Senate
The Tyee made reference to a Burnaby name, Ronald Leung, for the Senate.
Leung ran second behind Bill Siksay for the Conservatives in October's election. Like most names being thrown about online and in print, he is likely a longshot as only three British Columbians will find their way to the upper house to join Senators Campbell, Jaffer and St. Germain in the B.C. delegation.
After last night, most British Columbians could be persuaded that Trevor Linden might not be a bad addition.
Leung ran second behind Bill Siksay for the Conservatives in October's election. Like most names being thrown about online and in print, he is likely a longshot as only three British Columbians will find their way to the upper house to join Senators Campbell, Jaffer and St. Germain in the B.C. delegation.
After last night, most British Columbians could be persuaded that Trevor Linden might not be a bad addition.
posted by Robert Burnaby at 7:43 PM
51 Comments:
I would like to see Lyall Knott and/or Michael Burns be considered for a Senate positions.
I had the honour of working with these two gentlemen and they are very honourable citizens who would serve their country with honour and dignity.
Lyall Knott is a long time Conservative hack. He's a lawyer by trade, but his privileged political life goes back to PC days. Worst choice for the post.
it's handing off a political goodie to a long time suppporter who hasn't done much outside of the Conservatives for British Columbians.
Given a choice, Burns would be a better choice.
Leung? No way. Another political hack undeserving.
How about Senator Sam Sullivan and Senator David Emerson?
Sam Sullivan? Wouldn't work. There's already an ex-Mayor of Vancouver in The Red Chamber.
David Emmerson? Would work, despite the expected screeching from low lifes who keep getting on his case about crossing the floor.
Emerson has earned his stripes through business and isn't a political hack like Lyall Knott, Lampert, and a few others the Tyee
for some crazy reason came up with.
But isn't this supposed to be a position to reward your political hacks?
So a person like John Reynolds should also be considered.
No, it should not be a position to reward your political hacks. The Liberals had that down to a science.
Political hacks should be volunteers without compensation like the general membership. Too much elitism going on in both the Conservatives and Liberals.
It should have - if this appointment nonsense continues - people who have done much for Canada as a whole regardless of what party they belong to.
But it should and foremost be elected, but the federal Liberals are just too stupid to go along with it and encourage the Provinces to approve the nessesary changes to the Cdn. Constitution to make it happen.
John Reynolds is another bad appointment prospect.
Wants political power and a safe cushy position somewhere. He did a power play in the Quadra riding and lost big time.
As a Chinese, I would say the above posters are likely white.
Ronald Leung was ranked one of the most influential Chinese Canadian in Canada. No other Chinese in BC had as much name recognition, province wide as Ronald Leung. Just try to compare Alice Wong and Ronald Leung in the Chinese community.
If Harper does appoint Ronald Leung into the Senate, for the next 10 years Conservatives will completely solidify the votes that will carry them into majority, trust me when I say this.
This would be my guess, Harper would appoint an urban Senator, likely Emerson, an suburban Senator, Ronald Leung, and a rural Senator John Reynolds if he is appointing from the electoral perspective.
If he is looking from governing perspective, then he will likely appoint more prominent figures such as Davie Emerson, John Reynold and Gordon Campbell.
Do you see the similarities in both scenarios? Yes, David Emerson and John Reynold are I think likely candidates going in. Most other Tyee candidates simply have no shot in hell, especially those ethnic candidates which the paper appears to know absolute nothing about.
As a Chinese, I would say the above posters are likely white.
Doesn't matter all that much. I'm Chinese actually.
Ronald Leung was ranked one of the most influential Chinese Canadian in Canada. No other Chinese in BC had as much name recognition, province wide as Ronald Leung. Just try to compare Alice Wong and Ronald Leung in the Chinese community.
Why even bother?Race has nothing to do with appointments to the Senate.
If Harper does appoint Ronald Leung into the Senate, for the next 10 years Conservatives will completely solidify the votes that will carry them into majority, trust me when I say this.
Why would we trust you?
This would be my guess, Harper would appoint an urban Senator, likely Emerson, an suburban Senator, Ronald Leung, and a rural Senator John Reynolds if he is appointing from the electoral perspective.
John Reynolds is hardly rural. He's from West Vancouver.
If he is looking from governing perspective, then he will likely appoint more prominent figures such as Davie Emerson, John Reynold and Gordon Campbell.
Gordon Campbell won't be appointed.
Do you see the similarities in both scenarios? Yes, David Emerson and John Reynold are I think likely candidates going in. Most other Tyee candidates simply have no shot in hell, especially those ethnic candidates which the paper appears to know absolute nothing about.
You need to review your thinking.
If Harper appoints ANYBODY to the senate during this Pro-Rogue Parliament, he will be dooming the Conservatives to another five years of minority status, or opposition.
Here is the scene.
