Some things just need to be said...

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Mayor Larry Campbell won't run

Update: For the real reason, or word on the street as why Larry Campbell quit, the Gazetteer doesn't disappoint ...

Mayor Campbell will not seek to be reelected this fall.




"I am not a politician, but I did accomplish a lot in the last three years." ~ Mayor Larry Campbell at a press Conference, June 30, 2005.

Campbell has gone fishing. The best Mayor in Canada has decided not to run in the November elections this year. This after taking Vancouver to a leadership role in North America. Campbell has also managed to have great relationships with both the government in Victoria and Ottawa without selling out. Likely these senior governments were wanting to ensure they did not make an enemy of the popular mayor.

Campbell was a strong supporter of the Olympics, yet he was willing to put it to a referendum. There were many ticked off with this and Campbell was right. The people of Vancouver voted to hold the Olympics.

Vancouver's Mayor Larry Campbell gained support from all sectors of the city, retaining that support into the end of his first term. No past Mayor in recent history has managed this certainly not Gordon Campbell, though popular never managed to gain city wide support.

Larry as most people know him as, came forward several years ago challenging the City, Province and Federal governments to do something about the deaths from drug overdoses and to end the harm of drug use.

As one of the many people that worked to advance the four pillars program in Vancouver, I saw first hand the dedication and passion Larry had for these people and his common sense approach to addressing it.

The speculation is that the mayor will be in line for Senate appointment or may run federally. I suspect first on his agenda will be a trip Saskatchewan for some down time and fishing!

I will have more on Larry Campbell's decision not to run later today.

See Common Ground story on Campbell's inaugural address here.

CBC on "Larry Campbell calls it quits" Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell says he won't run for re-election this fall. Campbell made the announcement at a news conference at city hall on Thursday morning. FULL STORY

CKNW News on Campbell's announcement today.

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