Back in July, 24 hours' Alex Tsakumis reported Mayor Sam Sullivan's "henchmen have hatched a plot, at his 'quiet' behest to protect him from an NPA mayoral nomination meeting in 2008." But it seems the association's park board members aren't as enthusiastic about that proposal - which would ensure incumbent candidates won't have to compete for a spot on the civic party's slate. In an email sent to association president Matthew Taylor, Heather Holden, Korina Houghton, Ian Robertson and Marty Zlotnik write, "we the elected NPA Park Board caucus strongly oppose any type of incumbency protection. It is our view that the strength of the NPA has been and will continue to be its ability to attract the very best and brightest candidates that Vancouver has to offer. This cannot be accomplished with incumbency protection."

Asked for comment on the letter, Mr. Taylor said, "as the board prepares its nomination rules for the upcoming election year. We have made a special effort to consult with members of caucus. And we appreciate and listen very carefully to the views of caucus as expressed. There was nothing inappropriate about this (letter). To the contrary, this is exactly what we asked for." Taylor also said association board discussions about incumbency protection haven’t been driven by the mayor's supporters. The following is a complete copy of that email.

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August 29, 2007
Matthew Taylor
President
Non-Partisan Association

Via E-Mail

Dear Matthew,

Further to your request for input from the NPA caucus regarding incumbency protection, we the elected NPA Park Board caucus strongly oppose any type of incumbency protection. It is our view that the strength of the NPA has been and will continue to be its ability to attract the very best and brightest candidates that Vancouver has to offer. This cannot be accomplished with incumbency protection.

Thank you for the opportunity to express our opinion.

Sincerely

Heather Holden

Korina Houghton

Ian Robertson

Marty Zlotnik