Home / Provincial / Kash Heed’s Shoots His Own Personal Stallion–The Case Against Barinder Sall: Ian Mulgrew’s Outstanding Review

Kash Heed’s Shoots His Own Personal Stallion–The Case Against Barinder Sall: Ian Mulgrew’s Outstanding Review

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It is a privilege to be a political assistant.

In Victoria and later (hocking speeches in Ottawa) I always thought I was getting more play than I deserved. I thought we all did, at least those of us lucky enough to get the call.

In those days, responsibility beckoned. You didn’t do $500.00 dinners and ride around in limos–unless you were with the Minister or Premier. Although, I will admit to some terrific cigars at the Chateau Laurier.

Regardless, the endless perks and immediate respect in circles you previously thought closed, you were there to aide your Minister/Premier/Prime Minister. You were there to ensure that not only ‘your guy’ or ‘your gal’ does right, but also appears to be doing what is right. It’s not enough in the nasty game that political life has become to simply seek to do the right thing.

The approach is so very important.

When I first met Barinder Sall, we’ve only met twice–both times at a bar where he quaffed his favorite summer libation, mojitos, I was impressed with his articulate, intelligent conversation. This was no dummy. He struck me as bright enough and, much more importantly, had a deft handle of the issues then plaguing the Campbell government.

Think someone not anywhere as intelligent as Bob Virk, but with the a similar easy-going, comfortable personality. Think Dave Basi, but without the megawatt charisma and steel trap mind.

Sall was destined to go places, I thought. A canny operator, not gifted, but able. He knew all the players and wasn’t stupid to side with one end of the very powerful Indo-Canadian community or the other. He knew everyone and everyone knew him, or at least of him.

His star was on the rise.

But as so often happens in the modern era of the political operative, it can all go off the rails quite quickly and how!

Ian Mulgrew, of the Vancouver Sun, has written what I consider an absolutely brilliant piece on Sall–but Kash Heed too. In it, you will see what I have written here about Heed before: He is an incredibly slick, snake-oil salesman, with an ego that could lap the equator enough times to reverse the earth’s axis. Heed is so diabolical that he had this kid Sall falling just short of shining his shoes. I believe Sall when he claims to Mulgrew that Heed knew about everything. And that Heed’s claims he was “exonerated” is such incredible horse manure in light of the facts: He was fined and there was no shortage of evidence, both in court and in the press, that he was aware of everything Sall was up to.

But just as his pal Christy Clark mightily did to Bob Virk and Dave Basi, who were intimately part of her personal political bailiwick for years, Heed threw Sall under the bus the second trouble loomed, if only to make himself look not as bad, since the evidence trail could only land at Sall’s doorstep–as it always does when you’re the hatchet man; when you’re doing the dirty work. Heed knew this and took full advantage, playing the press like a violin.

But Mulgrew isn’t buying it, neither am I and nor should you. Heed was just as responsible as Sall for the dirty tricks that happened and they both know it. Sall covered Heed’s derriere when the latter was busy making an ass of himself as Police Chief in West Vancouver (where controversies still swirl about the aftermath of his departure…more on that soon). It was a time when Vision Vancouver’s slut poodle Jonathan Ross was writing brochures for ridiculous sums of money (when you compare it to the work) and his (now former) wife became Heed’s assistant. Sall made everything happen for Heed and that didn’t change when Heed was eyeing the big prize.

Basi and Virk took it in the teeth for their masters (that much is abundantly clear) just like Sall did now, except that Sall must also accept blame for following such a thoroughly corrupt process–like Basi and Virk did, but Sall won’t. His ego won’t let him. In a sense, it’s unsurprising to see him enter a futile pissing contest with Heed in public (on the pages of Vancouver’s biggest broadsheet).

