Bet on Mayor Taylor
Why she'd win Vancouver's civic crown.
Taylor: Indy appeal?
Carole Taylor is a shoo-in as Vancouver's next mayor no matter who's running on which ticket.
We tend to make the mistake of thinking that municipal elections with civic parties are just like federal or provincial elections. Well, they're not. If we follow that political Lorelei we end up on the rocks of political miscalculations. There are indeed political parties but unlike senior elections, "independents" can and do win. For the mayor's chair the election is often much more about the person rather than the party.
Here's why Carole Taylor will win as an "independent" no matter who runs against her. The Non-Partisan Association (a name that makes one think of "military intelligence") generally appeals to the right of centre while COPE and Vision Vancouver cop the left side's vote.
The overriding fact is that even if all parties nominate mayoral candidates, the contest tends to be person against person. All a party does is supply money but my guess is that a well-heeled independent -- and Carole Taylor is that, we're told -- doesn't need a party.
Power of the 'independent'
I think that Philip Owen, who became popular in his last term, would have had enough appeal on the eastside, the stronghold of the left, to have won as an independent in 2002. It might be said that the eventual victor that year, Larry Campbell, would have been hard to beat, but Campbell made it clear that he wouldn't run against Owen -- not because he liked him but because he was seen as unbeatable.
There is a fundamental rule of Vancouver politics to take into account -- a popular candidate for mayor can win with or without a party because he/she will carry not only the independent vote but people who only vote COPE or Vision to keep the NPA out and vice versa. Even if the NPA were to dump Sullivan and want to nominate Taylor she likely would decline the "honour."
The best example I can recall of a person whose popularity transcended party was Gerry McGeer, still considered the greatest Vancouver mayor of them all. He first was elected mayor in 1935-6 and was credited, too handsomely I think, for easing the Great Depression with public works like the City Hall and the fountain in Lost Lagoon. After 1936 he stayed away from civic politics and served as an MLA, MP and Senator until 1947 when he returned to the city scene and won a landslide for mayor mostly on the basis of a large billboard saying, simply but effectively, "Gerry's Back."
While McGeer did have the backing of the NPA, that hardly mattered. No one in the Non-Partisan Association for one moment thought that McGeer needed their help or anyone else's for that matter.
Taylor's advantages
But why Carole Taylor? There are a number of factors.
She is a woman and a beautiful one. This counts but it's more than that -- Charlotte Whitton of Ottawa was as ugly as a stump yet won on her own terms. (She is famous for saying that "for a woman to succeed she had to be twice as good as a man and, fortunately, that wasn't difficult.")
Taylor is married to former mayor Art Phillips who, despite the Granville Street mall fiasco, is remembered with respect so that Carole and Art can beat out that other marital tag team, Bill and Hillary, as the first elected dynamic duo.
Taylor is remembered as a good independent Vancouver City councillor from 1986 to 1990. That's too long ago for anyone to remember any actual good she did but, more importantly, she left behind no bad memories which, unlike good deeds, tend to linger.
She was a TV star and later chair of the CBC. Again, it doesn't matter if she was any good at either adventure, just that she didn't noticeably screw up. Moreover, her TV stardom gives her a good recognition factor and her CBC career gives off an impression of being an "important person."
Of paramount importance, Taylor has been fortunate to be B.C.'s finance minister in boom times and doubly fortunate that she will avoid the slump that's bound to happen. No matter where you are in the world, being finance minister or the equivalent during good times is a snap. However, the hard political axiom remains -- if the sun shone the day you organized the company picnic, take the credit since, after all, it happened during your administration, didn't it? Taylor will do just that.
Strategic moves
OK, so Carole Taylor is a most presentable candidate. What makes her a shoo-in?
The NPA is stuck with Sam Sullivan who has been a lousy mayor and they can't get rid of him without tearing the guts out of the party. COPE/Vision (assuming they can unite somehow) don't have a barnburner of a candidate in the wings unless, as rumoured, NDP MLA Gregor Robertson is their man (about which more in a moment). This means that Taylor adds disgruntled supporters of both parties to her own considerable following.