The Tory government is bringing in a $35 million deficit, and backtracks on its long-held senate reform promises, all under the leadership of a closeted Western Separtists leader.
(see http://tinyurl.com/4rwuoa )
That is not Conservatism!!!
"I even bother?Race has nothing to do with appointments to the Senate."
Again, political naivety. Race has obviously little to do with appointments, almost none one would assume, as little of course as it it did with Obama's "appointment" into the Whitehouse.
I however am quite sure that TYEE is just pulling out names from everywhere, especially with the ethnic appoints into the Senate overlooking many other candidates who are just as competent. Given that Gordon Campbell will fall off the cliff if he cannot defend Burnaby, Senate would be at least an easy way out.
Back to our own Ronald Leung of course. If he is to be appointed to the Senate, that could easily set off a strong defense for Burnaby north and that would have saved just enough seats to make Gordon Campbell king. But more importantly, it will have as much impact as Adriana did when liberals were the ones using the "race" tactics. Everyone can play the same tricks, how well the tricks can be played, that is the difference. Case in point, Raymond Chan, the absolute token candidate for liberals, losing in a landslide to what liberals believed to be an ultra-conservative. What a shame.
As for Ronald Leung, the majority of Chinese community & Burnaby population would support him, especially in a democratic election if nominated as Harper's ethnic candidate from the West. I along with Mr. Robert Burnaby and manyother Burnaby electors would like to see him appointed.
Again, political naivety. Race has obviously little to do with appointments, almost none one would assume, as little of course as it it did with Obama's "appointment" into the Whitehouse.
Re-read your events. Obama was elected, not appointed. Americans wanted change and you also have to see the differences in terms of minorities in the U.S. and Canada to get the correct picture.
I however am quite sure that TYEE is just pulling out names from everywhere, especially with the ethnic appoints into the Senate overlooking many other candidates who are just as competent.
Not many on their list are worthy of merit. Many are dusty old Progressive Conservatives waiting another turn at the public tit.
Given that Gordon Campbell will fall off the cliff if he cannot defend Burnaby, Senate would be at least an easy way out.
Gordon Campbell may fall off the cliff whether he defends Burnaby or not.
Back to our own Ronald Leung of course.
Who says he's 'ours'?
If he is to be appointed to the Senate, that could easily set off a strong defense for Burnaby north and that would have saved just enough seats to make Gordon Campbell king.
Wrong. Big difference. Having Mobina Jaffer appointed to the Senate did very little to increase John Nuraney's 2005 vote again. He is a perilous position politically.
That's despite him being a friend of Jaffer's.
But more importantly, it will have as much impact as Adriana did when liberals were the ones using the "race" tactics. Everyone can play the same tricks, how well the tricks can be played, that is the difference. Case in point, Raymond Chan, the absolute token candidate for liberals, losing in a landslide to what liberals believed to be an ultra-conservative. What a shame.
Careful there Raymond Chan is one of us, remember.
As for Ronald Leung, the majority of Chinese community & Burnaby population would support him, especially in a democratic election if nominated as Harper's ethnic candidate from the West. I along with Mr. Robert Burnaby and manyother Burnaby electors would like to see him appointed.
Somehow I really doubt that. Many people will see Ronald porking up to the public trough.
Same trough, different pigs.
Here is the scene.
The Tory government is bringing in a $35 million deficit, and backtracks on its long-held senate reform promises, all under the leadership of a closeted Western Separtists leader.
Here's a better scene:
The deficit although ideaologically opposed, can't be helped. Harper has no choice, either appoint some hacks to the Senate or come the next Liberal government, the Liberals will do that for him.
Harper was never for Western Seperatism.
"HARPER HAS NO CHOICE!!!"
Sounds like a line from his upcoming concession speech!
And he was an Alberta separatist, not just a western separatist. Here's the quote:
"Having hit a wall, the next logical step is not to bang our heads against it. It is to take the bricks and begin building another home -- a stronger and much more autonomous Alberta. It is time to look at Quebec and to learn. What Albertans should take from this example is to become 'maitres chez nous.' "
Or did he have no choice on that, too?
It would almost be funny, if he wasn't our Prime Minister.
Sounds like a line from his upcoming concession speech!
And he was an Alberta separatist, not just a western separatist. Here's the quote:
"Having hit a wall, the next logical step is not to bang our heads against it. It is to take the bricks and begin building another home -- a stronger and much more autonomous Alberta. It is time to look at Quebec and to learn. What Albertans should take from this example is to become 'maitres chez nous.' "
Cite? Year?
Anyone can construct a quote.
Or did he have no choice on that, too?
It would almost be funny, if he wasn't our Prime Minister
Well who would you want?
Jack Layton?
Oh Puhleez.
and Trevor Linden for the Senate?
Give it a rest. A class act like him should stay away from that place.
It'll ruin his reputation.