Maybe if they’d paid Sall’s legal bills and bound him to another absurd confidentiality clause, he’d have kept his mouth shut. He cost Heed his job. The (temporary, but real) collateral damage to first-rate Global reporter Catherine Uruqhart, over an utterly mindless note from Sall, was unnecessary and unseemly. You don’t write things like that when you’re in such a position of responsibility. Sall brought innocents down, even a notch or two, who had unshakable careers and honest lives: Heed’s opponent the NDP’s Gabriel Yiu, chief among them.

But it was Heed who got away with it. He knew damned well what was going on. I’ve never worked for a candidate, Minister who didn’t. My brief time with Bill VanderZalm was different. Far from being Machiavellian, he was almost Vaudevillian. No one worked the front room better. The back room was a different story.

As it was with Heed–a MUCH different story. This is a man so drunk on his own megalomania and so wholly driven by his quest for power that he saw nothing of what Sall proposed.

It was all part of a game.  THE game…

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Author: Date: Monday, October 31, 2011 
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Comments

72 Responses to “Kash Heed’s Shoots His Own Personal Stallion–The Case Against Barinder Sall: Ian Mulgrew’s Outstanding Review”
  1. froth says:
    October 31, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    “Sall paints Heed as an ambitious, manipulative Machiavelli bent on becoming premier”

    Not anymore! All Kashed-out.

    Reply
  2. Seymour Forest says:
    October 31, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Another “rising star” gets torpedoed by his own misfortune his ego and the ego of his master

    See that often enough.

    Read a bit of the Mulgrew story. Fascintating reading. Thing is, Sall didn’t to much more for Heed in 2009 than any other campaign management person would do. It takes experience in the field to do it right, but it doesn’t mean a person like Sall is exclusive to that domain, far from it. Seen better quality results from volunteers.

    and as far as VanderZalm goes, you should have seen that whole episode from the party end. As the saying goes,” you had to see it to believe it.” and being there was worse than getting there.

    Reply
    • AGT says:
      October 31, 2011 at 2:47 PM

      Believe me, it was bad enough on the bus, on the plane or in the office.

      And then when it was done, unless you were an official staffer, he wouldn’t acknowledge your work or position. Amazing.

      Reply
      • Seymour Forest says:
        November 1, 2011 at 10:05 AM

        The Boy sez:

        “And then when it was done, unless you were an official staffer, he wouldn’t acknowledge your work or position. Amazing.”

        Heard in the Forest:

        Not uncommon. Goes with the territory. Even now.

        But back to Sall, one question does remain:

        If he inists there is $40,000 unaccounted for, where does he think this was? This figure of his is not an arbitrary one, he obviously knows something that, and he does not squeak.

        I blame both Heed and Sall on this one. Heed should have known to be precise in his campaiging especially when it comes to finance. It doesn’t take a CMA to keep track of all campaign expenses.

        As for Sall, as intelligent as the guy is, I wonder if he was just living this artificial life of his, and not taking any real responsibility for the position that he was in. A campaign manager is the top guy, and with it takes the responsibility.

        That riding of his was BC Liberal since 2001, and wasn’t a difficult to win “turnover” riding, since Ken Johnston had that riding and after he was bumped off by the party, Wally Oppal. The only offset is that it was not an area represented by either the federal Liberals or the Conservatives.

        Heed is obviously covering his backside, and so is Sall.

        Reply
        • AGT says:
          November 1, 2011 at 10:15 AM

          What’s amazing too is that Sall went out of his way to cover cranberry champ Peter Dhillion–”He had nothing to do with it.” But then when you read the court record, Dhillion was the one that wrote all the cheques!

          Why the extraordinary measures to cover Dhillion?

          Reply
          • Seymour Forest says:
            November 1, 2011 at 11:05 AM

            This is politics, m’boy..

            The alleged extraordinary measures to cover Dhillion were done for a reason.

            There’s something else afoot out there, and Sall doesn’t squeak.

            He’s obviously deliberately leaving some things out.

            The cheques themselves were also written for a reason.

            Basic political accounting practices:

            What is an accounts receivable now, will most likely become an accounts payable later.

