Of Vancouver’s 11-member city council —10 councillors and the mayor — only two have any previous experience on city council. The remaining nine are all brand new to their roles. So I have a few tips I’d like to offer them from my six years of experience as a city councillor. 1. Reply to all…
Category: Vancouver
COPE’s Jean Swanson is off to a great start
Vancouver’s new city council was sworn into office Monday, November 5 at an invitation-only ceremony held before their first council meeting. But COPE’s lone city councillor, Jean Swanson, had already been hard at work. She served notice of motion a number of days prior to the first meeting on her proposed motion regarding renovictions. Let…
The COPE election victory in context
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — COPE is back! Last Saturday was election day and for the first time since 2011, COPE had candidates elected not just to Vancouver’s city council, where Jean Swanson came in fourth, but also to the city’s school board, with Barb Parrott, and park board, with…
Vote October 20 — don’t let others decide for you!
This coming Saturday, Oct. 20 is municipal election day. I’ve already voted at the advance poll so that I’m free to volunteer for the candidates I’m supporting on election day. Who am I supporting? For me, it was a very easy decision. I voted the entire COPE and GREEN slates. I abstained on the mayoral…
Support “shop local” when you “vote local”
With “for lease” signs popping up everywhere in Vancouver’s commercial districts, it’s become crystal clear just how difficult the situation is for our city’s small businesses. Online retail is part of the reason so many small businesses are closing shop. Many of us now find the convenience of shopping with our keyboards much preferable to…
Make elections fairer — support pro rep!
Do you ever feel like your vote doesn’t count because the parties you vote for never get in? Then you’ll definitely want to say “yes” to proportional representation in the upcoming referendum on provincial electoral reform. I know it’s a bit confusing with two important votes happening about the same time, but once the Oct….
Out the door for Vision — and good riddance
At long last, Vision Vancouver is about to be swept out the door by the electorate, as it rightfully should be.