The caucus of squawkers talk amongst themselves.
“Defeat should never be a source of discouragement but rather a fresh stimulus” – Robert South
And if that were true for the realm of Vancouver politics, we would all be better off.
But alas, with the likes of the embittered souls associated to the NPA and/or Sam Sullivan, all we are left with is the squawking of political scavengers look for any scraps they can stick their beaks into.
There are accusations of a lack of leadership, even though more ground-changing political moves (Green Capital, HEAT, the rescue of the Olympic Village, the Vancouver 2020 plan, Vancouver’s first economic development strategy in two decades) than was accomplished in all of Sullivan’s term in office because of constantly being on the defensive on all issues with the public.
There are assumed controversies with every turn, as if implementing an agenda of change to both policies and City Hall structures by way of an overwhelming mandate from the people is somehow wrong.
There are complaints that Vision Vancouver is too populist because unlike Sam Sullivan, who advanced personal ego trips ahead of the will of communities, this Council is willing to listen to the people and adjust accordingly.
There are incessant attacks made on individual Vision councillors, commissioners and trustees because it is far easier to target the weaknesses of one rather than of a party that has extremely high approval ratings without any signs of slowing down.
And deep down, there is the knowledge that no amount of inside baseball, personal vendettas are making any kind of impact on an administration that has embarked on the most ambitious agenda in Vancouver municipal history.
Squawk on, boys.
