A couple of days ago, Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) External Chair Tim Louis weighed in on the potential for a COPE-Green Party of Vancouver coalition going into the November 15th civic election.
“For people that are progressive, there is a very clear, very highly organized alternative, and that is COPE and the Vancouver Green Party,” Louis told Straight reporter Travis Lupick. “That (would) not (be) a formal alliance, but … progressive parties putting the best interests of this city ahead of the best interests of their own parties.”
At the time we read Louis’ statement, we thought he must be dreaming in technicolor. Adriane Carr, the sole Green Party of Vancouver Councillor on Vancouver City Council, responded to Louis’ invitation, stating …
“The Greens really span the political spectrum. You can’t peg us down as left or right. We really are ahead of that whole old spectrum. We draw support from a wide range of people, which is why in the last election, the Green Party of Vancouver made a decision to not have an alliance with any other party, to stand as a strong, independent choice for Vancouverites, no matter what other choices they might make.”
Although it pains us to say so, we partially agree with (former?) COPE member, Nicholas Ellan, who commented in the Straight, writing …
Carr is right. In 2011 she didn’t win by being the most popular left-wing politician, she won by being the most credible protest vote, receiving significant support from NPA and Vision voters which allowed her to beat Ellen Woodsworth for the 10th spot.
In 2014, she won’t be re-elected by siding with fringe parties, but rather by continuing to build on her record of credible opposition, open politics, and strong on-the-ground campaigning. She will likely have to beat an NPA candidate for 10th spot this time – no small feat. But if the right is split enough, the NPA incoherent enough, and the pipeline opposition strong enough, then it’s certainly possible that she’ll be returned to office.
At any rate, the whole issue of a COPE-Green Party of Vancouver coalition / ‘co-operative agreement’ is moot.
Last evening, in a special general meeting, Green Party of Vancouver members voted unanimously against participating in a coalition or electoral alliance with any other civic party. As Ms. Carr told VanRamblings, at last evening’s Green Party of Vancouver campaign kick-off event …
“Of course, Green Party of Vancouver members of Council would work together with other elected members of Council in the best interests of the citizens of Vancouver, but as the membership of the party clearly stated earlier this evening, there will be no formal alliance with any other civic party seeking office in the 2014 Vancouver general election.
Another 2014 civic election rumour / COPE wishful thinking put to rest.
Earlier today, VanRamblings met with deposed NPA Vancouver Board of Directors member, Ken Charko. Reasonably, we thought that Mr. Charko might wish to wrap his hands around our throat — we have been kind of mean to him in print, after all, these past couple of days — but he proved as genial and forthcoming as we’ve always found him to be.
“I’m still trying to come to terms with my removal from the NPA’s Board of Directors,” Charko told VanRamblings. “I’m not exactly sure what led to the decision taken by the Board. Fortunately, a great many people have reached out to me to offer support for the work I’d undertaken with the NPA these past couple of years, and my commitment to openness and transparency while sitting as an NPA Board member.”
“On other matters you raised in your column: There was reference made respecting my involvement in releasing to the media confidential information pertaining to NPA Board internal decision-making. I want to assure you, and your readers, that was not ever the case. Further, I want you to know that I have not had, nor will I have, any involvement with Vancouver First as a civic electoral party.
Well, there you go. Make of the statements above what you will — if nothing else, the machinations involved in Mr. Charko’s removal from the NPA’s BoD speaks volumes to the bloody sanguininity with which political parties approach the prospect of undertaking campaigns for office.
Finally, in today’s post covering Vancouver’s civic electoral scene …
Always a salutary event, COPE’s Summer Solstice BBQ provides a ready opportunity to get together with a welcoming and friendly group of civic-minded folks who possess a deep caring and commitment to the livability of our city. Low-income tickets are $5, regular tickets only $20 (although, for those who can afford it, a greater sum is always very much appreciated).
VanRamblings will be present at Saturday’s COPE BBQ, as we were for last evening’s welcoming and wonderfully enlightening (not to mention, friendly and inviting) Green Party of Vancouver campaign kick-off, and as we will be for (almost) all upcoming informal civic electoral campaign events that will occur over the summer months — always a great time to be had by all.
