Election wrap up: letter to the editor

While mapping out potential new directions for my urban affairs blog CityCaucus.com, I've also been gently easing into Christmas festivities with my family and rekindling relationships that took a back seat during my campaign.

Last Friday I ran a 'thank you' ad to Vancouver voters in citywide editions of the Vancouver Courier (click for more details), and lately submitted a couple of letters to the editor to set the record straight in response to recent commentary about the 2011 election campaign.

In his own post-election comment, Courier editor Barry Link lamented the influence of alphabetical ballots, stating that all the while: "high-profile NPA candidates like Mike Klassen, who did everything but punch out a side of beef and jog up city hall's steps in his run for council, were left on the outside looking in." I love a good Rocky Balboa analogy, and it prompted me to write the following:

On the subject of ABC surnames raised by editor Barry Link, I think good ballot placement can definitely tip the balance. (I was surely tempted to run under my middle name Aaron.) However, I'll give credit to voters for picking George Affleck, Elizabeth Ball and Adriane Carr for the new council as they are all excellent choices. I'm convinced that Coun. Ball succeeded thanks to a reputation built through years of community service and innovation in Vancouver's arts scene.

Note that Woodsworth, Yuen and even myself came only a few hundred votes short of getting elected despite less favorable ballot placement. There are many things that can be done to ballots themselves without throwing out a system of governance that has helped to create a highly successful city like Vancouver. For example, today's printing technology can easily produce ballots with names placed in random order. Or candidates could be provided with a number beside their name, which could aid thousands of voters with limited comprehension of English.

As for predictions about a Vision dynasty, I wouldn't make that bet yet.

Vancouver politics-as the 2011 civic election demonstrated-is anything but predictable.

On a final note, I'd like to thank the Courier for its thorough and balanced coverage of Election 2011. I'm appreciative that your reporters acknowledged my city council campaign in a variety of stories, as name recognition is what breathes life into any first crack at elected office.

And with that, it's time to get that holiday shopping done.