But what happens from here to November?
I see Taylor standing aside for another (who'll take the shit when the overheated economy goes into the rubbish bin) and be a devoted MLA for all Vancouver, not just her own constituency. From the backbench she can hassle the government for help for the Cambie Street merchants, and she'll get it. From the backbench she can get more and more involved in civic affairs, freed from all other responsibilities. From the backbench she can get lots of media coverage, especially in community papers.
It will be said, I suppose, that this column is all about shilling for Carole Taylor. I plead innocent. At no point have I said she'll make a good mayor, if only because I don't know what that animal looks like.
I scarcely know the lady, so my comments are not personal but strictly political prognostications.
Besides, I don't live in Vancouver but as my next book, What the Bleep is Going on Here? (due out in March) will say, "Rafe Mair lives in Lions Bay with his lovely wife Wendy and their chocolate Labrador Chauncey" -- and why can't I plug my own book in my own column? And, the saints be praised, Lions Bay is a very long way from Vancouver emotionally as well as physically.
Gregor Robertson has a shot
Now, is there anyone in the shadows who can upset this glitzy victory train?
There is -- I mentioned Gregor Robertson, the flashy, well-to-do neophyte NDP MLA. If he steps in the ring as an independent, he's got a chance of getting in. The problem is, Robertson has been so cozy with the Vision/COPE bunch that it will be tough for him to refuse their endorsement, an endorsement that will cost him support not only from " independents" but from many from both parties who will see Taylor as the best candidate.
Put Carole Taylor, Independent, against Robertson with COPE/Vision and Sullivan with the NPA, and she romps home to City Hall.
So bearing in mind that all races have the potential for a dark horse winner, place your bets, ladies and gentlemen. Next November Carole Taylor will trounce Sam Sullivan and whoever COPE/Vision puts up.
Then we'll see how she does the first time she has to face real challenges all on her own.
Related Tyee stories:
- Carole Taylor's False Alarm
With scary health spending forecast, she fools news media -- again. - Taylor's New Recipe for Fudge
Predecessors fudged deficits. She hid a whopping surplus. - Carole Taylor's Heavy Load
B.C. Liberals expected her star appeal to woo women back. But after four years, the gender divide was wide.
![[Tyee]](http://thetyee.cachefly.net/ui/img/ico_fishie.png){kind=small}
dorothy
09-12-2007
It's a FACT: The fact girl wants more money
"...her TV stardom gives her a good recognition factor and her CBC career gives off an impression of being an "important person."
- and let's not forget that celebrities are people who are famous for being extremely well known.
Tieleman
09-12-2007
Right-wing split loses Vancouver election
Sorry Rafe but the Carole Taylor bandwagon has a wheel missing.
If - and it's admittedly a big if - the left has a united front and one mayoralty candidate and the right has a choice of either an NPA-endorsed Sam Sullivan or an "independent" Carole Taylor there is an excellent chance for the Vision Vancouver/COPE candidate to beat Taylor.
Notwithstanding a lot of media and business community drooling, Taylor would have to take nearly all the right wing and centre vote from Sullivan to beat a good left-centre candidate.
Whether it was Gregor Robertson, Raymond Louie or David Cadman, a decent campaign that pulled 40% plus of the vote would likely win.
If Taylor and Sullivan split even 60% it would depend on Sullivan dropping below 21% to ensure a Queen Carole victory.
And with Sam sitting on a huge bankroll already and likely to maintain NPA dominance, it would be a big mistake to count him out.
Regardless of who's right - and I doubt Taylor will actually run - it will be a fascinating year.
Grumpy
09-12-2007
Mair's axiom #2
You don't have to be a 10 in politics to win; you can be a 3, if everyone else is a one.
Well Ms. Taylor ranks as a 3 and the rest rank as 1's. Sorry Mr. T., your NDP bias is showing as COPE and Vision (really the provincial civic NDP) can't muster a candidate to beat Sullivan, but Ms. Taylor can. It's called 'old' money, and Ms. Taylor is part of the 'old' money establishment and I think she will win, just for that reason.
