Businessman Peter Ormesher has resigned from the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors to make a bid for the party's mayoral nomination. At present, that nomination won't be put to a vote. Instead, like all of the civic party's incumbent candidates, Sam Sullivan will get the nomination if he can prove to the board he has support from the community and the association - as well as a fundraising plan. But, as reported by The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, councillor Peter Ladner is opposing that so-called greenlight process, in part, because he wants Mayor Sullivan's job. And, speaking first with Public Eye, Mr. Ormesher says that prompted him to put his name forward.
"I think a two-way race could be seen as a war," he said. "But a three-person race is actually a race with new ideas. And it could be quite exciting for people - and beneficial for the people of Vancouver."
Asked whether he has any concerns about Mayor Sullivan's leadership, Mr. Ormesher replied he was in favour of getting some "new ideas and new people" in the association - adding he didn't think it was "a good thing" that Finance Minister Carole Taylor couldn't find a "home" with the party when she was considering running for mayor of Vancouver.
Asked whether he would run for Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination if the association doesn't have a race, Mr. Ormesher said, "I think I should wait for what the party says before I speculate what I should do." But he wouldn't "rule it out," stating "I do know people at Vision. And I like what they could potentially be."
Mr. Ormesher told the association's board and caucus members of his decision in an email. The following is a complete copy.
***
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Ormesher
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:27 PM
To: BC Lee; Carol Gibson; Don Lee; Elizabeth Ball; Heather Holden; Ian Robertson; Ken Denike; Kim Capri; Korina Houghton; Marty Zlotnik; Peter Ladner; Sam Sullivan; Shirley Wong; Suzanne Anton; Suzanne Anton 2
Subject: FW: letter to the board feb 12, 2008
Dear Sam and the rest of Caucus
As you know I have been working hard to support all of you in any way I can.
I have been thinking much about what next to do, and how I can best serve the people of this great city. I wish to run for the position of Mayor, as I have unique leadership and problem solving skills, that would mix well with the other experience and capability of this team.
I have written the board and copied the caucus. I have resigned from the board, as to remove the potential for any conflict.
I have enjoyed serving the NPA as a board member, and look forward to seeing what happens next.
With warm regards,
Peter Ormesher
With many federal Liberals joining Vision and on their board, with Allan De Genova running for the VV mayoralty and his so-called indication of signing up 500 new (likely centre-right) members for VV, and now with the NPA's Ormisher making the statement:
"I do know people at Vision. And I like what they **could potentially** be"...
I get the sense that moderate New Democrat VV may soon be usurped by both centre-left and centre-right Liberals and become moderate Liberal VV, with many NDP VV eventually members flocking back to COPE.
Politics sure makes for strange bedfellows!
Ormesher is one of the many oddities that politics attracts. Look him up on Facebook or google him if you want more evidence. He was one of the Team Ladner board selections from last year's NPA AGM, so maybe Peter can explain why this guy is running against him.
Oh the knives!
When will Sam crush these people like the little bugs they are?
The NDP and Liberals shall never join forces - if even just for one election - if he has his way.
Remember the mantra.
NDP bad!
Liberals almost as bad!
Ah, my first fan mail as a 'politician'! ; )
I tend not to analyze things as left, right, centre, as you can see on Facebook - Unite the City. Problems/challenges/issues follow a basic principal...a solution is needed, and someone has to pay for it.
Homelessness, crime, drugs, do not just impact one end of the political spectrum. Good leaders need a much bigger tool box than one equipped by completely left, right, or centre solutions.
I know Peter Ladner. This is not about him. I like Peter L. and he will need to come forward with leadership ideas. That is good for him, and for all.
VV is new and evolving. Organizations either are something, and they find a leader to keep it there, or they find a leader who has an opportunity to create something beyond where it is. Does someone have a crystal ball?