smart and stop being arrogant and actually listen to the messages being put forth.
If you were at a poker table, everyone in the room would know you were holding a pair of two's, but acting like it was a straight flush. Trouble is you bet the pot and went "all in". Now your bluff has been called and you have nowhere to go.
Well if Team Burnaby key people want to waste time in the campaign office playing cards, go for it. The BCA and those who run as independents will be too busy campaigning for support.
"Sounds like a loser to me."
Must be an expert on the subject.
There are alot of losers in Team Burnaby. Look around. Start with your President.
Blogger wrote:
"Well if Team Burnaby key people want to waste time in the campaign office playing cards, go for it. The BCA and those who run as independents will be too busy campaigning for support."
Glad to hear it - and in BCA's case it is probably true. As for the others, they are still looking down at that pathetic pair of two's in their poker hand and wondering what happened. The game is long finished. Get up and start working.
Yes Gertrude, you really will have to do all your own work by yourselves.
Seems that Team Buraby has alot of work cut out for themselves.
The game is far from over.
It has only started.
Expect the unexpected.
Yeah, well - maybe it isn't so unexpected. You are probably talking about Garth Evan's new civic group. I thought it would have been mentioned on this site two weeks ago, but this is as good a time as any.
This new civic group has been formed to showcase Garth Evans and maybe a few others. It is to be called "Independent Civic Association" and will run a partial slate in this November's civic elections. Those interested should contact Mr. Evans anytime, Gary Begin at his home is south Surrey, or Ms Barbara Spitz when she is released from hospital.
Good luck to all of them.
"Yeah, well - maybe it isn't so unexpected. You are probably talking about Garth Evan's new civic group. I thought it would have been mentioned on this site two weeks ago, but this is as good a time as any."
So Team Burnaby has managed to split its own potential market.
Nothing new there.
This new civic group has been formed to showcase Garth Evans and maybe a few others. It is to be called "Independent Civic Association" and will run a partial slate in this November's civic elections. Those interested should contact Mr. Evans anytime, Gary Begin at his home is south Surrey, or Ms Barbara Spitz when she is released from hospital."
Well don't too personal there, boy.
If people want to run on their own they are more than entitled to.
It is a free democracy (despite pockets of favouritism and hand picked candidates getting favoured privilege in a few political parties).
Team Burnaby hasn't been a permanent fixture in Burnaby, nor is it the best example of how a civic group should be.
In fact it is fast becoming a textbook case of what not to do in many areas of politics.
'Could all this frufarah possibly be about two individuals who might/maybe/are thinking about running for TEAM Burnaby? If this much attention is given to two possible candidates, just wait until you see a widely contested nomination at the nominating meeting. '
Maybe it is difficult for BCA members to believe, but there are in fact more than "one" councilor who cannot wait to run against them. That is very common amongst ruling party when they are trying to win re-elections. Very few times would anyone running for re-election pick up extra support.
Is it about being nominated? Should Gary and Garth run as independent candidates or partisan candidates? If partisan, then against whom, TB or BCA? COPE aligned with GRN and ran against NPA & VV and now is at the brink of extinction. This is not to mention that Mayor Corrigan cant wait to see both of them helping him re-elected, and hopefully retiring these two councilors. And yet they are trying to severe ties with Harry Bloy who are trying to unite everyone and would too like to see these two councilors re-elected?
Again, the only path to victory is through unity. Unity against Corrigan will not work and that has become more than apparent. I am certain that Harry Bloy, John Nuraney and Richard Lee, all endorsing TB, will soon have a way to bring everyone back together. Consecutive BCA government will become a non-existence if they can successfully frame the next mayoral election battle as BCLIB vs BCNDP, no matter if it is Richard Lee and others against Mayor Corrigan. And I certainly dont see the mayor's wife running to become BCNDP's backbencher will help BCA gain support when it is already repelling BCLIB supporters.
"Maybe it is difficult for BCA members to believe, but there are in fact more than "one" councilor who cannot wait to run against them. "
Actually wrong. The BCA is well aware that there are candidates that will run against them. Unlike
Team Burnaby or others, the BCA knows they don't have the monopoly
on getting elected.
"That is very common amongst ruling party when they are trying to win re-elections."
Is it? Do the BC Liberals think that way too?
"Very few times would anyone running for re-election pick up extra support."
Not true 100%. There's been many instances of candidates adding to support, be it federally, provincially or at the civic level.
Depends on how the voters feel about the candidate.
"Is it about being nominated? Should Gary and Garth run as independent candidates or partisan candidates?"
Partisanship doesn't really matter at the civic level. being nominated only works within a structured political group.
"If partisan, then against whom, TB or BCA? COPE aligned with GRN and ran against NPA & VV and now is at the brink of extinction."
COPE was at the brink of extinction years ago. Also not really applicable to Burnaby since COPE was never part of the BC NDP as is the BCA.
"This is not to mention that Mayor Corrigan cant wait to see both of them helping him re-elected, and hopefully retiring these two councilors. And yet they are trying to severe ties with Harry Bloy who are trying to unite everyone and would too like to see these two councilors re-elected? "
Who cares what Harry Bloy does. Is this guy some kind of Buddha to Burnaby or something?