But being Vancouver's mayor, 2009 to 20011 will be no cakewalk. Olympic overruns, RAV payouts, the ongoing drug fiasco, and Olympic hangovers, will add many shadows, that a two week glam show just can't hide.
As the Chinese say, "May you live in interesting times.
realisticman
10-12-2007
It's not the money
Dorothy
Dorothy the mayor only makes around $122,000 a year. Anywhere in the private sector would be vastly more lucrative.
Working Man
10-12-2007
Left-wing split loses Vancouver election
Which is exactly what happened last time in the last civic election in Vancouver and will happen in the next political election, Bill. But you can always dream of the old days of caviar and fat "consultancy" contracts. And Grumpy, Mr T used to work for the people he plugs here so the bias pretty obvious. He certainly tries to keep his name in the media.
That said, the NPA runs a pretty savvy electoral machine. They'd charge up Sam's wheelchair and drive him into the river if they thought Carole James had a better chance of winning.
The left in Vancouver is split COPE and Vision, just like the left in BC is being left (no pun intended) by the Green Party, which actually has something new to offer. Gregor Robertson did fairly well getting himself on TV this year over issues that had absolutely nothing to do with him but I don't see him winning the mayor's chair. Besides he would have to get some implants or a better rug, since the one he has now looks absurd.
Sam Sullivan would be hard to depose as the NPA canditate. He is a smart guy and a wily politician but Carole Taylor could certainly raise a pile of cash.
TTTT
10-12-2007
let's see now
we need a raise in the minimum wage - which affects mostly Vancouverites
strike one for Taylor
A well-heeled denizen who benefitted from having the Canadaline on Cambie and not Arbutus
strike two
Being pushed hard by right-wing blowhards in the Province, CKNW, etc
strike three
Did nothing as social housing was being stripped out of the Olympics
strike four
Was finance minister when the Convention Center costs ballooned out of control
strike five
-------
I'm certain there will be more...for all the middle-age boys creaming their jeans - you aren't helping her, your drooling is just creepy.
Working Man
10-12-2007
But TTTTT
You have to ask yourself this question:
Can she get elected?
She has the cash, support and experience to do so. She has every ability to get elected. She knows how to succeed and that is how one gets elected.
Then you have to ask yourself,
Can COPE get elected?
They don't have a candidate. Their only potential candidate has an awful rug. His only accomplishment was getting himself on TV over what were not even part of his mandate, ie they were city issues.
They last time they held power it was a fluke because they had a popular candidate and even he dumped them for being buffooms.
They are split between Vision and themselves and I don't exactly see that changing any time soon.
Their power base didn't do very well in the strike and I didn't exactly see COPE line up to support them.
The east side vote doesn't matter much due to the change in demographics there.
southdeltawalker
10-12-2007
That photo says it all...
...just look at the photo of Carole Taylor. Is it airbrushed and touched up or what?
Hey maybe it was shot through gauze.
Whatever the process, it sure softens her look.
She maybe cutting back the CBC or supporting and participating in B.C.'s worst Government ever but what the hell, it's done in her soft 'designer' way.
Vancouver's a great place if you are rich and dumb. She's the perfect mayor.
Tieleman
10-12-2007
Caviar? Can't stand it!
Sorry "Working Man" but I really can't stand caviar. As to "fat consultancy contracts" when COPE/Vision ran city hall, just check the public accounts - I never got a dime.
But your razor sharp political observations are partly correct - of course I am on the left and support defeating the NPA - read my columns.
My point is that splitting the right-centre vote in any way other than a complete abandonment of Mayor Sam Sullivan creates the conditions for a left-centre win.
And remember, Carole Taylor doesn't walk on water, she walks on Gucci shoes.
TTTT
10-12-2007
working man
I think and I guess we'll have to wait and see, but I think the era of the "Entertainment Tonight" posturing politicians winning elections is over.
The media shills may go for it, but they are increasingly insular and detached from the everyday life of most of the population.
