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.

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-----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