"Again, the only path to victory is through unity.
Unity against Corrigan will not work and that has become more than apparent. I am certain that Harry Bloy, John Nuraney and Richard Lee, all endorsing TB, will soon have a way to bring everyone back together.
Where has it been publicly stated that Nuraney and Lee explicity endorse Team Burnaby? Where are the endorsement statements from Lee and Nuraney that the voters can read? As for Bloy most voters who have followed Burnaby politics know he has been a front and centre person for Team Burnaby since its start.
As for bringbacks, Not going to happen. The damage has been done, the line has been crosssed. Time to move on.
"Consecutive BCA government will become a non-existence if they can successfully frame the next mayoral election battle as BCLIB vs BCNDP, no matter if it is Richard Lee and others against Mayor Corrigan.
The voters won't buy it, since many know the BCA is aligned with the NDP, and don't really care about that. It's a weak thing to run on. Tells the voters that aside from being critical, Team Burnaby doesn't have anything new to offer.
"And I certainly dont see the mayor's wife running to become BCNDP's backbencher will help BCA gain support when it is already repelling BCLIB supporters."
You'll see Mrs. Mayor win Burnaby Deer Lake and yes she will be a backbencher, but ultimately could become Education Critic.
The BCA doesn't need BC Liberal supporters to win. What it does need is more Joe and Mary Sixpack who aren't members of the BC Liberals but are just ordinary Hockey Night in Canada watching, briefcase or lunchbucket swinging Burnaby residents.
That's what counts.
What Gordon Campbell's BC Liberals want in terms of a civic election outcome in Buraby doesn't matter to the ordinary Burnaby voter.
I'd even say they wouldn't care what Gordon Campbell wants.
"Not true 100%. There's been many instances of candidates adding to support, be it federally, provincially or at the civic level."
Certainly not true 100%, sometimes the government did a good job and kept its fiscal stewardship role faithfully, that could be true. So I urge the mayor to give us a compelling reason, otherwise, incumbency fatigue will continue to be something that will trouble the ruling party.
"The voters won't buy it, since many know the BCA is aligned with the NDP, and don't really care about that. It's a weak thing to run on. Tells the voters that aside from being critical, Team Burnaby doesn't have anything new to offer.
The BCA doesn't need BC Liberal supporters to win. What it does need is more Joe and Mary Sixpack who aren't members of the BC Liberals but are just ordinary Hockey Night in Canada watching, briefcase or lunchbucket swinging Burnaby residents."
BCA doesnt need BCLIB supporters to win? True, I mean doesnt its mother-ship BCNDP hold majority in parliamentary seats in the region? Oh wait, actually that is not so true anymore.
True, given that low turn out rate, a BCNDP backed socialist civic party may gain a bit of advantage on its opposition. But on the contrary to those who claim BCA has BCLIB voting for them, its "core"/only supporters are from BCNDP, which is now polling below 30%.
Will people "buy it" if TB decides to tag itself as BCLIB's forward? When the First Lady of Burnaby has already decided to turn partisan, John Nuraney has already made not so nice things comments against Kathy C. Unfortunately there is no chance for Mayor Corrigan to claim "independence" in the next mayoral contest. Team Burnaby has just as much to offer to voters as BCLIB did against BCNDP in 2001. And with another BCA government even more partisan in nature, it will be up to the voters to decide if they want another BCA/NDP/socialist civic government.
Certainly not true 100%, sometimes the government did a good job and kept its fiscal stewardship role faithfully, that could be true. So I urge the mayor to give us a compelling reason, otherwise, incumbency fatigue will continue to be something that will trouble the ruling party.
Actually the opposite is true. Convince the voters as to why Team Burnaby is deserving to be the civic group of government, as opposed to the voters selecting a mix of BCA/Independent/TB candidates to fill the council seats.
Continually going on about Corrigan and this silly nonsense about the BCA being anything like communist to socialist isn't going to win many votes.
Incumbency fatigue affects every political party, and that includes the BC Liberals.
"The voters won't buy it, since many know the BCA is aligned with the NDP, and don't really care about that. It's a weak thing to run on. Tells the voters that aside from being critical, Team Burnaby doesn't have anything new to offer.
The BCA doesn't need BC Liberal supporters to win. What it does need is more Joe and Mary Sixpack who aren't members of the BC Liberals but are just ordinary Hockey Night in Canada watching, briefcase or lunchbucket swinging Burnaby residents."
BCA doesnt need BCLIB supporters to win? True, I mean doesnt its mother-ship BCNDP hold majority in parliamentary seats in the region?
Doesn't really matter at the civic level.
Oh wait, actually that is not so true anymore.
True, given that low turn out rate, a BCNDP backed socialist civic party may gain a bit of advantage on its opposition. But on the contrary to those who claim BCA has BCLIB voting for them, its "core"/only supporters are from BCNDP, which is now polling below 30%.
30% as of the last time Mustel did polling, sport. In between election polling is highly volitile
and doesn't really filter to the civic level. Vancouver was quasi-NDP for years when there was a Social Credit government.
Will people "buy it" if TB decides to tag itself as BCLIB's forward? When the First Lady of Burnaby has already decided to turn partisan, John Nuraney has already made not so nice things comments against Kathy C.