And I notice you probably dislike them cuz you did not mention them, but Vision is there and they are centrists - if they support Taylor, then all bets are off.
there will be a backlash against the glib nothingness that a taylor candidacy represents.
Vision should be wary of her just COPE should be wary of Bambi, I mean Gregor Robertson whose first idea was to offer tax-breaks to Cambie merchants. He doesn't have the basic instincts and knowledge to effectively manage a city.
AND BTW - it is I (yes me) who sent Robertson info on Seattle's program immediately after he announced his foolish tax idea - so if you want a Mayor who gets it, that would be me.
For real, no BS.
Working Man
10-12-2007
Conflict? A Lefty who works for Pattison? Hmmm!
As to "fat consultancy contracts" when COPE/Vision ran city hall, just check the public accounts - I never got a dime.
But you did under the NDP with is practically the same as COPE anyway. Also let the record show that the person who gave you those contracts is also now your employer.
Even more ironic is you work for Jim Pattison!!!
You also fail to mention that the left is split both in city of Vancouver and provincially.
On another front:
Like I said before, the only effect this had was to get Gregor and his rug on TV. It had absolutely nothing to do with him. It was a city issue and there is no way any city should ever get into "compensation" because of construction because it would become a bottomless pit. Besides, the Cambie "merchants" are going to make a killing when the Canada Line opens. I doubt they would repay anything.
The left in this country is hopelessly bad at winning elections as actually governing. I wonder when they will realise why this is.
Actually, I don't have to wonder. They will never realise it.
Skywalker
10-12-2007
Another good one Rafe.
My reasons for supporting Carole for Mayor of Vancouver is that I don't live there and if she does run her decisions will have a lesser impact on the rest of this province. That is a really good thing for any of us outside Vancouver. Naturally I will feel bad for Vancouver folks.
BobJeffries
10-12-2007
The left can only win city
The left can only win city hall with moderates like Harcourt/ Larry Campbell against weak NPA incumbents/ nominees.
Positioning herself as an independent will allow Taylor to attract alot of that centre-left Vision Vancouver vote as well as the centre-right NPA vote.
IF COPE runs a left candidate such as Cadman, they will be lucky to reach 25% - 30%.
I also think the public will see the race as one between Taylor and Sullivan and will choose accordingly.
I can see the TV ads now: former COPE/Vision Vancouver mayor endorsing Taylor and encouraging all of his former supporters to do same.
HawkEyes
10-12-2007
When Carole announced her
When Carole announced her retirement, Gordon Campbell was out of town…I like to wonder why? Better photo ops to come or temporary political distancing? I despise Godfather Campbell more than words can communicate but he gets full points for strategy; every time unfortunately. He fully realized Carole’s greatest skill (smoothing ruffled feathers for status quo) was needed in his campaign against BC and she did a damn good job for him too.
Back when she was appointed to “save CBC”, I was mildly curious of the outcome- at that time, CBC was despised in our household for prime time stupidity. I guess the feathers were smoothed over but it doesn’t appear CBC was “fixed”…
As mayor of Vancouver, she could give herself a raise blindfolded. But the photo ops for the Olympics would be priceless in Carole’s crown?? And with the Premier so close!
I believe The Tyee is BC’s political squeaky wheel, an indicator of which ruffled feathers MIGHT need to be dealt with. In this instance, for both February and November, it’s already looking good for Carole...
lynn
10-12-2007
Once upon a time
Much agree, Rafe. Carole Taylor is the perfect candidate.... and no doubt would probably win.
SuperficialBC demands superficiality. And we got it in glittering spades here.
Since she has been finance minister she has not said one word against the ruthless economic policies of Gordon Campbell. She stood up proudly and defended them over and over again. Economic policies that have left BC with the highest child poverty rate in Canada and that have led to increasing levels of devastating homelessness - the immense poverty that is now becoming tragically commonplace.
So far she has been the soft sell on the ruthlessness that now fuels this province - the pretty face on ugly economic policies.