            While it does happen frequently (and ffor good reason I might add), not too many others write sizeable cheques to a candidate because the cheque writer wants the candidate to succeed in his/her campaign and actually believes in the candidate’s goals.

            I’ve always grown suspicious of the same people showing up at political events again and again. . It’s those who are not the usual “have to go to see and be seen” nauseating political social climbers we’ve seen.

            There’s a few things missing from this equation that doesn’t make it balance.

            Reply
  3. Robbie says:
    October 31, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Why does this whole saga remind me of a kaleidoscopic collage of I Spy, Man from UNCLE, Mission Impossible, and a Gilligan’s Island episode, sans the beauty and mystique of Mary Anne and Ginger?

    Reply
  4. Jack says:
    October 31, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    No sympathy, whatsoever. You dance with the Devil, expect to get forked.

    Reply
  5. Paul says:
    October 31, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    It really has the same feel as some of the conversations you brought us between Basi and Virk. One needs a shower or two after reading either piece.

    Reply
  6. nonconfidencevote says:
    October 31, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Unfortunately, I’m sure that with an ego the size of Kash Heed’s, we havent heard the last of him.
    He’s burned more bridges than a frigging forest fire in the interior but he turns the meggawatt smile on for the cameras…………

    Reply
  7. Froth says:
    October 31, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Heed this: Kash can smile all the way to hell… but he ain’t going to Victoria.

    Reply
  8. Wake up BC! says:
    October 31, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Another prime example of how, by bestowing far too much centralized power in the premiers office, it will continue to attract power hungry megalomaniacs rather than those who truly have the desire to serve their constituents.

    Reply
  9. Josef says:
    October 31, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Great blog post Alex. Supreme cut, $25/lb steak here.

    One thing though… Kash Heed really needs to be fired as MLA over this. But then again when quite a few MLAs, staffers and fans read this blog they suspect the most dirty of the most dirty tricksters is in their own HQ…

    Reply
    • AGT says:
      October 31, 2011 at 10:16 PM

      $25/lb?!?!?!

      We got rid of Morton’s didn’t we?! LOL!

      As for Heed, yes, if he had any shame at all, he’d resign. Otherwise, I don’t know how that caucus can allow someone like that any latitude. He cheated and was fined for it. he should be kicked out. You’re absolutely right.

      Reply
      • Josef says:
        November 1, 2011 at 7:47 PM

        Thanks. My father is a hobby farmer so I know something about steak.

        Today, the VanCBC broke a big story: http://is.gd/c5ghbc Premier Cute has said caucus will render judgment in the near future. I dare them to fire the twat. Heed is a dishonourable member, QED, period.

        In other news, Public Eye Online is going offline and I’m sure you will have supreme commentary. Sad day, but at least you’re here. Thank goodness.

        Reply
  10. R says:
    October 31, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Bci 939 how about pmo office as well.?

    Reply
  11. Derek says:
    October 31, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    I don’t expect you to allow this post, but I will continue.

    It seems to me that there are an inordinate number of indiscrestions stemming from Indo Canadian people involved in politics.

    Can someone please explain why this is.

    Reply
    • AGT says:
      November 1, 2011 at 8:57 AM

      I’m only too happy to allow this. I did a post on it some time ago. It centers mostly on how Sikh politics is practiced back home-and this often translates to here. Their numbers are huge. And there is the manipulation of this otherwise honest and hard-working community by the federal Liberal Party. The fellow who started this was Mark Marissen back when he was setting up Paul Martin for PM.

      If you go into my search bar and put in Ujjal Dosanjh, you’ll find lots that I’ve written about this.

      Reply
  12. GY says:
    October 31, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    Thanks Alex for the compliment. The unasked question is, who paid the $40,000 over-spending? I don’t think this is from Sall’s own pocket. Whether it was paid by Heed or the BC Liberal Party, it would be a even bigger story.

