irwinloy

Ah, city politics.

On the same day the city's mayor submits his official statement to the RCMP for its potential investigation into why he bought crack for an addicted friend, enlisting the help of his favourite PR firm to spin the mildly awkward news, that same firm enlists the help of the media to lobby City Hall, and the mayor, not to approve a controversial new Downtown soccer stadium.

It happened this week, with Mayor Sam Sullivan bypassing his on-staff press secretary in favour of PR firm Reputations, to explain to the media (but presumably not the RCMP) what went down, and why he did it. Enter Reputations' first e-mail of the day:

Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2006 7:30 AM From: Adam Grossman MEDIA ADVISORY

May 2, 2006

Mayor Sullivan gives statement to RCMP

Vancouver, BC - Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has today released an official statement made to the RCMP regarding his past decisions to provide money to illegal drug users.

The following are excerpts from the statement made by Mayor Sullivan to Inspector Paul Nadeau on May 1, 2006:

In my twelve years on City Council, I have been frustrated by the terrible harm caused to drug addicted individuals and the communities they live in. Whereas most jurisdictions rely on three pillars of public policy -- Prevention, Enforcement and Treatment -- I became convinced that we needed to add a fourth pillar -- Harm Reduction. In the late 90s, I began to advocate this in Council Chambers.

Between five and seven years ago, while this new Four Pillars concept was being discussed, I developed a friendship with two people with addictions who gave me great insights into the subject.

I learned a lot from these two wonderful people and what they taught has helped shape my thinking and City policy. I am committed to going further in following the path of harm reduction as a means of helping people like Shawn and Michele and as a way of reducing the harm to our neighbourhoods caused by drug addiction.

For more information regarding this statement, please contact Adam Grossman on 604.689.8801.

Less than two hours later, my e-mail inbox runneth over once again with another e-mail from Reputations. A new 'Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition' ain't pleased about Greg Kerfoot's plan to build the new Whitecaps stadium downtown. City Hall could give its blessing in June:

MEDIA ADVISORY
GASTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD COALITION TO LAUNCH PUBLIC CAMPAIGN AGAINST PROPOSED STADIUM

The newly-formed Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition will hold a press conference at a local Gastown restaurant to launch its public campaign against the proposed waterfront stadium. The coalition will be joined by other local groups to outline their concerns with the proposed stadium and its potential impact on Vancouver’s premier heritage area.

The Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition has been formed to provide a constructive voice for the Gastown residents and businesses who oppose the plans for the stadium.


When: Wednesday, May 3, 2006

Time: 10:00 A.M.

What: Press conference to launch the Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition’s public campaign

Location: 6 Acres Café (formerly Moonshine Café), 203 Carrall St. (behind the Gassy Jack Statue)


Media Contact:
Adam Grossman
Phone: 604-689-8801

It's at least the second time in recent weeks that Reputations, whose director of public affairs, Allen Langdon, a Peter Ladner backer, sits on the NPA's board of directors, has launched a campaign to influence city hall:

Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 10:03 AM From: Adam Grossman

For immediate release
March 21, 2006

Decision by City Council threatens future of Vancouver Marathon
Approval of U.S. proposal will irreparably harm City’s jewel

VANCOUVER, BC – The Board of Directors of the Vancouver International Marathon Society are gravely concerned that an upcoming decision by City Council could spell the end of their 35-year old race. City Council is slated to make a decision in April regarding a proposal from Elite Racing, a sport marketing company based out of San Diego, California, to introduce a half-marathon to Vancouver in August, 2007. The establishment of a half-marathon is likely just the first step as Elite is expected to apply for a full marathon in Vancouver within another year.

“We have carefully studied the potential impact of another marathon in this city and have determined that the city does not have the market at this time to support two major marathons,” said Gordon Cook, a member of the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s Board of Directors. “However, even the introduction of a competing half-marathon will have significant impact on our race as Elite will begin targeting the 50% of our registrants that travel from out-of-province to our race.”

The BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon is the largest marathon in the country and one of the largest events held in the City of Vancouver. The event is entering its 35th year and is run by the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society and its volunteer Board of Directors. The Society has six full-time staff and relies on over 1,800 volunteers to help run the event every year. The marathon generates over $20 million in economic activity each year, uses local suppliers and supports a number of local charities.

“The decision by Council next month is not whether to add another major racing event to Vancouver’s calendar, but whether they want to substitute a long-standing community event with a cookie cutter, U.S.-style show production,” said Cook. “To compete with Elite Racing is not about who has the best event, it is about how it leverages its marketing power in the U.S. to overpower local competition. We would not just be competing against another race; we would be competing against a major U.S. sport marketing company that can outspend us 10 times over.”

City Council will make a decision on Elite Racing’s proposal when the Annual Special Event Report is presented to them on either April 6th or 20th. If successful, Elite Racing will run the event out of its corporate headquarters in San Diego, California, where it employs a staff of 60. While the Vancouver International Marathon invests any excess profit back into its event and the community, any profits from Elite Racing’s event would be sent back to California.

“What I find particularly distressing is that this is just the latest example of how we as Canadians are selling out our local institutions,” said Cook. “I think it is incumbent on City Council to stand up for our event, which has a 35-year history of success in this community.”

- 30 -

For more information:
Adam Grossman
Tel: 604.689.8801

Fabulous stuff.

Related posts:
Pillars of Owen, By Sam Sullivan
Municipal elections and manila envelopes
Edgewater Casino losing $150,000 a week

Tags: vancouver, npa, sam sullivan, public relations, city hall, reputations, whitecaps, greg kerfoot