3079 replies to this topic

[Rob Randall]

I still get people coming up telling me I should run for this or that. And since I never say never everyone has their own Rashomon-like takeaway on what I supposedly really think.

[Stephen Andrew]

Right-wingers have expertise in losing elections. Take their strategies with a grain of salt.

It's still early for public pronouncements and if you're a candidate all options are on the table. I have no doubt there are people urging Andrew to run for mayor but we simply don't know for sure how seriously he's listening to them. Privately he may be open or he might dismiss them outright.

First up - I am not a “right-winger”. I have no idea where that moniker comes from. The TV folks bang and banged that drum incessantly - it didn’t work.

You are correct, many people have approach me to run. I lost count. It’s flattering and truly humbling to have people approach you and share their confidence. I realize they are supporters.

Not surprising, folks like Victoria Watcher - who clearly are not supporters - seldom come up to me and express their disdain or opposition. Actually VW is the second person to say “don’t” - the other is a supporter of a business candidate they want at all costs. Personally I do not believe that person testing the waters would be a good mayor.

I get opinions on everything I do, every decision that I am about to make or make.

People are happy, people are unhappy.

Armchair quarterbacks - as I personally learned - even journalists, have no idea of the amount of information coming at an elected representative on a daily basis.

Even here, on this forum, it appears people comment on decisions based on news reports or watching council meetings.

I spend hours going through reports, viewing plans, visiting sites, meetings, reading letters and emails. It’s information overload at times. BUT, it’s the job. I didn’t fully realize how much I had to wade through, but I love it and have no regrets.

When I make a decision - actually any decision - I want to be informed.

The decision about my future will be informed too.

Edited by Stephen Andrew, 26 July 2021 - 07:08 AM.

[Rob Randall]

First up - I am not a “right-winger”. I have no idea where that moniker comes from. The TV folks bang and banged that drum incessantly - it didn’t work.

 

No, I was referring to Victoria Watcher and the other right-of-centre folks here. I know that moniker doesn't apply to you at all.

[Stephen Andrew]

by not declaring your intentions now - and instead waiting to see which way the wind blows - you are harming the chances of this city getting a better mayor and council than the disaster we have now.

and yes thank you for confirming there have indeed been meetings on this topic - that you attended.

I have direct access to people also involved in these meetings. and my takeaway is that your indecision or delays has frustrated attempts to get the ball rolling.

I apologize for being rude earlier.

Rude? I have seen worse.

To others reading this - VW has the wrong info or someone does not fully understand what’s going on.

A decision is coming. It will be an informed decision. The people in any meeting I attended know that.

If they don’t - they are not informed.

[lanforod]

This is for a 2022 election, and we are halfway through 2021? Seems like you've got lots of time to make the right decision for yourself; and it sounds like you're doing it your way. Kudos, and good luck.

[Victoria Watcher]

the mayor primarily sets the agenda.

[sebberry]

the mayor primarily sets the agenda.

 

Sets the tone perhaps but any council member is able to bring a motion to council.  

[sebberry]

Why is it that most businesses and developers keep out of stirring the pot on Twitter?  Because it's damaging to the brand.  Unless you're Aryze and stand to benefit from the city's ideology. I see Aryze is lashing out on twitter at Janice Williams now.

[A Girl is No one]

Omg! Aryze are really positioning themselves as the go-to poverty pimps of real estate now. It’s well played given the council we have but nevertheless despicable IMO.

[rmpeers]

Sets the tone perhaps but any council member is able to bring a motion to council.

The current mayor certainly set a #$%@ing tone, didn't she?

[rmpeers]

Why is it that most businesses and developers keep out of stirring the pot on Twitter? Because it's damaging to the brand. Unless you're Aryze and stand to benefit from the city's ideology. I see Aryze is lashing out on twitter at Janice Williams now.

LOL, I saw that. Heading into meltdown territory there with random accusations of racism, priviledge or whatever. Maybe the mayor needs to find a new developer buddy who can stick to the script better.

[Sparky]

Could I get a link to that Twitter exchange please?

[Victoria Watcher]

Could I get a link to that Twitter exchange please?

https://twitter.com/talktoaryze?s=21

Go there then select “tweets and replies”.

Stirling:

I didn’t say how connected you were, Luke. But they are the worst government in the history of this city. People died under their policies. If you haven’t realized how radioactive they are yet, you will in time.

Carry on.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 July 2021 - 05:34 PM.

[A Girl is No one]

It’s even worse than I thought… wow, Aryze went full woke. I guess they know which side their bread is getting buttered.

Edited by A Girl is No one, 26 July 2021 - 06:05 PM.

[Awaiting Juno]

Yep - apparently because I've indicated I'm "thinking of running" it's open season on me and what's galling is Aryze has me blocked on twitter so there are some hoops to jump through to know what the ever charming Luke is saying about me.  He and his buddy Erik, and I'll add a few other well known characters really think I'm some car hugging, right wing, elitist/classist wench who deserves no end of vitriol.  So on that end I get why holding one's cards close to their chest makes a lot of sense in terms of political plans.

 

The latest tirade is because I said "owner occupied housing is good", they've decided that means that I think "rental occupied housing is bad" - and have taken it as a personal attack on renters.  It's not - I'd like to see a world where far more people who want to own the place they live in are able to do so, and where those who choose to rent (for whatever reason) can find a place at a reasonable price. Luke dislikes me - no doubt because while I see a role for development, I do not agree with blanket upzoning, nor do I agree with removing neighbourhoods from having a say in how their community grows going forward.  I see the OCP and zoning as important agreements that govern the relationship between developers and communities.  

 

Stephen absolutely needs more help around that table - and to that end I'm hopeful, A) that he'll continue to be at that table and B) that people who live in and love this city who are capable of governing it appropriately going forward will choose to run for council (not mayor).  I think Stephen's wise to pause on a mayoralty decision.  I've noted Andrew Weaver seems to have taken an interest in local politics as of late, and I'm not sure what to make of that - but if Weaver runs for mayor, it would be very risky for someone who likely has an assured seat on council to run against him.

[Banksy]

Take the high road, Janice.

[Sparky]

^^ Well said AW. I don’t like blanket upzoning either.

I wonder where the mayor got this idea from? Hmmmm?

[Victoria Watcher]

if the socialist Andrew Weaver runs. I’m not sure what I’ll do.

But we don’t need a socialist and near communist in charge.

[Awaiting Juno]

if the socialist Andrew Weaver runs. I’m not sure what I’ll do.

But we don’t need a socialist and near communist in charge.

 

I don't think Weaver is the eco-socialist/communist he once was - I think the Axe wielding Albertan running through his parents yard and the sunset days of his leadership of the Greens caused an epiphany of sorts.  Really. He even went as far to rile the cyclists in recent months (with respect to Richardson St. plans).  At the moment, he seems to be hitting a very rational and pragmatic stride.

[Mike K.]

He has changed, that is for sure.