EXCLUSIVE ‘BREAKING NEWS’: Guess Who Chased Joe Trasolini to the BC NDP? Hint: It Wasn’t Patrick Kinsella, But Close!
When Joe Trasolini, superstar candidate from Port Moody, announced he was running for the BC NDP in the next provincial election, the mainstream press in this province didn’t lift a finger to find out why such a long-time supporter and, in fact, friend, of the Premier wouldn’t be running with her.
Trasolini, who is infamous for trying to be non-partisan and as impartial as possible, was a lock for MLA in that constituency, no matter for whom he ran. The most successful Mayor in the history of Port Moody, he knew Christy Clark from when she was the MLA in that same constituency–before Iain Black replaced her, and Jumpin’ Joe had a terrific relationship with her.
And her now ex-husband, federal Liberal operative Mark Marrisen.
Perhaps that’s why prior to Trasolini making a firm decision on running, Marissen was dispatched by his ex-wife to meet with Trasolini and re-fire the embers of Trasolini’s political ambitions into a raging blaze.
Marissen, to his great credit, knows how to finesse a candidate one-on-one. For as much as he’s less than convincing in complex political plays (as evidenced by his key assistance in decimating the Liberal Party of Canada, through successive Martin and Dion mistakes), Marissen could sell sand to Arabs in a confined environment.
Regardless of how Trasolini has characterized his NDP epiphany since announcing that he’s running provincially, Marissen met with Trasolini and spoke to him by phone, multiple times–to make him a candidate–and let me repeat, in that environment, Marissen is one of the best in the province.
Marissen told Trasolini that the Premier really wanted him as a candidate. Of course, to Trasolini, who held all the cards–and knew it, this was welcome news. He’d win the constituency in a walk, Clark would get the star candidate she wanted and the win she desperately needed and the momentum would be with the BC Liberals, who, at that point, could eke out a win in Chilliwack, despite a swelling BC Conservative tide. Trasolini would be a sure Cabinet Minister and all would be well in the world.
Now, here’s where you get to watch a train wreck in slow motion. Here’s where you see Christy’s interminable stupidity at work, and how her political judgement has always been so very, very bad. The leader of the ‘We Only Cheat When We Can’t Win’ Team, commits to such a grave error, that the whole game is lost well within a two week period.
Christy goes out to Port Moody and finally meets with Trasolini. They talk for a few minutes, before Trasolini lays out what he’d like to see–as any star candidate would. Nothing outrageous, nothing out of the ordinary. But there were two points the former Mayor of Port Moody wanted to see some movement on. One was the HST and the other was the Evergreen Line. Recognizing that she couldn’t deliver on either, Clark starts to talk Cabinet posts, etc to soften him. But Trasolini won’t have any of it: he insists on the people first, never mind what goes to him. Who wouldn’t take a Cabinet post at that point, or ask for one? But the Evergreen Line and a discussion on how the HST was killing the businesses and lives of good people, were his sticking points.
So, at that point, Her All Christyness ends the meeting rather abruptly saying he’ll be hearing from “an advisor.”
Are you seated? Hold on to the railing, desk, dashboard (I hope you’re parked) or person next to you….
Bruce Clark.
Yes, once again, that paragon of virtue and ethics steps in and turns the entire process on its head by playing hardball with Trasolini.
He called Trasolini and met with him. From the outset, Bruce Clark tells him that there were many people in the government that were ‘pissed off’ with Trasolini because of the countless ways he had embarrassed the government, especially over the Evergreen Line.
Trasolini then tells Bruce Clark to ‘cut the shit’ because the Premier, Clark’s illustrious sister, had told Joe that she absolutely wanted him ‘on board.’
Bruce Clark, either oblivious to the repercussions of losing Trasolini or indifferent to the nightmare of losing Port Moody–solid free enterprise ground, then tells him that the party was also going to consider other candidates and there was no guarantee Trasolini would get the nomination–making, of course, THE fatal mistake.
