All of you civic-politics junkies who were wondering what to do with your Saturday morning this weekend, your troubles are over.
Michael Geller, with Gordon Price and Bob Ransford, has organized a morning of panels to discuss and debate Vancouver politics of the past year, as we approach the one-year anniversary of the civic election. It will be at SFU’s Wosk Centre for Dialogue, the lower level.
I highly recommend that all of you come in disguise, i.e. wearing the pseudonym of another poster than yourself. That ought to really mess with people’s heads. I will be present refereeing the pig-wrassling forum, um, media debate, I mean.
Here’s the full news release from Michael et al.
THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS:
A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR IN VANCOUVER MUNICIPAL POLITICS…
AND A LOOK FORWARD
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14, 20009 marks the one year anniversary of the last election day in Vancouver; a day that resulted in a significant change in the political landscape and leadership of our city. The purpose of this event is to mark this anniversary with a review of the highlights of the past year in Vancouver municipal politics, particularly in terms of the accomplishments of Council and staff in the areas of housing, planning and development; fiscal management and economic development; and leadership.
The following is a draft program comprising 3 sessions, each just over one hour in length, with no formal break. It is suggested that there be 4 panelists and a moderator for each session and that the format include very brief presentations, followed by a question and answer dialogue amongst the moderator and panelists, followed by at least 15 minutes of questions from the floor.
While some of the participants have past ties to the NPA, others do not. It is proposed that this not be a highly-charged partisan event. Rather, the intention is to celebrate the one year anniversary of the election, take a look at what has been happening, and engage in substantive discussions on key issues to hopefully identify strategies and actions for the coming year.
While some of the participants have been confirmed, others are suggestions only and have not yet been confirmed (TBC).
8:00 Coffee and Muffins
8:30 WELCOME, Bob Ransford, Moderator
8:45 to 9:55 Presentation and Panel Discussion: How the city is changing
Moderator (invited by not confirmed) Panelists: Gordon Price, Michael Geller, Jim Green. Topics to include HEAT shelters, Olympic Village, laneway housing, bicycle lanes on Burrard Bridge, the rental housing incentives, the homelessness initiatives, the CBD policy changes, the view/capacity study, and the Cambie Street planning process, and more.
10:00 to 11:10 Panel Discussion: Balancing the books and creating a green economy
Moderator: Peter Ladner (confirmed). John Tylee, representative of Vancouver Economic Development Commission (confirmed); representative of ThinkCity (James Fletcher confirmed) and representative of Greenest city task force; Topics to include balancing the books and improving Vancouver’s economic prospects through a green economy.
11:15 to 12:25 Media Panel: The view from the Pundits
Moderator: Frances Bula (confirmed) Panelists: Mike Klassen (confirmed), Monte Paulson (confirmed), Jonathan Ross, Miro Cernetig. Topics to include highlights of the past year, key accomplishments and outlook for the coming year.
12:25 to 12:30 Wrap up Ransford
Venue: Wosk Centre for Dialogue –Lower Level
Admission by donation