If the Senate recieves people like Mobina Jaffer, there's something definately in need of fixing.
"Careful there Raymond Chan is one of us, remember."
One of who? One of the Chinese that vote for liberals? With ZERO Chinese MP in Ottawa, no liberals would have the gut to even mention they "represent", let alone a flip-flopper Raymond Chan. Liberals belong to the past and I hope the party goes into the graves after next election because we seriously do not need them anymore.
Canada too needs change. I suggest Stephen Harper start by putting Ronald Leung into the Senate. If conservatives want to be the party of change, it will never be able to do that without us Chinese demographics. Harper will be stupid NOT to lock in our votes.
"our votes" do not matter, grasshopper.
The votes from the majority of Canadians regardless of ethnics do matter.
Anyone who is of Chinese heritage who figures 'our vote' is more important than anyone else is fooling themselves.
The federal Liberals used to do that and look where it got them today.
The parties represent supporters of all ethnic types not just one single minority.
If you want broadbased Chinese party representation, return to Taiwan or Hong Kong or better, the People's Republic.
"If you want broadbased Chinese party representation, return to Taiwan or Hong Kong or better, the People's Republic."
So you DO support affirmative action in our Congress. It will be very rare for Obama to see any white people elected into Kenya' congress while his skin color propelled him to the presidency. Anyone who claims race is not a factor is very much a fool. Given the % of visible minority in urban BC, none of the urban MP should theoretically be white, but that's discussion for another day. It is more important to see how Harper does his appointment. We all are not stupid and will expect to see Chinese Conservative Senators appointed by Harper. I however would like to see Chinese figures who are more popular in our own community rather than someone like Raymond Chan who is simply another head count for his own party.
First we do not have a Congress. We have a House of Commons.
You're completly missing a major point.
If there is Chinese person making it the Senate, it would be on his or her community merits, not solely based on the wishes of a few who want "our own kind" there.
FYI:
The Harper as Separatist quote is from the National Post, Dec. 8, 2000, and the link is in the earlier comment from "12/19/2008 11:01 AM"
Learning to read would probably help you understand how our government works.
Learning to read would probably help you understand how our government works.
Learning the dynamics of reposiitoning opinion would help you immensely in the fundamentals of politics, Einstein.
Politicians do revise their positions from time to time. Gordon Campbell has done that so many times, he's almost burned his clutch.
Yonah Martin, Richard Neufeld and Nancy Greene Raine are actually quite an impressive and diverse group. Kudos to the PM.
Two are impressive, but other than being a prized candidate what has Yonah Martin done for B.C. warrant this appointment??
Check out Yonah Martin's wikipedia page.
It already has her senate appointment, but it still claims that she'll be a Tory candidate in the next election, too. Now that would be real senate reform!
The dream lives on!
Yonah has updated her Wikipedia page for the second time today. I wonder what caused that?
You're welcome.
It would be rather odd that she runs in the next federal election.
Why would she give up a post that is far more lengthy than a seat in the House of Commons. She would not be able to sit in both Houses.
Obviously an error.
and what dream? Wasn't it many Conservatives that got on the federal Liberal's case about these same kind of political appointments like Yonah's?
Both her and Mobina Jaffer are two good reasons why the Senate needs to be elected.
Oh wow, very good appointments. Still a bit disappointed with Ronald Leung's appointment but our fight continues to be at the House level. We are so close to out-voting the liberals.
but our fight continues to be at the House level. We are so close to out-voting the liberals.
What? No whining and complaining after all that overzealousness of impending appointment?
Maybe so close to out voting the Liberals, but news for you.
They notice that too, and with Iggy
being a bit more acceptable to Canadians than Dion, and the NDP steadily getting back to strength,
challenges are definately ahead.
Don't be so smug and arrogant. A mixture of both is dangerous in politics.
Leung's election as MP is not guaranteed. What might be a slim loss now, can easily slide into a greater loss next time.
What if the Liberals became actually smart and ran their own Cdn. Chinese candidate?
what has Yonah Martin done for B.C. warrant this appointment??
I'm guessing they had to find a visible minority that had no baggage (ie Gurmant Grewal).
It'smore likely they chose her because she was a star candidate and somehow had the inside track.
The Chinese Cdn. lady who ran in Vancouver South and barely lost to Ujjal would have been a better choice if this was the way to go.
Gurmant Grewal? What bad choice that would have been.
Oh well 2 out of 3 isn't bad.
Wonder if Yonah will agree to give up her Senate seat in eight years.
There's no mention of that.
Yet.
I do believe the prime minister's office has already announced that each of the 18 new Senators has agreed to his principles of senate reform.
Whether they can be trusted to follow through is another story.
Pay particular attention to Patrick Brazeau. He's already talking about being a double dipper, which is one-up on most Burnaby politicians.