First of all there is no "First Lady" label used in Canadian politics. It's a label used in the United States.
Kathy Corrigan was already partisan since she has been an NDPer for quite some time.
Unfortunately there is no chance for Mayor Corrigan to claim "independence" in the next mayoral contest.
Why would he?
"Team Burnaby has just as much to offer to voters as BCLIB did against BCNDP in 2001."
Wrong. The BC Liberals actually had quite a few progressive ideas, and the citizens were tired of the incompentence of the BCNDP, mostly because of the Fastcats.
The BC Liberals went through a very rare enterance into government which was unprecedented
with the number of seats obtained.
But having said that, the BC Liberals could have become government in 1996, but didn't thanks to the blunders of Gordon Campbell.
Team Burnaby on the other hand as of right now has nothing to offer the voters, other than perpetually complaining about Corrigan, his political orientations and the NDP link. Plus Team Burnaby has committed some really stupid errors in the past few months alone.
"And with another BCA government even more partisan in nature, it will be up to the voters to decide if they want another BCA/NDP/socialist civic government."
As opposed to what? A mix of BCA councillors, a few independents and perhaps a TB member or two?
The voters will decide what council should be in terms of people.
This silly label of socialism hasn't really gone anywhere except in the minds of perhaps a few BC Liberals who are living a fantasy.
Might want to chat to Lee Rankin about that too. He was for the longest time a strong NDPer.
The parallel between BCNDP 2001 and Corrigan & Co. 2008 is quite clear. BCNDP was experiencing incumbency fatigue, but there as enough of a disaster that helped truly resulted in a change of government, albeit overboard. The only one who believes that people were voting for BCLIB based on their "policies" are more than naive. And those who are opposing TB because of the lack of "policies" should ask first what exactly is the policy platform that BCA was running on, other than buying a new set of computer.
People have already recognized that BCA is pretty much the civic branch of BCNDP. We all know who and what founded NDP and one wonders why some continue to deny either party's socialist root? Be honest and have the people decide if the want to elect another BCA/NDP/socialist civic government.
If BCA has decided to ban BCLIB participants from becoming members, does it really represent the general electorates when it mandates carrying a provincial party's membership that is now polling below 30%. And those who say that framing BCLIB vs. BCNDP will not lead to a transition of government can simply look back to 2001, especially ones who now believe democratic polls mean nothing.
"The parallel between BCNDP 2001 and Corrigan & Co. 2008 is quite clear."
Not really since the two are different compositions of governance and government levels.
"BCNDP was experiencing incumbency fatigue, but there as enough of a disaster that helped truly resulted in a change of government, albeit overboard."
It was more economic and incomptence rather than incumbency fatigue. The NDP was elected in 1991 and ended in 2001. By contrast BC Social Credit was elected in 1975 and lasted much longer ending in 1991 but that was attributed to once again incomptence of leadership. By your reckoning then the BC Liberals should be about done in 2011 leading to a replacement of govermemnt to something else in 2013. Since according to you the NDP after 10 years was dumped off.
Guess this means the voters should dump off the BC Liberals either in 2009 or the election following, eh?
"The only one who believes that people were voting for BCLIB based on their "policies" are more than naive."
Well guess that means all that time by the political hacks in the Provincial Campaign and the 20 some odd policies that Campbell came up with to tick off as they were being done was a waste of time, eh?
If a party doesn't have policies, what's left to run on?
"And those who are opposing TB because of the lack of "policies" should ask first what exactly is the policy platform that BCA was running on, other than buying a new set of computer."
There was actually more than that. It's all there if you know where to look. The issue of replacing the city's computer system was not the biggest issue in 2005.
Team Burnaby ran on policies in 2005.
People have already recognized that BCA is pretty much the civic branch of BCNDP."
Not news. It's been that way since the late 1980's. The BCA doesn't hide itself on being part of the NDP. It's constitutionally mandated
in the BC NDP constition in regards to organizing civic level organizations. Not new there. It was passed by the membership at an NDP convention. Lee Rankin was there.
"We all know who and what founded NDP and one wonders why some continue to deny either party's socialist root? Be honest and have the people decide if the want to elect another BCA/NDP/socialist civic government."
Why don't you be smart and get the idea that socialism doesn't really apply much to civic politics. It didn't when Harcourt was Mayor of Vancouver and didn't in Burnaby.
As for the NDP, it's well known that Tommy Douglas was a key founder.
This BCA is the NDP is getting a bit thin in terms of value.
If BCA has decided to ban BCLIB participants from becoming members, does it really represent the general electorates when it mandates carrying a provincial party's membership that is now polling below 30%."
So it's the 30% over again is it?
The BCA can do what it wants in terms of membership acceptance, just as Team Burnaby does.
and why the line "ban BCLIB participants"? Are BC Liberal particpants somehow better collectively than anyone else?
And those who say that framing BCLIB vs. BCNDP will not lead to a transition of government can simply look back to 2001, especially ones who now believe democratic polls mean nothing.
Reliving the fantasy again. That was 7 years ago. Can also be said that the only poll that matter is the one on Election Day.
Good for Raymond Leung! He has a good chance of winning. He will make a great councillor.