    Gabriel Yiu

    Reply
  13. Crankypants says:
    October 31, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    After reading Mulgrew’s article this morning I was seeing red. It seems pretty obvious to me that the Special Prosecutor system employed in BC is nothing more than a clearing house for the malfeasance of our elected officials. The revelations of Sall regarding overspending by Heed’s campaign versus the version the Special Prosecutor uncovered are just too great to accept that a thorough investigation was conducted.

    Another thing that bothers me is how political campaigns seem to be run in this province. The BC Liberal Party’s and NDP Party’s latest leadership races were marred with questionable dealings that were never truly explained but instead swept under the carpet. I know that many feel that these races should not matter to the general public regarding as to how the winner succeeded, but one has to be cognizant that it is most likely that one or the other will become our next Premier and it is paramount that the voters have the feeling that the choices put before them got there in an honest manner.

    I don’t think that Elections BC should be ignored in how they handled the Kash Heed situation either. They failed to make an example of a politician that obviously refused to colour within the lines which does nothing more than reward dishonesty. In fact, it should be ringing alarm bells to the masses that there could be less than proper oversight on the results of many of those occupying the Legislature and others may not be deserving of said seats.

    Reply
  14. Splendor Sine Occasu says:
    November 1, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Ever since he pulled that stunt as Chief Constable of the West Van Police, where he tipped off a Global reporter to put her camera outside his office window to record him dressing down and firing a constable, I had no respect for Kash Heed. At the time I watched that, I said to myself, “He’s going to run for office.”

    He’s only proved to me that he is slimy since running for office.

    Reply
  15. canuck4liberty says:
    November 1, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    I don’t have any stories in particular to share Alex but the more I hear about Heed the more and more I am not surprised. My Dad and I both live in Vancouver-Fraserview (not looking forward to being represented by George Chow after the next election but that’s just me) and my Dad’s neighbor, a retired cop, served under Heed in West Vancouver. He told my Dad who told me, that he was a pain in the derriere to work for and wouldn’t be surprised if a scandal plagued him during his career. What a physic eh?

    Reply
  16. froth says:
    November 1, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Kash la Rue was quoted this morning as making some pretty rude and insulting comments about his fellow colleagues in government .

    Time to resign if you have any morals left Mr Heed ;-)

    Reply
  17. Keith says:
    November 1, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    HI Alex,

    a couple of posters have made reference to the practices of Indo.-Canadian politics and with your explanation of the federal Liberal involvement. But to be clear, every party provinciay and federal have used the community to suit their own goals, whether it be at election time or running for a leadership.

    In reference to Kash and your latest revalations about his antics, why is anyone surprised,? the sleaze, corruption, lying, political payoffs, two tier justice system, Gordo playing fun and games with the now besmirched order of B.C. et. al. has become part of our political discourse. As such this has effected virtually every member of the government and attracted less than savoury characters jumping or being helped onto the gravy train. This morning ( 1 Nov.) the Times Colonist has a report on head honcho’s at Hydro getting bonuses for profits yet to be made , if ever, based on dodgy accounting. Unfortunately the beat goes on

    This is a perfect opportunity for Christy to show the rest of us it’s not Gordo’s Liberals.

    Reply
    • AGT says:
      November 1, 2011 at 4:49 PM

      The reason Christy and Gordon can’t get along is because they are EXACTLY alike. It’s why I took such offence to my friend Gary Mason’s recent column on her, wherein, he claimed that she wasn’t like Campbell.

      Extraordinary.

      Reply
  18. lola says:
    November 1, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    I’m running out of ways to express my hatred for this corrupted liberal govt., it seems like every day there is another reason to hate them. How Heed can keep his job is beyond me. You’d think the liberals would do the right thing for once and kick him out. If only to make them look good,like they are a responsable, accountable govt. But we know they will never do that,they are way to f#$king sleazy

    Reply
  19. lola says:
    November 1, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Whats this i hear ,Heed calling other liberal mla’s losers,and goofs, never ends does it?

