Even if Mike Klassen isn't officially running for an NPA nomination quite yet, he definitely seems to be speed walking towards that conclusion.
First, some thoughts on the Vision AGM…
Contrary to some reports, the meeting attracted 300+ people , in spite of the fact that the agenda and the tasks at hand were mundane at best. Unlike other parties/organizations/associations who are in the midst of a full-on identity crisis, Vision Vancouver’s AGM worked like clockwork. A report from the executive, a speech by new ED Ian Baillie, and a vote for 9 people all acclaimed to the executive (confusing? absolutely!).
But the one thing that struck me about the sentiments in the room is that there is heart and passion within the membership,the executive members, and most importantly, the elected caucus, that go far beyond electoral success.
Governance with heart, is how the Mayor put it. And while criticism will always come from those who are desperate to be back in power (the basic theme of the NPA’s corresponding AGM on the same night), this is a group that came to office with a distinct set of principles, and who are now moving ahead on the most broad-based and diverse agenda ever introduced at Vancouver’s City Hall.
This meeting was not about how to fool the voters. This meeting was not about repackaging a failed political movement. This meeting was not about candidates jockeying for position. It was, however, about a group of people that are Vision members not because they want to be in power, but because they want something to believe in when it comes to municipal politics.
I will happily take on Vision critics at every turn on policy objections, or on debates about the direction of the city. But more importantly, I will challenge the depth of those NPA faithful who have nothing but revenge and a return to entitlement on their mind.
This provides a natural transition to a speech made by Mike Klassen of CityCaucus at the NPA’s AGM that according to Frances Bula included the following line:
“We’ve got more media attention for this name change than we did for anything else we did in the in the last 18 months. My marketing mind says this is good.”
Well, as it happens, that single idea that got them more coverage than any other issue over the past 18 months has now been soundly defeated by the membership. How ironic.
Klassen’s loyalties, which no doubt influence his almost constant stream of venom against Vision Vancouver, are obvious (although that kind of acknowledgment never seems to make it into any of his posts).
So once again, I am asking the question: is Mike Klassen preparing himself for a run at City Hall?
More and more of the NPA members I speak to seem to think so. They also are curious about how he intends to rationalize those potential future plans with his participation in a site and with a writing partner who is so clearly convinced that the Non Partisan Association is a spent force.
Regardless, if Klassen does decide that he is going to take a shot at candidacy, his website rants become little more than noise from someone who has a direct personal stake in Vision Vancouver’s electoral fortunes.
I will continue to follow up this question, starting with an query to Mr. Klassen directly.
Stay tuned.
