Independent parks board commissioner Allan De Genova has told Public Eye he's going to announce he'll be seeking the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination “in the very near future.” Mr. De Genova attended the civic party's recent annual general meeting. But, until now, the maverick politician has kept his options open - even expressing support for an independent mayoral bid by Finance Minister Carole Taylor. Indeed, in a December interview The Province's John Bermingham, Mr. De Genova stated, "I think somebody like Carole Taylor running as an independent mayor in Vancouver is exactly what we've needed for some time." But his hopes were dashed when Minister Taylor announced last month she wouldn't be making a bid for that office.
De Genova to seek mayoral nomination
February 4, 2008
This is going to be very tough for both Sam Sullivan and Gregor Robertson.
DeGenova isn't a typical left-winger like Jim Green, and has a strong grassroots network right around the city. Sam can't be beat by a left-wing NDPer like Gregor. Sam can be beat by a populist like Alan.
This is going to get very interesting. Vision would be fools not to take him on as their mayorality candidate. It could be Larry Campbell all over again.
"It could be Larry Campbell all over again." You've got to be kidding. Al DeGenova is no Larry Campbell...
Vision should get busy actively recruiting a mayoral candidate that has a vision that goes beyond simply advancing one's own career (which is apparently Mr. DeGenova's only vision).
Watch out, Sam - if Al doesn't get the Vision Vancouver nomination, he'll be coming back home to the NPA!
DeGenova has very little profile outside of the politico set...parks board is just not on the general public's radar screen. Besides--who is supporting him--Carole Taylor?
Carole Taylor is supporting him. At least according to a Vancouver Sun article awhile ago when she said she wasn't running but he should as he'd be a good mayor, and so is Larry Campbell.
"Al D." as he's known to friends will now be officially known as "Al N.D.P."
That is all.
I doubt that left-wing COPE will support him... COPE would likely consider him too right-wing, with his longtime NPA affiliation, and run their own mayoral candidate!
Look, anytime anyone runs for office vengefully launched by being ostracized is doomed. The electorate will not hand Al a platter this November primarily so he can triumphantly say 'told ya so!"
Simplify it in a sound-bite for voters to understand; he's dumped for not being a cooperative team player - a ground rule of every work place. His response?
He appeals publicly - no one seems to bother, then goes and joins the other team.
Well. He means well, but is destined to remain with the vast majority of us who will not become mayor of a major City.
Cassie is correct on his profile. Maybe after rebranding for consumers, run as an independent - Al de Generic. Or start a new party; Friction Vancouver.
"You want sparks? Well you GOT sparks!"