Gregor Robertson's critics are feeling the pain of watching the most popular Mayor in Vancouver history continue to gain momentum - in spite of their best efforts.
It is no surprise that this article over the weekend would cause the usual suspects to writhe in agony.
And it is also no surprise that those very critics would immediately follow up with a post attempting to discount the accuracy of the data and lamenting the fact that the media also likes the Mayor – a lot.
And while it may be a grim day for supporters of the heir apparent to Philip Owen-Sam Sullivan-Peter Ladner, Suzanne Anton (hmmm…maybe that isnt’ the kind of lineage she would necessarily want to promote in public), it is a strong endorsement for the current administration’s direction.
The party is a moderate presence. It has taken on an ambitious social agenda with regards to issues like homelessness and housing as well as environmental sustainability. It has also pursued economic development and fiscal responsibility as a means to ensure the the city is competitive.
There is a little piece of something for everyone across the spectrum, an approach that Stratcom’s polling confirms as broadly appealing in terms of voter intentions.
People like that investment is pouring into the city. People like that Vancouver is now rated as Canada’s greenest city. People like that there is an effort to encourage cycling and reduce residents’ dependence on their car. People like that homeless shelters have provided a safe overnight haven for over 400 people living on the streets. People like that City Coucil, School Board and Park Board are willing to stand up to the provincial government to ensure that policy priorities important to Vancouver are advanced. People like that there are small, tangible measures being taken to improve the city’s environmental sustainability.
And most importantly? People for the most part are happy with the elected representatives that are running their city.
It is wishful thinking by the City Caucus boys and their brethren to predict a guaranteed recovery for the NPA when it comes to Council presence. Everything boils down to who the NPA Mayoral candidate will be, and at this point, there are few outside of Anton with the temerity to consider facing off against Robertson with that kind of a partisan anchor hanging around their neck.
Perhaps it is wishful thinking when Mike Klassen muses about those Vision councillors who might be in danger of defeat, in consideration of the possibility of him ultimately running for the NPA.
Regardless, no matter where you stand on the political spectrum in Vancouver, you will be hard pressed to find a political observer, or even a casual voter for that matter, who will deny the Robertson is political gold whose coattails are more than large enough to once again carry a strong majority.
Yes, a year and a half is a long time in the life a political regime, and of course, anything can happen.
But if the first half was any indication, Robertson’s momentum is going to be a huge deterrent to those contemplating a rival run for the top office in the city.
And that does not bode well for the future of either COPE or the NPA and their eventual candidates with either the courage or foolhardiness to put their names down on the ballot.