I'm sure it was not easy laying down the law about how TEAM was supposed to operate and how several trouble-makers needed to shape up or ship out.
A previous blogger mentioned a new civic organization. Has there been anything in the local papers about it? It is going to be pretty tough if they only run a partial slate on council and/or school board. Two of them (Begin&Spitz) are in their late sixties. Wouldn't it be a better idea just to bow out and spend more time gardening?
Also just what kind of appeal would candidates have who have no common platform ideas to bring to Burnaby? Could they even agree on what needs to change? - let alone how to do it?
"Vote for us because we stand for nothing." Pretty tough sell I'd say. Burnaby voters won't buy it, but hell anything is worth a try.
"TEAM's formation is all about personality and power. If they can't control a party then they go out and form their own group." --Gary Begin, circa 2002.
My how he's come full circle.
WOW! Good quote. I think I heard him saying that too in 2002 when he was with the BVNPA. I wonder how he will present himself this time?
Seems to me that the "perfect answer" for Gary has always been to reply that he is doing what he is doing because he knows whats best for the people of Burnaby. How can anyone argue with that? It's infallible! Brilliant! It answers everything.
I am interested in knowing how the "people of Burnaby" will treat him this fall. He may well get re-elected. But I have my doubts about the other two he will be running with in the ICA(Burnaby).
WOW! Good quote. I think I heard him saying that too in 2002 when he was with the BVNPA. I wonder how he will present himself this time?
Seems to me that the "perfect answer" for Gary has always been to reply that he is doing what he is doing because he knows whats best for the people of Burnaby. How can anyone argue with that? It's infallible! Brilliant! It answers everything.
I am interested in knowing how the "people of Burnaby" will treat him this fall. He may well get re-elected. But I have my doubts about the other two he will be running with in the ICA(Burnaby).
Seems to me that the "perfect answer" for Gary has always been to reply that he is doing what he is doing because he knows whats best for the people of Burnaby. How can anyone argue with that? It's infallible! Brilliant! It answers everything.
It's also true. Witness the personality conflicts that have occured. Team Burnaby is hardly the civic group it pretends to be.
Tells people alot when the Directors are completely replaced,
and the debt situation hasn't been completed.
I am interested in knowing how the "people of Burnaby" will treat him this fall. He may well get re-elected. But I have my doubts about the other two he will be running with in the ICA(Burnaby).
If he wins, don't sweat it.
If he wins, its because the voters want him on council.
The voters will decide, not the BCA, not Team Burnaby and certainly not any power hungry BC Liberal hack or MLA.
TEAM's formation is all about personality and power. If they can't control a party then they go out and form their own group." --Gary Begin, circa 2002.
My how he's come full circle.
I doubt that. In 2005, it was known that Team Burnaby and BVNPA figured a united group would be the way to go, but obviously because of personality conflicts it didn;t work.
Team Burnaby then as now can't control a party.
My how things haven't changed.
"I am interested in knowing how the "people of Burnaby" will treat him this fall. He may well get re-elected. But I have my doubts about the other two he will be running with in the ICA(Burnaby)."
My question for them is, who are they going to endorse as the mayoral candidate. The classic political argument of NDP+GRN > LIB has already become a cliche for the cause of unity, no matter if its Nader 2000 or BCGRN 2005. So if Gary and Garth decide to unite against boht BCNDP and BCLIB, we all know full well whose votes they would like to take away.
Everyone has ambition. The president of either civic party does not try to hide it. Those closely associated with provincial opposition and government too do not try to hide it. But the only path to victory has always been unity where people can put aside temporary differences and seek permanent power past the challenge.
Garth Begin would easily be re-elected but his ambition is now endangering that prospect.
If I were either councilor, seeing that BCA making it clear they was to elect a pure BCA city council, I would rather side with TB whose political ambition could work very well with these two councilors. Why would I assume the responsibility of taking on a party backed by BCLIB and whose members will make sure to permanently remove either councilor's influence in politics, locally, or provincially.
I suggest that both councilors eventually will be willing to endorse a new TB government, even if that means making Garth Evans the president of the party. If not, joint nomination is certainly not out of the question if both sides can see the need for unity. I am certain the priority for both councilors is to serve the people of Burnaby. But without power, either will be able to amount to anything. And to achieve that feat, I think we all know the only path is through unity.
"My question for them is, who are they going to endorse as the mayoral candidate. "
The one who they want.
The classic political argument of NDP+GRN > LIB has already become a cliche for the cause of unity, no matter if its Nader 2000 or BCGRN 2005.
Who is Nader? If it's Ralph Nader then there's no application here since that is U.S. politics.
"So if Gary and Garth decide to unite against boht BCNDP and BCLIB, we all know full well whose votes they would like to take away."
Won't happen either way since the BC Liberals don't really factor in much at the civic level since there is no mandated subset of the BC Liberals at the civic level as there is with the NDP. If BC Liberals think Team Burnaby is evolving into the sole choice for the BC Liberal member they are sadly mistaken.
"Everyone has ambition. The president of either civic party does not try to hide it. Those closely associated with provincial opposition and government too do not try to hide it. But the only path to victory has always been unity where people can put aside temporary differences and seek permanent power past the challenge. "
Unity will only work if there is cooperation and respect for everyone, but with Team Burnaby that has not happened.