Whether Harper got those assurances in writing, and whether he's willing to release those documents would be another matter.
But one thing is for sure, Senate reform ain't happening any time soon.
Let's hope when it eventually comes, that we get a system that works for the people, and not just the political parties.
Now get outside and shovel the sidewalk. Public service begins at home.
I do believe the prime minister's office has already announced that each of the 18 new Senators has agreed to his principles of senate reform.
Whether they can be trusted to follow through is another story.
Well that's the big story. They say they will to pass the test, but wait for one or more of them to plead that the Senate in its current form is a "tradition in parliamentary systems". Which is a farce because Australia elects their Senators and uses a Westminster system similar to ours.
Pay particular attention to Patrick Brazeau. He's already talking about being a double dipper, which is one-up on most Burnaby politicians.
Some Burnaby politicians were double dipping for a short time, but none within the last 10 years.
Whether Harper got those assurances in writing, and whether he's willing to release those documents would be another matter.
It will end up being public knowledge one way or another.
But one thing is for sure, Senate reform ain't happening any time soon.
Don't bet the cost of the fees to your kid's first year SFU Business Administration class on it.
Even if right now your kid is less than 2 years old.
Get the picture?
Let's hope when it eventually comes, that we get a system that works for the people, and not just the political parties.
Now get outside and shovel the sidewalk. Public service begins at home.
"Some Burnaby politicians were double dipping for a short time, but none within the last 10 years."
You are not serious are you?
Lee Rankin has wanted to remove Derek Corrigan since the day Derek got elected into office. And he used to sit with him on the council. People will double dip if there is a chance coming up, like the way the liberals try to play both sides while marginalizing itself in the process.
After seeing Vancouver Mayor getting appointed into office, given the tenure of Mayor Corrigan, he would have been more qualified. Yes, telus-gate, oil-storm-gate and oval-gate will remain negative on his resume permanently, but he could have been much more than a mayor, and he may be just that if his ambition does not fail him. Had he however tried to distance himself from NDP as Larry Campbell did with his NDP friends who helped elect him, he could also be a Senator but there is no purpose discussing matters irrelevant.
Is a Senate position that important? I dont think so and majority of Canadians want to see it abolished. So the fight will still remain at the house level and I too want to finally see a Burnaby legislator finally get appointed into the cabinet and Burnaby voters have probably squandered that opportunity by, or rather, lost the battle against NDP minority loyalists and re-elected Bill Siksay who will never make it to the cabinet post. But given the long history of NDP incumbency in the riding, the room for improvement is small enough for tories to believe that victory is within the grab as NDP has maximized their support. Given that many expect next election is not far away, Burnaby voters will have the choice again and I expect them to choose differently in an election that will result in a majority government.
"You are not serious are you?"
Why not?
"Lee Rankin has wanted to remove Derek Corrigan since the day Derek got elected into office."
Obvously not very good at it is he?
"And he used to sit with him on the council."
As did a few others.
"People will double dip if there is a chance coming up, like the way the liberals try to play both sides while marginalizing itself in the process. "
True for the BC Liberals.
"After seeing Vancouver Mayor getting appointed into office,"
Elected, not appointed. Robertson was elected by the citizens over there.
"given the tenure of Mayor Corrigan, he would have been more qualified. "
No more or worse than Corrigan who got a huge majority from voters, some of whom obviously don't support the NDP.
"Yes, telus-gate, oil-storm-gate and oval-gate will remain negative on his resume permanently"
And wasn't some of the nuts on this blog stating that all of them would lead to his downfall in 2008?
Definately didn't happen. None of them came up in being major issues
during the civic campaign, although
the computer system did come up in
one all candidate meeting.
"but he could have been much more than a mayor, and he may be just that if his ambition does not fail him."
Seems to be doing fine now.
Had he however tried to distance himself from NDP as Larry Campbell did with his NDP friends who helped elect him, he could also be a Senator but there is no purpose discussing matters irrelevant.
Very unlikely that would have happened.
Is a Senate position that important? I dont think so and majority of Canadians want to see it abolished.
Correct.
"So the fight will still remain at the house level and I too want to finally see a Burnaby legislator finally get appointed into the cabinet"
Richard is already a Parliamentary Secretary and if the Minister requests he can attend cabinet meetings.
Burnaby has had Ministers in provincial Cabinet before many times.
"and Burnaby voters have probably squandered that opportunity by, or rather, lost the battle against NDP minority loyalists and re-elected Bill Siksay who will never make it to the cabinet post."
Well obvously not. For that to happen the NDP would have to win government.
But given the long history of NDP incumbency in the riding, the room for improvement is small enough for tories to believe that victory is within the grab as NDP has maximized their support.
I doubt that. Besides if the NDP has maximised their support, there's always more out there.
"Given that many expect next election is not far away, Burnaby voters will have the choice again and I expect them to choose differently in an election that will result in a majority government."