Bruce Clark–steeped in amateurish strategy, took hardball to a new level–despite the party having reached out to Trasolini and NOT the other way around. Having stunned Trasolini into silence, he tells him to relax, and that he’d get back to him in a couple of weeks.
Trasolini was incredulous after waiting THREE weeks without even so much as a peep out of Bruce Clark, his sister the Premier or her ex-husband Mark Marrisen.
So, Mr. Star Candidate picked up the phone and called the Premier directly.
No response.
He tried a second time.
Still no response.
Well, what’s a star candidate to do? At that point, and it’s not clear who he played footsie with first, the BC NDP or the BC Conservatives, but as soon as Trasolini meets with Adrian Dix, the die was cast. It was over, Trasolini would become the next MLA for Port Moody, carrying the momentum to the BC NDP.
This DEVASTATED Clark, so what did she do? She sent out all her organs to discredit Trasolini in the press. But it didn’t matter. He was wanted by the BC NDP the most and the deal was done.
Last night, I called Joe Trasolini, who I last saw at the BC NDP convention. Always articulate, but not particularly prepared, here’s the non-personal, important part of the conversation, verbatim.
AGT: So, that’s how it went, first Mark, then Christy and then Bruce, her brother, who managed to screw everything up. Comments?
JT: How did you know that?
AGT: C’mon Joe, you really don’t expect me to tell you that, do you? The fact remains they wanted you and royally screwed the whole thing up…
JT: Look, I’m not going to deny what you say is true, but I’m not about confirming stuff like that on the record either. I’m a guy about fairness and about the people first. All three parties sent out guys to me and I said I wanted a fair process and the best fit for me was the NDP. I am about doing the work of the people and about honesty, you know that, you know my record, so I work with the people who will do the best job for Port Moody and the province of BC. All the other stuff for me is not important, but no, I’m not going to deny what you say, but don’t ask me to confirm it either, okay? Is that fair? Because that’s all in the past and it doesn’t matter to me. I want the people served the best, that’s all that counts when you are in public life. And I cut NO DEALS with anyone. Everyone reached out to me, I didn’t go to anybody.
AGT: Okay Joe, I won’t press you. I’ve always liked you and respected you, you know that, so I won’t press you, I’ve got more than enough to do my story.
JT: Thank you Alex, I appreciate that. I look forward to serving the people, I don’t care about what happened in the past. It’s over now. But I have to say you have some very good sources…
AGT: Thanks. Take care of yourself, good luck in the by-election.
JT: Thank you very much, and please call me anytime. Bye-bye.
You heard it here first. Bruce Clark is vetting candidates for the BC Liberals and has only managed to scare away the biggest fish yet–along with just the mention of his name frightening many others.
All because his sister, the Premier, has no control over what her party is doing and it’s all coming apart on them, very badly. I guarantee a Trasolini win in Port Moody.
Adrian Dix should send Bruce Clark flowers for his mantle and bottle of 25 year-old scotch.
Every month!
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Over the weekend the BC Liberals convened a meeting of their provincial council, where election readiness phantom Steve Kukucha made a VERY interesting comment about the Chilliwack by-election being called by the Premier AFTER Port Moody.
TRANSLATION: Since they’re polling behind the Tories and NDP in Chilliwack, and Port Moody is painted NDP, that’ll be a double loss for the Preem–her ego couldn’t take the double-whammy on the same day–plus they are STILL dense enough to think about a snap election in case there are major defections–so they will split up the by-elections to lessen the burden on the Premier of having to tell too many lies at once.
This is a government in complete freefall. And they can thank the Christy clique for all of it.
Alex,
Assuming she’s going right down to May 2013, how about calling it “a twenty four month long train wreck in slow motion”?
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Sure thing. Either way, this is coming apart at the seams. She’s in deep trouble.
I’ve got lots more, just wait.
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It’s going to be a year long two mile coal train derailment, not just a train wreck.