The differences are not temporary.
A few people in Team Burnaby crossed the line and will face reality that the damage is permanent.
"Garth Begin would easily be re-elected but his ambition is now endangering that prospect. "
Who in Burnaby is Garth Begin?
"If I were either councilor, seeing that BCA making it clear they was to elect a pure BCA city council, I would rather side with TB whose political ambition could work very well with these two councilors."
God for you, but if you were lambasted and criticised by those who had no business criticising your civic work, why would you?
Team Burnaby's ambitions are just those for certain individuals, not for Burnaby as a whole.
"Why would I assume the responsibility of taking on a party backed by BCLIB and whose members will make sure to permanently remove either councilor's influence in politics, locally, or provincially."
Where is it said that clearly and explicitly that Team Burnaby is backed by the BC Liberals?
If that was the attitude of the BC Liberals, I'd tell them to screw off and jsut go and get my own support.
Your additional comment:
"permanently remove either councilor's influence in politics, locally, or provincially"
Really tells the attiude of Team Burnaby as in "either be with us or we will destroy you". If that's the way Team Burnaby will operate, then obviously it's more of them wanting to protect what interests there are with the BC Liberals and not really paying attention to the local voters. It doens't provide
the best choice for civic government.
I suggest that both councilors eventually will be willing to endorse a new TB government, even if that means making Garth Evans the president of the party."
Sure and will Raymond Leung be dumped off? I doubt that.
"If not, joint nomination is certainly not out of the question if both sides can see the need for unity."
Won't happen. Since the independents do not have a membership and therefore a nomination doesn't exist.
"I am certain the priority for both councilors is to serve the people of Burnaby. But without power, either will be able to amount to anything."
Disagree since civic councillors vote differently than what you see in federal and provincial politics. There's no traditional vote collectively by caucus as there is federally or provincially.
"And to achieve that feat, I think we all know the only path is through unity."
Sure unity on Team Burnaby's terms, right?
If the independents don't agree to what Team Burnaby wants, then destroy through some means via
the BC Liberals, right.
No wonder Team Burnaby is a junk party that isn't going anywhere.
"God for you, but if you were lambasted and criticised by those who had no business criticising your civic work, why would you?"
Gary Begin was not criticized for his faithfully contribution to the community. He was criticized for his constant approval of a mayor that the party believes unfit to govern. He was criticized because he constantly votes with BCA. Imagine Carole Taylor voting with Carole James, how many days would she last had she done that for more than once. And TB is not without knowledge of Garth Evans' ambition. He certainly should not take staying neutral before the mayoral nomination as being against him. Garth Evans will easily be elected anyway and his incumbency is as safe as anyone's.
"Really tells the attitude of Team Burnaby as in "either be with us or we will destroy you". If that's the way Team Burnaby will operate, then obviously it's more of them wanting to protect what interests there are with the BC Liberals and not really paying attention to the local voters. It doens't provide
the best choice for civic government."
It is beyond that. Does it make sense for BCLIB to grant amnesty to those whose actions to oppose its campaign stemmed from personal ambition will directly contribute to another BCNDP/socialist civic government? Even if they do, there will be enough part members that will seek the removal of both Gary and Garth from the political landscape. No matter how sad it may be, that is human nature.
"Sure unity on Team Burnaby's terms, right?"
But Garth has close ties with BCLIB, and to say that there is no hope for unity is premature. Shall Raymond Leung decide to run for city council, he will resign from that high position and that will easily be the perfect gesture. And a joint nomination will work even easier if the party itself decides to nominate 6, or 5, council candidates in return for party endorsement. It does not matter how the plan will be formulated, what matters is the intention to unite. Unite on whose terms? Unite on friendly terms so that their goals can realign so the path of victory will finally be laid.
Blogger wrote:
"No wonder Team Burnaby is a junk party that isn't going anywhere."
MY, my, my. Again all this comment and over-the-top trash talk about TB. They must be one very important bunch of people. Why would anyone spend one second worrying about TEAM if they really were a "Party that isn't going anywhere"?
I better find out who they are because they sure have got a lot of people worried.
I'm sure the Premier would be interested in these comments if a letter was written directly to him and who ever is the head of the BC Liberal Party.
Is this the way the BC Liberals govern themselves in Burnaby?
Think they are above anyone else?
The attitude of the previous blogs is not consistent with good goverance of a civic group and why would the BC Liberals want to be a part of it?
Do what you gotta do, buddy. Write the letter.
The many friends and suporters of Babara Spitz wish her a speedy and full recovery. We are confident she will be back to her classy and energetic self in a short while.
Is this the way the BC Liberals govern themselves in Burnaby?
Think they are above anyone else?
But isn't that the BC Liberal way???
Exactly.
A product of arrogance and being
overly conceited and complacent.
The BC Liberals in Burnaby are pathetic.
They are so pathetic that they continue to hold popular vote advantage over BCNDP and an NDP mayor, as our Transportation Minister would like to call Corrigan. And it is a fact that cannot be ignored.
These two Team Burnaby councilors running for election will have to start soon to make peace with Lee Rankin and rejoin BCLIB in their effort to get themselves re-elected. It will not be wise to to oppose BCLIB this late in the election season.