    Reply
  20. Kelln says:
    November 1, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    I can’t even go a day now without reading of some more / new dirt coming up from the last 10 years about this crew in Victoria and the devils they dance with.

    Pardon the language but just what in the hell is going on in Victoria? How can anyone with a conscience continue to blindly support this government?

    Reply
  21. James B says:
    November 2, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    An average working stiff would look at this situation as Kash hanging on to a very nice paycheck for as long as he can. Likely to get a much better severance if he is let go, rather than quit. What exactly does this man do for the voters that he represents in his riding? It seems GC inspired many with his ways….we see how that is working out. A truly good and honest role model , honest media and a just legal system is what we should strive for. Why all the steps backwards? So many excuses. Thanks for being a decent role model,Alex.

    Reply
  22. Donald R says:
    November 2, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Alex: I have new found respect for Mike Smyth. Read on!

    http://www.theprovince.com/news/Kash+Heed+sees+himself+modern+superhero+aide+says/5647898/story.html

    Christy will go apoplectic when she reads this.

    I’m grinning from ear to ear…..

    Reply
  23. thecossack says:
    November 2, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    I am not a fan of “slam an opinion down Mulgrew”, but he, or perhaps someone else, did a good job in this one.

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says:
    November 3, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Sall is obviously covering for Dhillon, since Dhillon provided Sall access to his “cranberry-powered” suite at the Olympics. All in all though, Sall did get what he deserved. Afterall, he is one with a big head & a “brown girl chasing James Bond”.

    Reply
  25. Bhaji says:
    November 4, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Power broker? Barinder?!? LOL!! He lives with his mommy & daddy! Yes! Mommy & daddy!! He is a joke to the people he went to school with. Please ask him how he would pay us to let him hang around with us. We used to skip out of class & hang around his house on Knight Street where we would raid his fridge. The self proclaimed “Brown James Bond” is laughed at by most East Indian women. I love the way the media portrays him because he is nothing but a joke to the South Vancouver community!

    Reply
  26. Seymour Forest says:
    November 4, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    If there’s another item proclaiming how everyone should be sorry for Balinder Sall, I’m gonna barf.

    Geezus. “Batphone”, “Stallaion”?? No wonder many including myself find the arrogance of some Ministerial Assistants irritating. I’v known a few MAs are are very courteous and professional and don’t let the position go to their heads as Sall has obviously wanting people to be sorry for him. It was his call and his responsibilty. Heed’s responsibilty was in the approval process.

    and just who in this campy comedy is “Cat Woman”, “Alfred” and “Commissioner Gordon”? Then there’s the Joker (as played by Caesar Romero).

    and can’t wait to see who played The Penguin.

    Reply
  27. Bhaji says:
    November 4, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    I guess Krispy Klark is Commissioner Gordon? It’s funny how Sall expects us to feel sorry for him. He’s the scum sucker who tried to act bigger than he is. It’s funny how he plays a big shot to the media but is a so cowardly when he speaks to anyone who is even remotely ‘tough’.

    Reply
  28. LC says:
    November 5, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Can’t wait for Christy’s decision on this one. They can’t fire him as MLA, The whole recall process would have to be played out to remove Kash from his seat. That would take too long. If he gets removed from caucus, he sits as an independent. We can only imagine how Batman would play that card (Joker) trump card, and the Libs loose a vote. Sorry , Christy, you are stuck with him.

    Reply
    • Seymour Forest says:
      November 5, 2011 at 10:12 AM

      He can’t be fired as an MLA per se, but he can be dumped from caucus. If that happens, that may set off a by-election if Kash Heed decides he wants to move on which the NDP would win.

      ANother thing in this comical story, is envision this folks:

      Eaxctly where is the Batcave? An entrance hidden amongst the trees underneath a park around Oak Street?

      and a dutch angle filming of the lairs of the villans?

      Does Batman and Fallout Boy do the “Batman and Robin climbing of the walls” to get into the Legislature at night?

      Reply

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