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Why would he turn down the BC Cons? You would think he still would have won and probably gotten back at the Clarks even more.
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No, it wouldn’t gave worked.
1) Joe is a federal Liberal.
2) He’d want either a Cabinet spot now with the BC Libs or later when the NDP are govt.
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Good for Trasolini. The Liberals never deserved a man of his principles and morality in the first place.
I’m hoping he decides to stick around in 2013…he’d make a great Cabinet minister when it comes to Transportation or Finance.
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Joe is a very good guy, but he’s also a politician’s politician. He wasn’t about to go Tory and sit on the opposition bench forever. He was either going to go Cabinet now or when the NDP win.
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Alex;
I’m just going to salute you for telling us the British Columbian Tragedy of “Her All Christyness” and using my phrase “the Christy clique” and…
Shut up and enjoy the view.
Nicely done.
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Yes, thank you.
You know, I was tempted to give you credit in the post, but I knew everyone would confuse one Joe with another! LOL!
But yes, I borrowed that one from you. It fit perfectly there. I may use it again some time in the future.
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Good to hear.
Thanks again!
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Joe
The great thing about Alex, is he always gives credit where credit is due…
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Do you think the sudden lurching movement on the (N)evergreen line this year is in relation to Trasolini’s NDP swing?
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Of course! That’s precisely why.
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“This is a government in complete free fall.”
Free falling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gqT6En2O78
Alex kudos to your scoop! That is one piece of investigative reporting. I can only conclude that you have access to some well placed “soul” who is happy to hasten the exit of Her Christiness form the pre em’s office.
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Believe me when I tell you, it’s all going to come apart on them.
And I’ll be right in the middle of it.
Thanks for the kind words…
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You’ll be right in the middle, grinnin’ like a drunken sailor….. right?
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Right…
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It must have been a “timing of the announcement thing”, since the Government have since made moves on both the HST and Evergreen line. The Christy LIberals could not be seen to be bullied into a premature announcement of their intentions. On the other hand, Trasolini still gets credit for Evergreen. Never underestimate the power of Bruce or Christy to bargain themselves into “no deal”. Dix must have sold him on the likelihood of being on a winning team, something about which the Conservatives could only dream at the time. Joe is no fool and got to “yes”.
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I have never underestimated the ability of Christy’s entire political bailiwick to screw up a sure lay in a whoreshouse.
Pick your analogy.
This is the gang that can’t shoot straight. Their entire existence has been off the retracting wings of Christy’s wink and wiggle. It’s never been anything else. Kinsella pimped her to NW just to keep her name circulating and the rest of the whores that surround her–usually on the public’s dime, waited that chances to belly up to the trough and have their fill. They disgust me. And they are so obvious about it.
What disgusts me more is that the MSM all but ignore these issues and have given her a free ride. I will be doing a post soon on how the media report by poll(s) now, and it’s a real disgrace, and absolute disgrace.
Instead of old-school, hard-nosed, honestly journalism, they wait for the popular politician to fall out of favour, and only then do they exercise and initiative at all.
It’s an appalling failure on the part of the media.
And they don’t seem to care.
So fools like Christy get away with it–to the extent that she’s cheated and lied her way into the Premier’s office.
Weep for us, Oh Lord…
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He does…John 11:35………….
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Yes, He did indeed. That short but beautiful chapter of the Bible is where we get the phrase, “Jesus wept!”
Thanks for that. I somehow found that quite peaceful to be reminded of…
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Alex
A few months ago the Liberals had a potential star candidate for the Chilliwack – Hope riding. Suddenly the name Diane Janzen vanished from the local papers. Do you have any idea how that transpired?
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She ran for the federal Liberals in the last provincial election and got waxed. Even so, Janzen is not a good candidate for the Christy party–too independent and outspoken.
But bad judgement too. She voted against the civic government’s 10 year plan because it included an $18 million buyout of some homes in Panorama Heights as they were on a 4,000 year ridge slide. Bad move that was seen as heartless in the community.