"They are so pathetic that they continue to hold popular vote advantage over BCNDP and an NDP mayor, as our Transportation Minister would like to call Corrigan. And it is a fact that cannot be ignored."
Obviously not since Corrigan has been a member of the NDP for decades, so that label is hardly new.
That popular vote could be diminished, so keep an eye on it.
These two Team Burnaby councilors running for election will have to start soon to make peace with Lee Rankin and rejoin BCLIB in their effort to get themselves re-elected. "
Is Lee Rankin a member of the BC Liberals? From what I heard, Garth Evans is front and centre in Burnaby North (R. Lee). Gary Begin doesn't need to join any political party.
"It will not be wise to to oppose BCLIB this late in the election season."
It would also not be wise to be arrogant and complacent.
It's the voters who will decide the outcome, not the BC Liberals.
Had Gary Begin not joined TB in 2005, he would have faced the same result as he did in 2002 and probably would have, say, moved Surrey for retirement much earlier. Again, to take on BCLIB will make unneccesary enemies for the time to come.
So my question is for both Team Burnaby councilors what eaxactly are in it for them to take BCLIB head on？ Gary Begin is endangering the legacy he is leaving himself with in the City of Buranby, and Garth Evans is operating himself under shoter-term perspective. This unnecessary conflict of self-interest vs. BCLIB interest will result in unfavorable consequences that may plague for Garth's future politics perspectives, that is if he still has one after his city council services.
"Had Gary Begin not joined TB in 2005, he would have faced the same result as he did in 2002 and probably would have, say, moved Surrey for retirement much earlier."
Actually it was approval from both Team Burnaby and the then BVNPA that brought Gary and others to Team Burnaby, if you had bothered to read reporting in the local paper.
"Again, to take on BCLIB will make unneccesary enemies for the time to come."
So why would the BC Liberals factor in a civic election that the BC Liberals officially is not a part of?
Sounds like a stupid attitude from
a few ignorant people, and who says
the independent candidates would
"take on the BC Liberals"??
"So my question is for both Team Burnaby councilors what eaxactly are in it for them to take BCLIB head on？
Questions to the writer is:
Why even bother with such a stupid question in the first place? Where
is it where they would "take BCLIB
head on?" Since the BC Liberals officially as a party and as a collection of MLA's are not directly part of the civic election other than supplying volunter help to defeat the BCA.
"Gary Begin is endangering the legacy he is leaving himself with in the City of Buranby, and Garth Evans is operating himself under shoter-term perspective. This unnecessary conflict of self-interest vs. BCLIB interest will result in unfavorable consequences that may plague for Garth's future politics perspectives, that is if he still has one after his city council services."
And also consider that he could get elected and the BC Liberals could end up losing one or more seats in 2009.
You might want to re-think your arrogance there as it is the voters, not the BC Liberals who will decide the outcome.
"s it where they would "take BCLIB
head on?" Since the BC Liberals officially as a party and as a collection of MLA's are not directly part of the civic election other than supplying volunter help to defeat the BCA."
"And also consider that he could get elected and the BC Liberals could end up losing one or more seats in 2009."
And BCLIB Burnaby trio has their own political interests vested in the next election. Gary Begin's record fails to convince BCLIB that he is opposing the NDP mayor's re-election. And trying to compare which of Chairman Leung vs. Councilor Evans is even more redundant given the trio's support for TB. And to naively believe that Leung and other BCLIB supporters alike are going to support Garth Evans' re-election when Garth himself is essentially helping an NDP mayor getting elected, that I think does not need further explanation.
So one questions, is it easier now for Garth Evans to make peace with TB and formulate a coalition that opposes the NDP mayor's election or is it easier to jeopardize everything he has worked and simply take on BCLIB head on? That answer is I hope is clear. And to run as an "independent" next to Gary Begin will pretty much guarantee that Garth Evans will stay "independent" politically in perpetuity.
"And BCLIB Burnaby trio has their own political interests vested in the next election. "
Probably, but not directly. If it does come down to that, it doesn't bode well for the voters since the civic election is for electing those the voters want representing them at the civic level, irregardless who represents Burnaby at the provincial level.
"Gary Begin's record fails to convince BCLIB that he is opposing the NDP mayor's re-election."
That means that BC Liberals have the wrong interpretation of what
happens in civic elections, since
as an independent, he can decide "either or" or not consider
opposing Corrigian nor endorsing Team Burnaby at all. It wouldn't bode well for him to oppose Corrigan since Corrigan has a better chance at re-election than a current no-name candidate from Team Burnaby.
And trying to compare which of Chairman Leung vs. Councilor Evans is even more redundant given the trio's support for TB.
"Chairman Leung". That's a good one. Is this equivalent to somehow being Chairman Mao? Does Leung have a Little Red Book of quotes??
Raymound Leung simply won't make it
in the civic election. His record
in civic politics is abysmal.
"And to naively believe that Leung and other BCLIB supporters alike are going to support Garth Evans' re-election when Garth himself is essentially helping an NDP mayor getting elected, that I think does not need further explanation. "
It's also not nessesary to give an explaination, since Evans does not need to explain himself to the BC Liberals in any event.