Siskay will return as MP.
"Definately didn't happen. None of them came up in being major issues
during the civic campaign, although
the computer system did come up in
one all candidate meeting."
It is obviously not because the alternative is very bad as they failed to run a star candidate that could have united the opposition to defeat Derek Corrigan. But that is history and the lesson continues to be that Burnaby deserves a united opposition to the civic NDP empire Mayor Corrigan has established based on the very low turnout of voters. Had the rate been up 20%, Mayor Corrigan probably would not be where he is now, but again that is history. A star candidate such as Richard Lee with a crop of younger talents of all colors that is representative of the landslide majority that did not vote NDP federally will be the key to defeat Corrigan & NDP Associates on the council in 2011. But Richard Lee is also easily a minister pick is what is expected to be a Fraser-Valley-Caucus dominated post-Campbell government, so it will very difficult for this super-star to pick the fight. With some of the dead weights finally eliminated on the opposition camp, we should expect to see many younger talents that are ready to jump on the train to take on many of the long term NDP insiders on the council, and with large enough voter turn-out they just may be able to do so.
"It is obviously not because the alternative is very bad as they failed to run a star candidate that could have united the opposition to defeat Derek Corrigan."
Very true. The candidates for Mayor that Team Burnaby has had each time they've run have been dismal.
But it also takes something that the voters would agree to, not something they would ignore.
But that is history and the lesson continues to be that Burnaby deserves a united opposition to the civic NDP empire Mayor Corrigan has established based on the very low turnout of voters.
Partially true.
Had the rate been up 20%, Mayor Corrigan probably would not be where he is now, but again that is history.
He would still be where he is now, given his larger share of the votes than previously.
The NDP does benifit from higher voter turnouts.
"A star candidate such as Richard Lee with a crop of younger talents of all colors that is representative of the landslide majority that did not vote NDP federally will be the key to defeat Corrigan & NDP Associates on the council in 2011.
Sure. SO it's now that is it? This same sob story was said in 2006.
But Richard Lee is also easily a minister pick is what is expected to be a Fraser-Valley-Caucus dominated post-Campbell government, so it will very difficult for this super-star to pick the fight. With some of the dead weights finally eliminated on the opposition camp, we should expect to see many younger talents that are ready to jump on the train to take on many of the long term NDP insiders on the council, and with large enough voter turn-out they just may be able to do so.
yea sure.
Enjoy 2009. Without silly political conjecture and postulations.
The NDP's next target is the May Election.
Look for them to possibily do well in the provicial election in Burnaby. Maybe even add two to three more NDP MLA's.
Be here when it happens.
"The NDP's next target is the May Election.
Look for them to possibily do well in the provicial election in Burnaby. Maybe even add two to three more NDP MLA's."
Still days before the New Year's Eve, but silly political predictions never do stop.
It does not take a Stephen Dion to realize that NDP's next target is May election. But NDP has never won on economy issues and against Gordon Campbell they are even weaker on economy.
Let us just take the riding where a business owner will be taking on a union activist. One will have to decide in the heart of Burnaby's CBD, will they decide to elect someone that is deeply entrenched with CUPE and BCTF or will they elect someone who knows first hand the upturn and downturn of economy. Kathy's husband won his election with 20,000 votes four provincial ridings combined and she is only looking at 5,000 solid votes that she hopes will carry her to victory. She will however have to convince the remaining 90% that NDP is better at handling the economy. Ironically the 5,000 base votes that she relied were exactly the people that sticked with NDP in 2001 and we all remember what the issue was back then (NDP receieved 4,600 votes in 2001 in the same riding Kathy plans to run in). No more than 70% turn-out will clinch this riding by far hardest to defend in all three dominated by BCLIB, and 70% province wide turn-out will too clinch victory for Gordon Campbell for another four years.
"Still days before the New Year's Eve, but silly political predictions never do stop."
Sepak for yourself. How many months was it before the actual start of the civic election that people here were predicting huge victories for Team Burnaby?
It does not take a Stephen Dion to realize that NDP's next target is May election. But NDP has never won on economy issues and against Gordon Campbell they are even weaker on economy.
True, but Gordon Campbell is getting close to the end of his shelf life, and his next budget will determine his win or loss.
Let us just take the riding where a business owner will be taking on a union activist.
Burnaby Willingdon no doubt.
One will have to decide in the heart of Burnaby's CBD, will they decide to elect someone that is deeply entrenched with CUPE and BCTF or will they elect someone who knows first hand the upturn and downturn of economy.
John doesn't know much about the upturn of any economy except in his own household.
Kathy's husband won his election with 20,000 votes four provincial ridings combined and she is only looking at 5,000 solid votes that she hopes will carry her to victory.
Not that hard to accomplish.