Her messaging is often disjointed and peculiar.
Not a good candidate, believe me. Plus, the BC Libs could see that the political middle had shifted to the right in Chilliwack, so they went to Laurie Throness, former Tory MP Chuck Strahl’s Chief of Staff, because he’s connected to the churches in the area and a conservative–but clearly not a straight thinking one. No matter the tricks the BC libs will try, it won’t make a difference. Still won’t work.
If an election were called for Chilliwack and Port Moody tomorrow, the former goes to the BC Conservatives and the latter to the BC NDP. The Christy Party will lose both.
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Thank you Alex.
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With pleasure.
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Obvously Bruce can’t close a sale.
The NDP will hold him like The Lion King in the Legislature.
As for the Evergreen Line, it was promised by The Falconator to be built at the same time as the Canada Line. It wasn’t.
There was a federally sponsored expensive “here we go” announcement at the Skytrain facility, but nothing happened other than a few photo ops and busy work for the political hacks who were there.
The NDP will move the artillery iron into Port Moody. I figure they already have since they have had some prominet party politicians in there already.
It will be an insult to Christy Crunch if Port Moody is lost since it was originally her riding until she dumped out.
Chilliwack will be the decisive one. If it goes BC Tory then there might be some MLAs that could cross the floor.
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Are you kidding me? “IF” Port Moody is lost? The BC Liberals are polling THIRD in both PM and Chilliwack!!!
Port Moody is a done deal–Trasolini in a walk. The BC Libs are throwing everything they have into Chilliwack and are still polling between second and third–trading spots with the NDP, while John Martin retains top spot for the BC Conservatives.
And don’t kid yourself, the MLAs likely to cross the floor are already quietly weighing their options. Very quietly–but purposefully.
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Was being a bit weirdly hypothetical. I know the area and have since the 1980s. I worked it a few times. The BC Liberals won’t hang on to Heritage Mountain by any means. Belcarra? Might was well put the
Boston Whaler in the water and try fishin for coho. Much better luck.
Trasolini in a walk? Surely you jest.
H-e double hockey sticks, he’s already there! Might be time in a few weeks to figure out where he can lease out an MLAs office! If it’s vacant, how about where Christy had her office on St. John’s!
There was never anything in my mind about Port Moody goin’ with Trasolini even if it was NDP as it is in this case.
The BC Liberals with the talent of their genius organizer certainly let that slip out of their hands and back into the water like a wet fish.
As for the BC Liberals throwin’ in everything they have in Chilliwack, it isn’t much. The last door to door they had up there following the Christy Crunch speech was a disaster.
Thing was I wondered why he went NDP. He’s not your typical Shop Steward NDPer. But with your excellent story, it becomes known.
Port Moody is a done deal. The BC Liberals will need extra help in that riding just to keep what they have, and my guess is that they aren’t getting it.
and won’t.
and by the way. a bit of a consolation prize.
If there is a Premier Dix, it will be fun. The NDPers on this blog and over on the Left Side at Tieleman’s will have to defend everything the NDP does. Everything. They’ve ragged on anyone who is perceived to be conservative, so the tables will turn
BC Politics is a blood sport. It’s not for the squishy hearted or the weak.
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Agreed.
Loved this line:
“Might as well put the Boston Whaler in the water and try fishin for coho. Much better luck.” I laughed my ass off with that one.
Yeah, Port Moody is a great place.
I’m going to be spending a lot of time there very soon…
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If you do, make a side trip to Anmore. It’s a taste of rural souwhwest Central BC close to the mess we call suburban Vancouver. One two
lane paved road goes through. A must see. it’s up there on the flat
part you see above Ioco.
Belcarra is a largely out of the way paradise, the park facing North Vancouver and Indian Arm is well worth a visit on a sunny day.
You’ll find a rather dense area of condos along Ioco Road and Eagleridge Drive north of the Barnet Highway, the area is recently built up. It’s almost it’s own village with Starbuckses, banks, etc.