So one questions, is it easier now for Garth Evans to make peace with TB and formulate a coalition that opposes the NDP mayor's election or is it easier to jeopardize everything he has worked and simply take on BCLIB head on?
SO why the factor in of "take on BCLIB head on" since the BC Liberals officially as a party does not have a civic level organization?
"That answer is I hope is clear. And to run as an "independent" next to Gary Begin will pretty much guarantee that Garth Evans will stay "independent" politically in perpetuity."
Doesn't matter if either one these gentlemen garner enough support and continue to serve on Council.
There's no special privilege in their being attached to the BC Liberals (except once a month evening meetings listening to the MLA report and sitting there at the meeting listening to a lacklustre Regional Organizer wo gets paid to talk.
"It's also not nessesary to give an explaination, since Evans does not need to explain himself to the BC Liberals in any event. ?"
Neither Gary nor Garth is obliged to inform BCLIB if they do decide to help each other burn bridges. No, they too are not obliged to inform them if they do at the end decide to endorse an NDP mayor for re-election. Why waste explaining before backstabbing, especially if they do decide to help NDP Mayor getting elected, since credibility within BCLIB will then become redundant.
But the choices laid before Councilor Evans are true easy to determine if he gets his priorities right and trying to play both sides is the quickest way to lose credibility, that is even more true and if he decides to run next to the person who plays both sides. And one does hope that he makes the right decision soon.
"Neither Gary nor Garth is obliged to inform BCLIB if they do decide to help each other burn bridges. "
You're right there. Neither need to answer in any way shape or form to the Burnaby BC Liberals. For the BC Liberals to ask that they do or if they don't face the consequences is pretty much arrogance that doesn't need to exist.
"No, they too are not obliged to inform them if they do at the end decide to endorse an NDP mayor for re-election.
They have no obligation to endorse an NDP Mayor, or any other mayor candidate.
"Why waste explaining before backstabbing, especially if they do decide to help NDP Mayor getting elected, since credibility within BCLIB will then become redundant. "
Let's bring that down to the most simpliest thing. Why bother backstabbing in the first place?
Any why would 'credibility' within the BC Liberals be so important?
What is far more important is support from the citizen voters.
That's what matters, not what a few arrogant power hungry Burnaby
BC Liberal idiots want.
"But the choices laid before Councilor Evans are true easy to determine if he gets his priorities right and trying to play both sides is the quickest way to lose credibility, that is even more true and if he decides to run next to the person who plays both sides."
The only major choice he has is to
what direction he will take to get as many citizen voters to support him in the election. Nothing else matters.
And one does hope that he makes the right decision soon.
Right, and many others hope the BC Liberals will get off their asses and actually do something constructive rather than passing themselves off as a bunch of candy assed arrogant people.
The BC Liberals may have a real bad time in 2009 in getting John and Richard re-elected. Their re-election is not guaranteed nor will it be easy. Same goes for Harry Bloy.
Good Gollly Miss Molly - don't you guys get it yet re Garth Evans? Almost all of the last ten blogs have have schmoozed on about how he so close to the BC Libs. What you need to know is that those Garth is closest to are in the most danger of a knife in the back. Garth is loyal to no one. He like Gary Begin received a huge leg up from Team Burnaby in the 2005 election. None of it matters. If someone dares to suggest he is not yet mayor material because of his constant foot-in-mouth performances at council: well he'll just call a news conference because he is gone! Yes, I know he is on the Bby North CA. That means Richard Lee better watch out. It doesn't matter how hard Richard worked for Garth in the last election (which he did). The BC Libs just might secretly be worried Richard is not enough of a community man to win the next election. Hey now, that spells opportunity to a guy like Garth.
Garth, like Gary Begin, needs to run as an independent. That way they are close enough that they can only knife each other.
Garth a backstabber?
Oh that is so scary.
Now ask yourself, do the voters know who has switched sides half a dozen times?
Well that is a tough one but I will bite. Garth has had three wives. Is that what you are talking about? and he used to be on the CA executive of Kim Cambell while she was the Prog Conservative PM(briefly). Following her defeat he was an instant Liberal. My guess would be Garth. Who is your's?
My question was about political backstabbing, and switching political allegiances.
Or do you make everything about sex?
And which of Garth's ex-wives is complaining about what?
DO TELL!!! You naughty little rascal.
Lee, Gary and Garth remind me of the three stooges. Lee is Moe, Gary is Larry and Garth is Curly. Each guy making fools out of themselves but at the end Curly I mean Garth gets the fingers poked in his eyes by both Moe and Larry oh I mean Lee and Gary and Garth cries woooowwwwwoooo.
They all think they are right, they all want to be the leader and they come out looking like bumbling idiots. They all start losing the respect of the electorate and VIPs watching this episode of Team Barnum and Bailey Circus. This is also similar to the South Korean or Taiwan Parliament where colleagues from the same party who don't agree with each other start pounding each other with each others shoes.
Maybe this is apropo in Burnaby because 55% of the voters are non-European and 38% are Chinese from the latest 2006 Stats Can report. This all normal to them. Lets just make a mockery out of Burnaby and Canadian politics. Monkey see, monkey do.
The BCA/NDP is enjoying every minute of this and don't want to turn the channel. Unless, its the Honeymooners but thats another analogy story.