She will however have to convince the remaining 90% that NDP is better at handling the economy.
Not nessesarily. Could she be a better representative that Nurnaney? People also look for that too.
Ironically the 5,000 base votes that she relied were exactly the people that sticked with NDP in 2001 and we all remember what the issue was back then (NDP receieved 4,600 votes in 2001 in the same riding Kathy plans to run in). No more than 70% turn-out will clinch this riding by far hardest to defend in all three dominated by BCLIB, and 70% province wide turn-out will too clinch victory for Gordon Campbell for another four years.
Perhaps. But in those next four years the BC Liberals had better get rid of their arrogance and self-centredness.
"How many months was it before the actual start of the civic election that people here were predicting huge victories for Team Burnaby?"
Many obviously but that is conditional speculation. I have stated that for TB, if not first, it is either Patty Sahota and unity or Lee Rankin and wipe out.
"Not nessesarily. Could she be a better representative that Nurnaney? People also look for that too."
Does not matter. The issue on Kathy Corrigan is not economy anyway, is it even a secret which minister she wants to be? Unfortunately, the issue will be economy which very few can trump John Nuraney and the her issue is also dividing enough to almost become a non-factor. And it looks certain that the premise of the next election be economy, it will be Kathy's connection with CUPE that will be the issue more than anything else.
"Many obviously but that is conditional speculation."
Speculation that was way off the mark.
"I have stated that for TB, if not first, it is either Patty Sahota and unity or Lee Rankin and wipe out. "
One didn't happen, as Sahota never did seek the mayorality nomination
and wishing for that and actually having it happen are two different things. She should have done her homework, Sunshine.
"Not nessesarily. Could she be a better representative that Nurnaney? People also look for that too."
Does not matter.
Actualy they do. If they see poor representation, they won't re-elect that person. Seen that happen even in easy return for the government party.
"The issue on Kathy Corrigan is not economy anyway, is it even a secret which minister she wants to be?"
Has she said which Ministry she wants? She has to get elected first.
"Unfortunately, the issue will be economy which very few can trump John Nuraney and the her issue is also dividing enough to almost become a non-factor. And it looks certain that the premise of the next election be economy, it will be Kathy's connection with CUPE that will be the issue more than anything else.
Not really. That's an easy out for the BC Liberals. The voters haven't cared for union connections since provincial ridings existed in Burnaby. Burnaby
Edmonds elected an MLA who was a business agent for the Operating Engineers and many people who otherwise wouldn't vote against the NDP voted for the guy and he won.
And what a wonderful job the B.C. Liberals have done on the provincial economy, eh?
You got it. A carbon tax when it is the least needed in terms of re-curring expense.
An "Open Forum" whereby people can write in what they wish to see from the government.
A real sham, just like those "Open Cabinet Meetings" that meant nothing.
"Actually they do. If they see poor representation, they won't re-elect that person. Seen that happen even in easy return for the government party."
That is very true, few would like to see their legislator not representing them in Victoria. And those who fail at the residency test will have an uphill battle. If Kathy Corrigan wants this cabinet job so that badly, I am sure she will be able to run in her own riding given her family influences. Just as Hillary would never become a senator without being a Clinton, I is generally understood that Kathy would not chair the school board in her very first term without being a Corrigan.
And in terms of the issue that will determine the next election's outcome, the economy, Kathy Corrigan truly has nothing on John Nuraney who knows firsthand how businesses can survive themselves through good seasons and bad seasons. In a battle between a middle-class business owner vs. a strong union backer, especially under such economic climate, the odds are stacked against Kathy Corrigan, despite her popularity in her own circle for obvious reasons.
"If Kathy Corrigan wants this cabinet job so that badly, "
What makes you think she wants a cabinet job (as opposed to any other NDP MLA?). The biggest hurdle to that is that the NDP has to win government. They won't (hopefully), but that won't preclude her from winning the riding.
I am sure she will be able to run in her own riding given her family influences.
I doubt she will run 100% solely on that, the NDP will be providing help too.
"Just as Hillary would never become a senator without being a Clinton,"
She did very well without Bill. She is her own person.
I is generally understood that Kathy would not chair the school board in her very first term without being a Corrigan.
I doubt that. It's an easy excuse
and rather lame. School and Council don't usually merge together on common issues.
And in terms of the issue that will determine the next election's outcome, the economy, Kathy Corrigan truly has nothing on John Nuraney who knows firsthand how businesses can survive themselves through good seasons and bad seasons.
Well sort of. John made his money as a fast food franchisee (none of his A & W's are in Burnaby). He saw growth in Langley and took advantage of it, but unlike many people John worked hard for his success.
In a battle between a middle-class business owner vs. a strong union backer, especially under such economic climate, the odds are stacked against Kathy Corrigan, despite her popularity in her own circle for obvious reasons.
Stupid postulation to say the least.