College Park (west side of Port Moody) is an older area, but it’s mostly NDP. used to be a few Public Housing complexes in there (don’t know if there still is). It’s along the slopes of Clarke Drive (no, it’s not named for the infamous Clarks).
Main drag is St.Johns. When you’re there, a drop in to James Moore’s MP office might be worthy of a word or two. Well maybe not.
The whole area is quite the place to be.
It’s a lesser known part of Vancouver area.
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I’ve been to all those places. Thoroughly enjoy it.
Like I said. It looks like I’ll be spending a great deal of time up there.
And I’m very much looking forward to it.
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Rosa’s Cucina, the Point Pub….and…..just for you…Boothill Junction.
I’ve only spoken to Mr. Trasolini briefly over the years, but liked his balanced, common sense approach and his sound support of small business. I do hope he will be allowed to showcase these points. There is a big difference between small businesses (that add value to goods) and those large multi-natonals and investment groups that seem to have lobbied their way to profitability by means other than a strong work ethic.
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Complete agreement.
LOVE Rosa’s Cucina. Been there before.
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What’s changed? I recall that it looked like the NDP would sneak up the middle in Chilliwack…
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No. The Conservatives have been polling ahead almost from the beginning. I don’t know where you got that information. It’s possible, but MArtin has a pretty strong lead right now.
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My mistake. I thought that I had read here that the BC Tories and BC Liberals were closer and/or the Tories were not strong enough to avoid a free-enterprise vote split. I must have misread something.
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You did. The nothing that there is a free enterprise vote split is absurd.
What govt is free enterprise that raids the coffers of its crown corporations to deliver a “significantly reduced” deficit?????????
This is fiscal conservatism?????????? This is being pro free enterprise???????
Sir Edmund Burke must be rolling in his grave.
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I agree wholeheartedly.
But there are many who still think a vote for the Tories is a vote for the NDP. I used to be one of them. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people (including many self-styled “conservatives”) who do not know the difference between free-enterprise conservatism and crony capitalist neo-liberalism.
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Beautiful! Completely right! Absolutely perfect!
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have you ever seen the crappy movie “Jawbreaker” where the Prom Queen gets busted for her big travesty, everyone boos her off the stage while pelting corsages at her?
Yeah, I see that playing out with Snook-C, probably sooner than later.
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All the characters who usually hide in the shadows are now appearing to do their own bidding and the person in the premier’s seat is now wearing glasses. I’ve seen this movie before.
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Me too.
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GREAT SCOOP
i have had the p;easure to meet joe trasolini,
the man truly cares about his community.
joe works and truly beleves in consensus.
the bottom line is crispy found out that joe is truly ethical and could not be bought for personal gain or status.
this is a man who if went for the bc liberals might be facing dix as crispys replacement.
dix must be jumping for joy the one person from the liberals that could change the tide is now on his side
alex. joe trasolini will make a wonderful minister of muninciple affairs and perhaps deputy premier
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He’ll never be Deputy Premier. That will go to Farnsworth or Horgan. IF it doesn’t then Adrian is a mad man.
Trasolini is a good guy, but this wasn’t just about how the BC Liberals screwed this up. It didn’t take much for him to smell the wind the Clarks were letting out…
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Can’t see Farnsworth. Too much power in the Tri-Cities. I’d say Farnsworth will be Justice and Horgan Deputy Premier.
Jagrup Brar Social Services.
Jenny Kwan? Hopefully backbench.
Care to take a spin at the wheel? Any number can play.
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Are you joking???
If he picks Horgan, then the very moderate side of the NDP spectrum is out of the loop. Who care if there is too much power in the Tri-Cities? Fastest growing area outside Surrey. I love Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam,and Port Coquitlam. Great people and good local govts.
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ahhh …. when you dress like a spring elvira and fart lemmings
i would join dix too
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Ain’t it the truth…
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Well….. as the old saying goes,
” A smart person can act stupid to fool people but a stupid person cant act smart and fool people.”
Christy and her “minions” are living proof of this old adage.
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True enough!
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It is getting harder to read your blog. This crew is still working like they did back at SFU in the 80′s
Did you see this? http://www.bivinteractive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5427:dhl-could-cash-in-on-bc-decision-to-privatize-liquor-distribution&catid=14:daily-news&Itemid=46
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Yes, I know. Bob and I spoke earlier and I’m doing a post on it tomorrow.
How ethical is it for the govt of the day to be doing business with the Premier’s top advisor(s)?
I think the answer is simple enough.
They are just as corrupt as when they cheated to get Christy elected student council president. And when they were forced to play fair, she was trounced and left SFU in disgrace.
History WILL repeat itself, believe me.
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And your prediction was right on CCs specs to make her look less clueless
http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/01376/web-budget-clar_1376798cl-4.jpg
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What did I say? Didn’t I call it? THESE PEOPLE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO GODDAMN SHAME! It’s disgusting.
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I would support Satan if he privatized some of the completely anachronistic, archaic, useless government agencies that we taxpayers must fund.
In that Link provided by “shame is needed ” it states;
BC Liquor Distribution’s own financial projection for 2013 : sales of 2.7 Billion with profits of 900 million. Gee, taxpayers get the “priviledge” of paying a 30% mark up on liquor at Govt Liquor stores ! Wow ! How benevolent of the Govt.
The fact that Mr Kinsella isnt charged with “conflict of interest” speaks volumes towards his contacts in govt and /or his knowledge as to where the skeletons are buried.
BC Liquor Distribution privitization ?
During Gordon Campbells first tenure as premier he dangled the privitization carrot in front of the taxpaying voters and then backed off. Merely a bargaining tactic against the unions(with the BCGEU in the gunsites.)
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Let me say this. On the issue of liquor: if they can do it like Alberta or California, then I say privatize.
For a bottle of Belvedere vodka, here, I pay $47.00. In Alberta, $28.50 and in California, at CostCo of all bloody places, $19.00. Interesting that aprivate liquor store near my home had it by the case for $33.00 a bottle during Christmas, so I bought one.
It’s imported from Poland, but should the govt be marking it up that much? Outrageous.
We are taxed to DEATH here. This country, in that respect, is a joke.
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Did we learn the lesson from HST?
After the privatization, consumers would pay the same and the profits go to the pockets of the big corporations, their lobbyists and the Liberal insiders.
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Correct!
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At least with privatization we would have the choice of where we could buy our booze.
Nothing irks me more than dealing with a surly, foot dragging, cashier or shelf stocker at a govt liquor store. And they earn how much an hour ? To stock shelves and swipe a bar code? Plus benefits and pension plan ?Please grant me the patience.
This govt wants to save money ..right? right?
Nuke the liquor stores, sell the buildings, lay off the duplication of services unescessarily provided by govt workers.
Nothing more annoying than going to Safeway, buying all my food then having to walk to my car pack it in the trunk and then walk to the liguor store through the gaunlet of beggars, panhandlers, charities, schoolkids with chocolate bars, sports teams, etc. to buy what could easily be sold at Safeway !
Then, once the liquor stores have been privatized and the skies havent opened up and the wrath of God doesnt smite all of us evil alcohol drinking sinners that want a more conveinient way to shop……
Nuke ICBC
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I’m not sure I entirely agree with you on the liquor issue. I think choice is always good. However, fair pay for fair work…
As for ICBC, if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, they should dismantle it, and sell off all the properties. ICBC should not be in the real estate investment business. And the premiums are a complete joke–way too high and totally out of whack.
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Well that is pretty amazing. I was reading all this stuff about Christy and Trasolini et al and wondering why Kinsella wasn’t doing a better job of overseeing it all and preventing such screwups and then suddenly his name pops up from a different angle.
So why is Kinsella not getting a better grip on Christy’s governance?