The work she did as finance minister - the policies she continually crowed about as finance minister ( the same "wannabee-an-american-like-George- Bush " policies her Gordo govt. faithfully copied with their massive tax cuts to the rich) these are the same economic policies, the same kind of growth, about which Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz has said:
A rising tide lifted all yachts. "
So yes, let Carole sail on (as apparently is her due)....on the superficial, super image-controlled, Chamber of Commerce Seas that she is drawn to. Yes, let her be the mayor, the premier.... whaaaaatever - the ornamental figurehead that adorns the prow of this doomed rat-infested ship - sinking ever lower in the sea with the weight of its ever-so- nicely stolen treasure.
Sail on, Princess Carole...and take the rats and the pirates with you....
But watch out.....
Somewhere, in the deep, lurks a strong and kelpy ;-) band of really beautiful mermaids with real hearts who will hear the cries of the starving children, and of those who sleep in cars and cardboard boxes. And they will actually , as in "really", want to do something about it.
And they will take you on.... and save the kingdom.
But just a warning.... it ain't gonna be "pretty"
uvicrepresent
10-12-2007
PLEASE NO
I hope your wrong Rafe. I think there are enough people in Vancouver to associate Taylor with a Campbell administration that they are not too fond of. Though I hesitate to say this because it is too often said about successful women, I think she is power driven, and holds politics that would not be attractive to Cope or even Vision aligners.
I think Robertson has serious chance as well, under Vision especially and I think this would actually help him rather than hurt his campaign. Both a succesfull buisnessman and a genuine progressive.
(check out Frances Bula's blog about what people were saying about him at the "Progressive Party")
Tieleman
10-12-2007
Working Man wrong again
Working Man - sorry to tell you but wrong again - Jimmy Pattison sold his half share in 24 hours to Quebecor back in early September.
But even so - so what? I have lots of clients and did some work for crown corporations during the NDP government period prior to 2001. That work never amounted to even half my business.
And none of that work was either for or approved by Glen Clark, or Dan Miller or Ujjal Dosanjh.
Lastly I don't regard the Green Party as "left" - and neither do most Greens. Their new leader provincially - Jane Sterk - is a business professor and business person.
southdeltawalker
10-12-2007
"...ugly as a stump.."
This description of Charlotte Whitten is an insult to her memory.
Charlotte Whitten was an inspiration to many young girls and women back in the 50's and early 60's that women could speak out and have power.
Shame on you Rafe and The Tyee for publishing this comment.
Wallace
10-12-2007
unacceptable
I agree southdeltawalker, that description of Charlotte Whitten is not only disgraceful and an insult to Whitten, it is an unsult to all women. It should not have gotten by the Tyee thought police. Shame on the Tyee and shame on Mair. But, I suppose that the thought police are more concerned with insults to politicians than insults to half of the population. A pretty big miss for a journal that self-describes as progressive. I expect, however, that we will wait a long time for a retraction and apology.
SharingIsGood
10-12-2007
"Bet on Taylor"
Though I believe the odds may be on Taylor's side, I can't say that I will bet on her. To me, that would be kinda' like betting on the devil - adding good Karma to bad. So, I'll put energy toward a good candidate, not necessarily the one I believe may be most electible.
Speaking of betting, isn't it grand the way our that our Finance Minister and the rest of the governing caucus has promoted gambling. Think of it as just another way to help struggling BC families become homeless. Casinos increase the gov't coffers at the expense of the poor. Today, the second largest casino in BC opened its doors down in the Lower Mainland. What vision this province has under the Premier and this Finance Minister! 850 slots, 450 gaming tables, open 24/7. Maybe we can grow up to be like Vegas.
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=801323
David Beers
10-12-2007
Charlotte Whitten
In response to claims that it is sexist to say that a deceased female politician was 'ugly as a stump':
As the person who edited Rafe's piece I did pause to weigh that one.
I also weighed his comment that Taylor is 'beautiful'.
Here was my thought process:
1) Looks do seem to matter in politics, for both genders. Journalists have often referred to the handsomeness of Pierre Trudeau or John Kennedy as part of their appeal, for example, as well as the unattractiveness of Abraham Lincoln as something he transcended. To note that many people are swayed, or not, by looks is not the same as celebrating or denigrating the public figure for having those looks.
