November 19, 1999

Vancouver Votes: Decision Day - THE COMMENTARY

By Joseph Planta

VANCOUVER - In the hours leading up to voting day, this Saturday if you haven’t noticed yet, you ignorant fool. The political lines are drawn, the rhetoric has been spewed and the voters are ready to trek to the polls, at least those who give a damn. Politics at the civic level, are rather boring, they’re lame because they have little power. Unlike the federal government or the provincial type, it’s hard to find fault in the folks at Cambie and 12th, but that’s just the way it is.

On voting day, don’t look for COPE/Green’s David Cadman to win. He can’t possibly beat Philip Owen, because as I have said in this column, Vancouverites are an apathetic bunch. The status quo will get embraced and that’ll spill on to city council. Of the 10 seats, no less than 7 will go to the NPA. Watch for incumbents like George Puil, Gordon Price, Jennifer Clarke, Lynne Kennedy and Sam Sullivan. Of the new runners, Sandy McCormick has a good chance and I think if not on, but both of the Lee’s, Daniel and Don will retain their seats. COPE/Green will try to make a presence, with Nancy Chivario under their independent banner, she could win a seat. The other independent, Alan Herbert could retain his seat. I think I’ve predicted too much, for the 10 seats, These are the front-runners.

We’ll see, what’ll happen on Saturday. It’ll be a lacklustre race, but it’s a race that’s democracy at its most natural. Go out an vote, if you are eligible.

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An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE .