So Trish Kelly, the woman who got the most votes for Vision park-board candidate in the recent nomination, just issued a statement via Vision saying she is dropping out of the race because of a video she made is being “sensationalized.” This is all very weird — Vision vetters knew all about this video before Trish’s nomination went ahead, because Trish had told them all about it. And the online sensationalization was barely a trickle, compared to some media storms I’ve seen in my day, young fella. The party and Trish must have known someone would pick up on this. So why the change of heart (aka chickening out)?
Is this the election where a couple of Twitter remarks are going to be enough to derail candidates? Or one where Vision is going to going into major damage control over even the hint of danger? All quite odd, though I’m sure opponents are thrilled that VV has been wounded so earlier in the game.
This news seems to be causing a lot of angst in certain quarters, judging from early reaction, with people especially angry at the blogger who highlighted the video’s existence.
Here’s the Vision/Trish statement, plus some Twitter reaction
We regret to announce the withdrawal of Trish Kelly as a Park Board candidate for Vision Vancouver in the upcoming election.
“After 25 years of serving my community, I put my name forward as a Park Board nominee to move my life as a community activist fighting for social justice issues, to claiming a seat at the decision-making table. Unfortunately, my work in theatre and as a sex-positive activist is being sensationalized – and will clearly continue to be – distracting from my efforts in the community and in the election campaign,” said Trish Kelly.
Kelly ran a strong nomination campaign, engaging new communities and first time voters in the political process, in an effort to raise awareness of issues facing Vancouver.
“We commend Trish Kelly for the campaign she ran and the people she involved,” stated Maria Dobrinskaya, Co-Chair of Vision Vancouver. “Trish was upfront about her feminist body of work, and we honour her willingness to put the significant issues that we face as a city ahead of her personal and professional ambitions as a candidate.”
“I have never hidden from this work. I hold no shame nor regret for the work I have produced,” continued Kelly. “I have dedicated, and will continue to dedicate, much of my life to contributing to my community, to having difficult conversations, and to making myself vulnerable in order to make space for others.”
“Trish and the communities she represents will continue to be valued members of Vision Vancouver and we will work to ensure they are engaged moving forward,” concluded Paul Nixey, Co-Chair of Vision Vancouver.
The twittersphere
Top / All
Very creeped out by the way @trishkellyc was treated in the blogosphere. That wasn’t right at all.
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sarah blyth @sarahblyth@Garossino@csmithstraight@trishkellyc I’m horrified and really bitter about it. Trish is a great candidate just what Van needs. -
Pulpfiction Books @pfbvanIf you wonder why more women don’t run for office, consider the likes of
@raytomlin, rubbing his prudish hands together above his keyboard. -
Alex M-Z @alexdotdot+1
@njellan, there is definitely enough to criticize about@VisionVancouver without resorting to these tactics. I’m unimpressed,@raytomlin -
Nicholas Ellan @njellanC
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david fleming @davidcflemingYep.
@charenton – An open letter to Trish Kelly, former@VisionVancouver candidate http://bit.ly/1nQQJXT@trishkellyc, don’t go!!#vanpoli -
People · View all
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Trish Kelly @trishkellyc
and more
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Charlie Smith @csmithstraight.
@charenton open letter@TrishKellyc http://www.straight.com/news/688736/open-letter-trish-kelly-former-vision-vancouver-candidate …@georgiastraight@garossino@queenoftheparks#vanpoli#vancouver -
travis lupick @tlupick“
@VisionVancouver lost a great candidate in@trishkellyc. Who am I supposed to vote for now?” http://bit.ly/UeB74Q Good takeby@charenton_ -
Straight News @straightnewsAn open letter to Trish Kelly, former Vision Vancouver candidate http://j.mp/1tbuahb
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Stephen Hui @StephenHuiGreat letter to
@trishkellyc, who resigned as#VoteVision candidate today, by@charenton_ http://www.straight.com/news/688736/open-letter-trish-kelly-former-vision-vancouver-candidate …#vanpoli -
Straight News
@straightnewsTrish Kelly quits as Vision Vancouver park candidate to halt distractions over her sex-positive activism http://j.mp/1tXLfzh
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Charlie Smith
@csmithstraightSad day! Sex-positive distractions and
@TrishKellyc quits as@VisionVancouver candidate http://www.straight.com/news/688731/trish-kelly-quits-vision-vancouver-park-candidate-halt-distractions-over-her-sex-positive-activism …@georgiastraight#vancouver -
Stephen Hui
@StephenHuiMakes no sense:
@trishkellyc resigns as@VisionVancouver candidate over awesome sex-positive video http://www.straight.com/news/688731/trish-kelly-quits-vision-vancouver-park-candidate-halt-distractions-over-her-sex-positive-activism …#vanpoli#vanpoli -
Pulpfiction Books
@pfbvanSad to see Trish Kelly dropping out of the YVR election. Art- and sex-related work shouldn’t prevent anyone from seeking public office.
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shane woodford @WoodfordCKNW980.
@VisionVancouver@ParkBoard candidate Trish Kelly dropping out due to her work in theatre & as a “sex-positive activist.”#vanpoli -
emily jackson @theemilyjackson.
@VisionVancouver park board candidate Trish Kelly drops out due to online sex-positive videos and writing