The Coalition of Progressive Electors claims it's looking forward to sitting down with Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson to discuss a "joint mayor, joint slate, co-operative campaign and common platform." This, according to an email sent to coalition members by the association's external co-chairperson Ellen Woodsworth. So eyebrows were raised when Ms. Woodsworth from seemed to take a poke at Vision Vancouver in her invitation to the coalition's upcoming summer barbeque fundraiser.

"Whatever happens," she writes, "we need to ensure that COPE continues to be a strong and vital organization. In order to do that we need money!!" The reason: "COPE's finances are not supplemented by money from the developers or the gambling industry or big business."

Unlike, for example, Vision Vancouver - a point former councillor Tim Louis made at the coalition's last annual general meeting. According to The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, Mr. Louis criticized Vision Vancouver at that meeting because "Their single largest donor was an Internet gambling operator. Their donations from gambling were only surpassed by the donations from developers." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned emails.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Ellen Woodsworth
Sent: July 1, 2008 5:15 PM
Subject: [ewoods-announce] COPE

Dear Friends,

As you know COPE continues to work for unity with Vision Vancouver and other progressives in the city. We are hopeful things can be worked out over the next (short) period of time and will report to you on the progress. Whatever happens, we need to ensure that COPE continues to be a strong and vital organization. In order to do that we need money!! Yes, it's as always. COPE's finances are not supplemented by money from the developers or the gambling industry or big business. It's we little folks who have kept this organization going for 40 years and we need to continue that work. So, if you can buy a couple of tickets to the Summer Salmon Barbeque on July 17, that too would be most helpful. (See details below.) It's also one of our most fun events of the year - a beautiful summer night on the deck of the Rowing Club, chatting with friends, etc. What could be better??!!

Finally, please pass on the COPE newsletter below to all your lists. It sets out a bit about where things are at right now and our message needs to be heard. Your help is most appreciated.

Cheers,

Ellen Woodsworth

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June 20, 2008: Message to Members; Wong seeks COPE nomination; Salmon BBQ
Message to COPE members and Supporters

Dear Friends,

This has been an intense two weeks. COPE had a jam-packed AGM. The NPA defeated incumbent Mayor Sam Sullivan and nominated Peter Ladner, who has voted with Sam on 99.9 per cent of the issues. And Vision Vancouver nominated Gregor Robertson as its mayoral candidate.

In his acceptance speech, Gregor reached out to COPE. I have conveyed congratulations to him and asked for a meeting to discuss how we can work together to defeat Ladner and the NPA this November. Our negotiating team looks forward to sitting down with Gregor on the basis of the proposals we’ve made to Vision -- a joint mayor, joint slate, co-operative campaign and common platform.

Vancouver faces enormous challenges. There is a health crisis in the Downtown East Side, affordable housing is being replaced by million dollar condos, tenants are facing skyrocketing rents, and many seniors are at risk of homelessness. While working people, students and seniors watch crowded buses pass them by, Ladner and the NPA supported fare hikes. And while we need a real environmental policy, the NPA is pushing its so-called ‘eco-density’ plan - which is just a cover for increasing developer profits.

COPE Cllr David Cadman says that “what makes this year especially exciting for us is that finally a Vancouver municipal election will be fought over affordable housing, transportation and environmental sustainability. These are COPE's issues, since we began in 1968. Furthermore, the nomination of Mr. Robertson creates an important opportunity for our city. The numbers are clear, if we work together, we can return progressive government to City Hall.”

The stakes are just as high at Park and School Board where COPE representatives have held the NPA to account and put forward real solutions.

COPE park commissioners worked with community groups to defeat ridiculous NPA schemes like trading public space in Pacific Spirit Park for an elite private golf course, cutting community centre funding, putting robot dinosaurs in Stanley Park, and erecting a giant, for-profit tourist tower over Queen Elizabeth Park.

Allied with parents and teachers, COPE school trustees stopped the sale of public school property, advocated for students with special needs, called attention to the immediate need for seismic upgrading, and saved two vital elementary annexes from closing.

COPE must remain a vital part of city government so our priorities, principles and values continue to shape Vancouver for another four decades.

That’s why your COPE Executive remains committed to pursuing a principled coalition with other progressive groups to defeat the NPA. We’ll work hard to make sure that happens, but we are also continuing our preparations for an independent campaign if that becomes necessary.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at the COPE Annual Salmon Barbecue on July 17 at the Stanley Park Rowing Club.

Ellen Woodsworth,
External Co-Chairperson