Contrary to columnist belief, Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan must be more popular than ever. After all, according to an email sent out by his community relations manager Anna Lucarino, "over the past several weeks, our office has received many inquiries as to how to purchase memberships, financially contribute or become a volunteer to help support Mayor Sam Sullivan in this year's civic election. As noted in a recent memo from the City Clerk to all of Council, City resources are only to be used for matters directly related to civic business. Therefore, should you wish to learn more about Mayor Sullivan's election campaign or how to become involved, please direct your inquiries to his campaign via www.samsullivan.ca" - a re-election Website which was launched just last Thursday.

But wait a minute. Couldn't the email itself - which was sent to the mayor's contact list via a taxpayer-funded email address - be construed as related to partisan rather than civic business? Responded Ms. Lucarino, "I'm sure some might suggest that. But we were cognizant of some of the delineations between what the city deems is appropriate use of resources here and what is not." And the mayor's office, via the email, was simply trying "to clarify who does what as we near an election." The following is a complete copy of that message.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Vancouver Mayor's Office
Sent: January 31, 2008 9:52 AM

Subject: Memo regarding political campaign inquiries

Memo regarding political campaign inquiries Over the past several weeks, our office has received many inquiries as to how to purchase memberships, financially contribute or become a volunteer to help support Mayor Sam Sullivan in this year's civic election.

As noted in a recent memo from the City Clerk to all of Council, City resources are only to be used for matters directly related to civic business.

Therefore, should you wish to learn more about Mayor Sullivan's election campaign or how to become involved, please direct your inquiries to his campaign via www.samsullivan.ca.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

Anna Lucarino
Manager of Community Relations
Office of the Mayor
City of Vancouver