80 - 20 Vision

And some of you didn't think two left-leaning parties couldn't get along...This page and other supporters of the left in Vancouver are breathing a sigh of relief with the news that Vision Vancouver has struck a deal with the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) for a joint slate in the November 15 civic elections. The deal, which requires approval from COPE's membership, sees COPE endorsing Vision Mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson while Vision leaves open two City Council races for COPE candidates to run against their rivals from the 'Non-Partisan' Association (NPA). Vision will also be stepping aside for COPE candidates in School Board and Parks Board races. Full disclosure: this page has memberships in both COPE and Vision Vancouver.

Some readers may be asking how can this page call cheer two parties reaching this kind of agreement, yet at the same time criticize Elizabeth May and Stephane Dion for making an accommodation with each other...SHUT UP, THAT'S HOW!...Seriously though, COPE and Vision Vancouver are not actually parties, the Vancouver Charter has not mention of political parties, only 'elector organizations'. These organizations are essentially slates (albeit slates that can spend more money than the major provincial political parties), and unlike federal politics, there's a tradition in Vancouver civic politics of leaving races open for fellow travellers. Up until being reduced to David Cadman's seat on City Council, COPE traditionally left a couple of Council races open for the Vancouver Green Party.

The challenge for real progressives is to make sure that the joint COPE-Vision slate actually is progressive and reflects the values of the civic left. It shouldn't be that big a challenge on the COPE end, as incumbent Councillor David Cadman and former Councillor Ellen Woodsworth are most likely to be nominated on September 28. Both Cadman and Woodsworth have a track record of sticking up for working people and the disadvantaged in Vancouver. The real challenge comes on September 20 when 17 challengers go after Vision's 8 Council nominations. In reviewing Vision's candidate profiles, there is tremendous potential for a progressive slate, but this page also came across such disturbing phrases as 'sales and marketing experience', 'public relations firm', 'Liberal Riding Association', and 'Larry Campbell' - for those of you scoring at home, these are not the markings of progressive candidates.