2) Rafe's point was that Whitten was a superb and beloved politician, regardless of her appearance. And, given that Whitten is dead, I considered that she would not suffer any personal pain by the comment.
I'm certainly open to other views on this one, especially from women.
ME2
11-12-2007
Sorry David
but regardless of the sop to her prowess, the comment was in poor taste and was insulting to women in general.
Charlotte Witton's lack of conventional beauty was well known, and while the comment on it was germane in the context it was made, its crudity was totally unnecessary.
nightbloom
11-12-2007
Thanks Lynn. I agree with
Thanks Lynn.
I agree with ME2. Rafe's comment belongs in the locker room, if anywhere. Good writers have ways to put these things, and that wasn't one of them.
Fiat lux
11-12-2007
I hope Robertson won't go
I hope Robertson won't go for the job, even if he'd be elected.
We need him for BCNDP leader, which is far more important than the mayoralty of an overgrown town .
I've lived and was in business there for 24 years, but haven't been back for 19 and never want to see that bloody mess again. Bad enough to see it on TV news.
Ed Deak
Working Man
11-12-2007
It is all relative, Ed
Ed,
I have lived in many places worse than Vancouver and not many better. The only city I have personally ever been in that comes close to a city the size of Vancouver for livabiity is Fukuoka, Japan.
Gregor and his Rug would probably be good leaders for the provincial NDP. I really can't see any other person to fill the chair but I don't see it happening soon.
The Provincial NDP loves losers and hates winners. Look at Mike Harcourt. He was a good premier in my opinion yet he got the boot for a scandal (that pales in comparison to any other scandal BC has ever had, by the way)he had nothing to do with.
Look at Barrett? Governed for three years and ran how many times? The Faithful are going to keep Bakesale Carole because they cannot accept any change within the party. She tried and lost and the Faithful know they have her in their hip pockets.
Gregor and his Rug probably see the need for change but since labour "movement" controls the party and knows it is dying a slow death, it is not going to want to change the status quo.
I don't see it happening, though, because Gregor and his Rug are in business, making the Class Enemies to the Faithful, who still (rather unsuccessfully) call the shots in the party caucus.
As for Carole Taylor, she is peeved because she thought she was going to be Premier. Campbell is going to run again and will almost definately win a comfortable majority again. Bakesale Carole has not offered real alternative nor has she been able to get the faithful to abandon the "Gordo is Lucifer" campaign that has so successfully delivered NDP governments.
Taylor is smart enough to know they way to the Premier's chair is via the Vanocouver mayors' chair
Frank
11-12-2007
Livable?
The GVRD is not even the most livable region in western Canada, let alone the world.
Here's a factoid, wanna know why there's about 8+ million people in western Canada that don't live in Vancouver? Because where they are provides better quality of life. The GVRD is blessed with attractive natural surroundings, that's it. Beyond that they don't do anything better than anywhere else.
chevy
11-12-2007
Who I'd rather have
Apart from an unwelcome injection, this discussion is really good. But I guess
the question still remains, would we rather have another term with Sullivan or one with Taylor! In all, I would rather
have Taylor. And I do believe the winner
will come from the right because I think
that COPE and Vision still do not have
their respective houses in order and this
will cause them more grief. In seeing this, I think Robertson will not run just
because of the infighting among COPE and
Vision. And, as mentioned above, the labour movement is not 'dying'. If, and
when it dies, I'm pretty sure at that time
you'll be able to go from here into Mexico on one road without a passport.
Just my two cents worth.
nightbloom
11-12-2007
It's very premature to be
It's very premature to be hailing a Carole Taylor victory. A lot can happen in an election campaign. And we are talking about Vancouver here...So when lucky 'Cathy Taylor' materializes on the ballot next to poor Carole, there's really no end to the possibilities...Just don't act surprised.