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Because he was never a great organizer anyway–a very good one, but never great. After his days in Ontario, he hit the Bennett train with perfect timing and that’s it.
Otherwise, he’s interested in making money. That’s it. He doesn’t care anymore about Christy than he does about a cactus. She simply provides him yet another run at the gravy train. Nothing complicated here.
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You’re also forgetting one thing about Kinsella.
Patrick works for Patrick. No one else matters.
Your assessment about Kinsella is partially correct. He is an organizer but I would classify as “not bad”, not “very good”.
Sort of a “C+” Good, but not great.
I’ve seen better ones.
He certainly let the puck go by on the Trasolini file. Let one of the worst players on a team of bad players play defence and the player let the puck slide by into an empty net for the opposing team.
The shareholders should be furious.
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I’m thinking he didn’t know much about the Trasolini file.
He doesn’t really care beyond his clients. Can’t blame the man. Regardless of how unethical it is, he’s got a great gig thanks to first Gordon and then Christy.
It’s the best gravy train run of anybody in the history of the province. Many big firsts with this govt.
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Disgusting, immoral , sleezy, This moral bankruptcy needs to end, please Alex, keep the light on these cockroaches, they and their friends are beginning the wholesale liquidation of B.C.’s assets.
They know the writing is on the wall, and are going to rob the rest of our assets before the next election.
This party and their backers should be tried for treason, and that trial should be the first “Televised” trial in British Columbia.
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NOTE TO READERS: SUPERB COMMENT–REQUIRED READING.
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AMEN to that too.
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And she has the nerve to say ” things will be different under her(unelected) leadership”! Really, except for ICBC there can’t be much left to sell off. These people really do look at the electorate like we are a bunch of yokels. Where are they going to get the money they need to fund the budget if its all given away? Morons all of them.
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Yes, precisely.
And look what they did today with the budget. Gutting Hydro and ICBC surpluses to cut their deficit. It’s shameless.
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hydro does NOT have a surplus alex. they just spent over a billion dollars on smart meters taht just are not on the books due to the liberals legislating different accounting practices.
and honestly… call the icbc surplus what it is.. a hidden tax. you have no option but them.
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Fair enough, but what would you like me to call it then?
Whatever is available, the govt optioned to cut the deficit. This is fiscally prudent?
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its hidden debt in hydros case (not in the budget that was released) by our governtment. plain and simple its a lie.
borrowing money and just legislating that you dont have to put it on the public legder IS NOT reducing the deficit. its very similar to the mess we now have at bc ferries imho.
the liberals have made a habit of borrowing money thru publicly owned assets, then declaring that borrowed money profit and putting it in general revenue.
add in the debt that hydro will acrue this year alone (which the people of BC are responsible for) from the smart meter program and what you call a deficit reduction is actually a huge ballooning of the deficit.
to be honest alex im kind of shocked you are not hammering the liberals about the changes they made to accounting practices at hydro to do this. its a massive scam that we will be paying off for years.
one things for sure, it doesnt matter who gets elected next year…. they are going to have one hell of a lot of problems after ten years of “liberal fiscal responsibility”. things are an awfull lot worse fiscally than the liberals will admit, and most of it is there doing by dropping tax rates and running up billions in debt… much of which they “legislated” off of the official budget.
id love to see you do an interview with the auditor general (maybe you have and i missed it).
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My point is what would you like me to describe it as? You’re splitting hairs. Regardless of the trick or the practice, the extra money is there and took it to attempt a balance. I’m identifying the dishonesty and seems to me that you’re content to split hairs.
If I described a beautiful woman to you, would you complain that I missed her ankles???
I have done two commentaries on the hydro fiasco. You must have missed them.
In addition, the bigger scam at hydro is the IPP demand and that they are loaded with Liberal hacks.
Lastly, the Auditor-General does not sit for interviews, nor should he.