Good litle article in the Burnaby Now about Garth. Seems he is now considering going back to Team Burnaby! - after calling a news conference to announce he is quiting. Who said politics in Burnaby is boring?
It's a good thing this is only June and no one is watching. These things would make him a laughing stock if anyone was paying attention.
At least Chairman Leung and Councilor Evans have now found a margin for consensus building. Leung from the same article may publicly demand Evans for an "apology"/reason to come back from his side since Garth Evans already made it clear why he left. While sounding personal, it is something that any partisan party president would say, especially considering the fact that Leung could face Evans for nomination. (And considering that BCA has already completed its nomination process, while without substance, the statement of Evans claiming he would never join BCA at least shows somewhat solidarity with the opposition camp to NDP Mayor's re-election.).
But everyone has ambition and they all believe they are well qualified to become one. Councilor Evans is as qualified as anyone else, but sometimes it is also important to consider strategy from a realistic perspective and operate tactics on a long term perspective. And I hope that he will basing his option on a long term perspective rather than on short term perspective.
As for Council Evans' martial affairs, it should gain as much as attention as Giuliani's extra-marital affairs. Giuliani's professional judgment was unmoved by his misjudgment on his personal life. But like all politicians, they will affect some voters' perception of the candidate and others will drive home anything remotely resembling scandals. No matter what Garth Evans decides, I hope BCLIB will play nice, for the sake of unity.
Blogger wrote:
"...since Garth Evans already made it clear why he left."
I never did understand why he left. Admittedly there is probably more than I read in the local newspaper, but what he said publicly didn't seem to be a very good reason. What I read was that he didn't like the way Gary Begin was treated by the organization and he was having trouble convincing the organization he should be the mayoral candidate. Were there other reasons why he left?
In the same article that quotes him saying he and Gary Begin are considering running under a new civic organization, he is also quoted as saying it is possible he may go back to Team.
Does this guy know how to play poker at all? He couldn't be more obvious if he took out an advertisment saying, "Please,please,please PLEEEESE take us back".
He has a busted hand and he knows it.
Wives, colleagues, friends, Garth will screw them all in the end.
Hopefully T/B will be a bit more careful in choosing candidates this time. From the same article it sounds like there is a lot of interest.
Garth has not screwed anyone, yet, politically. No doubt our NDP mayor just cant wait to see Garth stabbing everyone in the back, no matter it is to stab Gary in the back by going back to BCLIB, or it is to stab Richard Lee in the back by not stabbing Gary.
But life is about choices you make. Does he need more credibility within BCLIB fold or does he need more "credibility" with the NDP mayor by running as an independent.
I think he has the most to gain shall he go back to TB and he will easily get nominated so all of them can work together to defeat Derek Corrigan in November. And seeing how many of BCA council members have abused their power by not censuring on any of the mayor's misjudgment, I am certain under a TB government, Garth will have an even more influential role than Dan Johnson who supposedly chairs the annual budget review with financial stewardship.
Either way, BCLIB are glad to see any prospect for unity and I would say with Garth Evans back into BCLIB camp, the next election will be a lot more interesting. BCLIB is more than clear on what it will take to see a change of power from BCNDP, just about as soon as possible. And I think the drama between Chairman Leung vs. Councilor Evans should end and they need to realize the cooperation to win the mayoral seat in the next election may tremendously impact their political careers.
"Does this guy know how to play poker at all? He couldn't be more obvious if he took out an advertisment saying, "Please,please,please PLEEEESE take us back".
He has a busted hand and he knows it."
He certainly does know how to play poker, which is exactly why he said "anything is possible". And Raymond Leung echoed in a similar manner by saying "everyone is welcome to the nomination race." And with Evans intentionally informing everyone that he has no plan to join BCA should be more than telling about his willingness to come back to TB. The right question is in what fashion he will come back to the BCLIB team.
"The right question is in what fashion he will come back to the BCLIB team."
Is Evans returing to provincial politics? He is Vice President of Burnaby North from what has been determined.
There is no BCLIB team at the civic level, since the BC Liberal Party has no civic elector organization mandated within its constitution as does the NDP (in the case of the BCA).
And how would these self-righteous BC Liberal members contact the membership to tell them to vote Team Burnaby? Use of the membership list outside of the riding association is against the rules imposed by the Party and could be considered stealing.
Does the Party know about how the lists are being used for something other than for riding events and activities?
Now if some BC Liberals within the riding associaiton decided to phone the membership and say "we think you should vote Team Buraby".
Some members would probably tell the caller to screw off.
SOunds like some BC Liberal members are getting a bit too self-righteous and arrogant, which is a trademark of The Gordomatic anyway.
Sure everyone is welcome to Team Burnaby's nomination race, but only a chosen few (by those in the back rooms) will conveniently have it easier to win a nomination seat.
I'd say for Evans, forget going back to Team Burnaby. There's no need for the self-righteous shit that is going on apparently. Go it as an independent and not be beholden to anyone except the voters.
That's the way to go.
Going as an independent is the way to go? That hasn't worked out in Burnaby in about a quarter century.
Well neither has a federal Liberal
nor a Conservative been elected as MP in Burnaby recently either, but they keep figuring they will.
So there ya go.
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