Two different environments, two different people, and two different outcomes.
The voters will ultimately decide if John stays or goes.
I've seen union people run against the NDP, and many union people vote against the NDP.
"Well sort of. John made his money as a fast food franchisee (none of his A & W's are in Burnaby). He saw growth in Langley and took advantage of it, but unlike many people John worked hard for his success."
And for a riding that contains the heart of the city's businesses as well the biggest shopping district in all of BC, he is by far more qualified to represent this riding.
But the contrast in backgrounds for both candidates was very interesting. Coming out of homestead, Kathy was uncontested when she obtained her high position on the council after literally being elected on the same ballot as the mayor. And out of nowhere, at least nowhere to the general electorates, she announced her intention to seek contest an MLA in a foreign riding, again without contest in the nomination phase. She is very lucky.
But John Nuraney, like many small business owners in the mega-shopping mall in his district, started very small and earned the money the hard way and fought his way all the way too Victoria. In a swing riding like this, Gordon Campbell is very lucky to have him defend this seat because unlike some of the cabinet ministers under Campbell administration, some do have to work hard to be where they are now today and the defeat of Patty Sahota is the perfect example that voters like candidates who work hard for their votes.
But the facts remain that John Nuraney and it is his seat to defend, certainly not Kathy Corrigan's to "defend". And to think otherwise will be naive to say the least. One is not so sure that Kathy can convince the general electorates to vote against John Nuraney based on one issue only especially with the voters ready to hinge their votes on the issue of economy only.
I am afraid that the odds will be against Kathy Corrigan and her lucky streak may soon end, but it was quite a good ride however as she will continue to remain a popular figure anyway in the city. Like the above poster, I also fail to see the possibility of BC voters trusting Carole James to take them through the hard times with an NDP cabinet. However, just think if our mayor decides to run to replace Carole James, I will very much support Kathy Corrigan to run in a by-election to replace his own husband as she helps her own husband fulfill his ambition. Despite my disagreement with their family's socialist ideology, I would certainly support anyone who can raise the city's political profile.
"And for a riding that contains the heart of the city's businesses as well the biggest shopping district in all of BC, he is by far more qualified to represent this riding. "
Well that does mean much, since the two are not related. Metrotown was completed and well set operationally by the time Nurnaey first ran in 1996.
"But the contrast in backgrounds for both candidates was very interesting. Coming out of homestead, Kathy was uncontested when she obtained her high position on the council after literally being elected on the same ballot as the mayor. "
Wrong. Those are two different positions and environments. Phyiscally on the same ballot paper, but those ballots have been used in Burnaby since the late 1980's.
"And out of nowhere, at least nowhere to the general electorates, she announced her intention to seek contest an MLA in a foreign riding, again without contest in the nomination phase. She is very lucky. "
She's not in a "foriegn riding". Technially she lives in another riding, but within 2 km of the nearest point in Deer Lake, but that's not a major issue with the voters.
The NDP has not nominated in that riding yet.
"But John Nuraney, like many small business owners in the mega-shopping mall in his district, started very small and earned the money the hard way and fought his way all the way too Victoria."
He lost once, and many small businesses have lost out to Metrotown, but that's economics. Nuraney has no A & W restaurants in Burnaby.
"In a swing riding like this, Gordon Campbell is very lucky to have him defend this seat because unlike some of the cabinet ministers under Campbell administration, some do have to work hard to be where they are now today and the defeat of Patty Sahota is the perfect example that voters like candidates who work hard for their votes. "
She obviously wasn't very good at it. A last minute cabinet post to worthless Ministry created obviously for her, and her riding association was dismal. One of the annual meetings was torn up because some idiot BC Liberal member there forgot to tell the membership when registration started and ended.
"But the facts remain that John Nuraney and it is his seat to defend, certainly not Kathy Corrigan's to "defend"."
Obviously not, but it's not Nurnaney's seat either. It belongs to the voters.
"And to think otherwise will be naive to say the least. One is not so sure that Kathy can convince the general electorates to vote against John Nuraney based on one issue only especially with the voters ready to hinge their votes on the issue of economy only. "
Might be able to.Wait and see. Nurnaey lost votes in 2005 compared to 2001. Ordinarily he would keep the votes he got, but he lost support.
"I am afraid that the odds will be against Kathy Corrigan and her lucky streak may soon end, but it was quite a good ride however as she will continue to remain a popular figure anyway in the city. Like the above poster, I also fail to see the possibility of BC voters trusting Carole James to take them through the hard times with an NDP cabinet. "
True. But there can be an increase in the number of NDP MLA's with the BC Liberals with a reduced majority. That could happen.
"However, just think if our mayor decides to run to replace Carole James, I will very much support Kathy Corrigan to run in a by-election to replace his own husband as she helps her own husband fulfill his ambition."