[Chevy - you mean, of course, the unwelcome injection that had to be edited because it contained hateful vitriol :-\ Btw, I can't wait to see what The Tyee is gonna print about Christmas this year. Give Shannon another go at it. I mean, how many different ways can you slay Santa anywaze--?] :-P
SharingIsGood
12-12-2007
Wouldn't live in Vancouver
I have lived in several large cities in my life. I love the amenities that big cities have to offer. 20-25 years ago, I seriously considered making Vancouver my home; it had many things:
- entertainment, theatre, cuisine, arts
- multiculturalism
- public transit, sidewalks
- universities, libraries, book stores
- etc.
As I looked more closely, I saw a city without a soul. The architecture was abysmal. The transportation "improvement", skytrain, seemed loud, user unfriendly, misguided. Urban sprawl was gaining momentum, and the streets were dirty and choked. The dark and rainy winter days were no more pleasant than colder, but brighter, snow-covered lands. I am not a major league sports fanatic - so there was no appeal there.
I considered the city and asked, "What is it that makes Vancouver most appealing?" I decided that it was the mountain backdrop and the ability to leave. So, I ended up moving to the mountains. Now, I drop into the city a few times a year to take care of business that is generally related to government. While there, I may see a show, buy a gift for a friend or loved-one, stop in a gallery, visit a museum.
I have learned from friends who have chosen to live in Vancouver, that I end up taking advantage of its ammenities just about as much as they do: they get caught up in the work-a-day world. The noise and congestion of the city causes them to hide in their homes. They leave Vancouver as often as possible, for weeks at a time, to recharge in the country - at times visiting me and the local flora and fauna, on my quiet porch.
If you folks choose Carole Taylor, remember, she and her husband have a get-away in a different country. They are willing to take the profits that she helped propagate for wealthy British Columbians and MLAs to pay property taxes elsewhere for escapes from Vancouver. The Cambie Street cut has effected a good number of small businesses in her riding and she has done nothing to help those hard-working people.
Frank
12-12-2007
Go visit the R.O.C. Working Man
When in my post did I mention cities outside Canada? You're erecting a straw-man. If you want to compare cities outside Canada with Vancouver then all you're really doing is comparing Canada with other countries.
You've been to just the 3 Cdn cities? That's what I've found about people from the GVRD, they've rarely been anywhere else. They think they live in the best place in the world because they heard a report on the radio say so and they think everyone else wants to live where they live.
Well I've lived, visited over extended periods or been stationed in lots of Canadian cities. So I'm not just a boy from Campbell River who went to UBC and thinks Vancouver is the alpha-omega of it all.
I'll put any maritime city, Ottawa, Victoria and Quebec City up against Vancouver anytime for access to natural splendour. And like I said, the GVRD didn't build the mountains and oceans. No one is arguing this wasn't a nice piece of land to begin with but few would say its been improved.
I'll take the road and transit systems of Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg or Halifax over Vancouver's in a heartbeat. As would anyone who's tried to get from Poco to Surrey.
If you think Vancouver is "easy access" then you haven't driven in Canadian cities where you can actually get to where you want to go in under a half hour. So on transportation Vancouver is not even in the top 5.
Feeling of security? Vancouver fails on that score too. I'd feel safer walking the river/canal front parks of other Cdn cities over Vancouver anytime.
Community involvement? Again, check around, people in other cities love where they live too and my experience is that you get a much better sense of cohesiveness, of feeling like you're part of the community, in almost any other Cdn city.
Services? Again, Vancouver does nothing here that would make it stand out.
The fact is, the GVRD is a badly planned and administered mess when compared with other Canadian cities.
That might be because its 17 separate municipalities all pursuing their own agendas. Whatever, it doesn't work. Take away the natural surroundings and Vancouver is Toronto without the charm.
But for those who feel they don't have to visit the rest of Canada because they have snow then you're missing out on meeting some great people and places.
Frank
12-12-2007
And...
And I agree with SharingIsGood, other places in Canada get lots of snow but at least they're bright and sunny. Vancouver is dark, dreary and wet for almost the half the year.
I don't think its even the best place to live in BC (and yes I have lived in 3 other BC cities, although not Victoria, which I like a lot), let alone Canada.