I doubt that would happen. This song was played over again many times this year by those who figured an easy out for Team Burnaby's favour. Did not happen.
"Despite my disagreement with their family's socialist ideology, I would certainly support anyone who can raise the city's political profile."
If she's the one to do it, the voters will decide. Nuraney hasn't done much to raise Burnaby's profile.
Th voters as a whole aren't going to vote on the basis of what you personally like or dislike. They will choose on their own.
"True. But there can be an increase in the number of NDP MLA's with the BC Liberals with a reduced majority. That could happen."
That can be. There are many instances where the government is forced to reduce its majority. But the fact remains that NDP are not even close to challenging the government on the issue of economy. And in a riding that has a very typical middle class business owner who works hard to get where he is vs. someone who came from a decade long political dynasty, the voters will tend to vote for the one that is more representative of themselves and in that regard, Kathy has an uphill battle to fight as her own popularity within the CUPE circle is not going to win her elections and we all know it, not to mention the issue of economy that people attend to where Kathy has little credential vs. the incumbent. And as the most "prominent" candidate for NDP in all of Burnaby, it is also very difficult to think of any particular achievement that can claim in her own credit, and to compare that to John Nuraney who fought hard to bring a school project to the city, the voters will have make to make own judgment. Looking at the facts are the ground however, again, the odds are stacked against Kathy Corrigan.
"That can be. There are many instances where the government is forced to reduce its majority."
That is a manifestation of the electorate. The BC Liberals haven't had that happen significantly yet, but all parties are exposed to it.
"But the fact remains that NDP are not even close to challenging the government on the issue of economy."
Partially true, since the NDP has not provided policy that will be presented to the voting public yet.
"And in a riding that has a very typical middle class business owner who works hard to get where he is vs. someone who came from a decade long political dynasty, the voters will tend to vote for the one that is more representative of themselves and in that regard,"
Possible, but also unlikely since it is also the quality of the candidate and the riding is far from being a secure one.
"Kathy has an uphill battle to fight as her own popularity within the CUPE circle is not going to win her elections and we all know it, not to mention the issue of economy that people attend to where Kathy has little credential vs. the incumbent."
Partially true. John is an incumbent but he is also not immune from the challenges of electoral wins.
A riding going from one party to the NDP is not unprecedented and Burnaby has seen its share of ridings go to the NDP even when the governing party is not NDP.
And as the most "prominent" candidate for NDP in all of Burnaby, it is also very difficult to think of any particular achievement that can claim in her own credit, and to compare that to John Nuraney who fought hard to bring a school project to the city, the voters will have make to make own judgment. Looking at the facts are the ground however, again, the odds are stacked against Kathy Corrigan.
For now they are, but politics being what it is, it can change rapidly.
Seen that happen once or twice.
Winning on John's business success is not a guarntee of win at the ballot box.
But all that begins with you.
Constantly writing postulations about Kathi Corrigian isn't going to win the riding for the BC Liberals.
You'll have to move your feet, too.
make sure you volunteer for canvassing. Canvass 50 to 100 houses. In a marginal BC Liberal area within the new riding.
Per evening for three weeks and that will help John more than writing to a political blog.
"Make sure you volunteer for canvassing. Canvass 50 to 100 houses. In a marginal BC Liberal area within the new riding.
Per evening for three weeks and that will help John more than writing to a political blog."
Not to worry. Including myself, there have been people volunteering for the politicians they want to see elected, some may be liberals, some may be conservatives, and some may even be NDP. Speculation in politics has rarely resulted as people may expect at first since all of them is biased on some degree. As an independent however, I tried to stay out of bias and tried to look at the facts on the ground and there is no need for reminder that the facts are all working against Kathy Corrigan. I however would like to see someone who works extra hard for his votes and if the vote happens to take place at this moment when factories are shedding workers, the pro-economy incumbents such as John are going to get re-elected and it will not even be close. So it will be a very interesting contest that will take place.
"Not to worry. Including myself, there have been people volunteering for the politicians they want to see elected, some may be liberals, some may be conservatives, and some may even be NDP."
Quite a few NDP actually. They will be out there.
"Speculation in politics has rarely resulted as people may expect at first since all of them is biased on some degree. As an independent however, I tried to stay out of bias and tried to look at the facts on the ground and there is no need for reminder that the facts are all working against Kathy Corrigan."
You're obviously biased.
"I however would like to see someone who works extra hard for his votes and if the vote happens to take place at this moment when factories are shedding workers, the pro-economy incumbents such as John are going to get re-elected and it will not even be close."
There aren't any ture factories in John Nurnaey's riding.
So it will be a very interesting contest that will take place.
Well the only outcome to that will be who manages to convince the greatest number of voters that a candidate is deserving of a win.
Writing to a blog isn't going to win any elections.
Less writin' and more walkin'.
Post a Comment
<< Home