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your right i am splitting hairs… i just get frustrated when people repeat lies the liberals spin. people have heard some of them for so long so many time that they just assume they are true now.
if theres one thing i have learned that has been strongly re-enforced by reading your writing… its that you can not assume anything the current government says is the truth.
if they liberals claim they are taking “surplus” money from hydro, call it what it is.
its a LIE.
but i thank you for your work here on this blog, at least people are waking up to what has been going on in bc for the last 10 years and you are most certainly helping that happen.
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Fair enough, but you’re not helping me get the message out when the narrative is lost in the complicated translation you provide.
Of course, they’re lying. That’s obvious, but when I describe the money as “surplus” that’s precisely what it is, regardless of how they obtained it or reported it previously. The reality is it was there and they took it to try balancing.
I don’t give a flying damn about their spin. That’s meaningless to me.
It’s not good practice but they don’t care. Concentrate on that!
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Hi Alex,
I know I’m repeating myself but the reason I love blogs like yours and Havey’s is because they ring so very true–both ‘rebellious’ and ‘real.’ With two graduate degrees in fields other than political science, business, or communications, I have known for a good decade or so that what I was reading, hearing, and viewing in the media was so very vague and controlled as to be completely forgettable and, instinctively, i felt misinforming. It is such an addictive treat to read facts and opinion as you present them. You have made the people you write about household names and you’re doing an incredible service to those of us who crave information that has been lacking for so long. In the end, I don’t even care about the minutiae and I have little faith that things will really change given human nature (which can often be ‘tight-knit’ and self-serving), but I do care about the facts rather than lies which have been spun to such a lather that there is nothing there (Palmer, Good, etc). In addition to making the puppet masters household names, those who read your blog cannot ever go back to not knowing what the know even if some have good reason to deny or pretend otherwise. Knowledge is power for voters and citizens. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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You’re too kind to me, and you’re most welcome.
I enjoy this very much (even though my mother would like me to quit and spend more time in church–no, I’m not joking). She likes Christy very, very much, believes The Premier is a good Catholic and that we should all “fear” the NDP.
My mother doesn’t get out much…
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Well, your mother, I’m sure, is very well intended.
The sad part is that I, like many others, would not normally be all that interested in what was going on or not going on with the politicians or the media if there was any assurance that they were doing their best and basically getting the job done. When people like Campbell and Clark go out of their way to turn people’s personal and professional lives upside down without remorse, apology, or checks and balances (effective opposition or journalism), it becomes intensely personal and people can think of nothing else. Families first is not just a catchy platform promise but a living, breathing truth. Good, solid, ethical governance that favors people and the economy should not be rocket science and could be a guarantee of re-election for life. The smartest employers I know value their employees and vice-versa. Living wages, good health, innovative education, and contributing seniors grow the economy and society. Tax evasion by citizens and corporations and black market survival do not. Tough decisions can be made and belts would be tightened stoically if there was a stitch of integrity and authenticity displayed by leaders in the government, media, workplaces, and corporations. It’s the hypocrisy and bafflegab that outrages. People can handle the irony and paradoxes of life if they are presented with truth and empathy. This, I believe, is the key to your success. Even if I don’t agree with every opinion, I trust the facts and I know where you’re coming from. Respect is earned, not bought, stolen, usurped or managed through media manipulation.
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You’re very kind to me. It’s never east doing this. In many ways, it’s more difficult than a regular column as that would be once or twice a week. I did four yesterday, a big one today and another one tomorrow. Plus another national kick on Friday.
I do what I can to give people an honest and logical perspective. And provide them a forum to exchange reasonable ideas.
Beyond that, I often pray that one day, I’ll have a bit of a bigger pulpit to shame the MSM into action. It’s what Webster did. It’s what Rafe did. And then we allowed ourselves to be whored by the goddamned advertising executive. It used to be that advertisers wanted strong opinion. Now some don’t care about anything except product placement.
Well, that’s about to change. Just sit tight for a little while longer.
It’s coming.
Thanks again for your kind thoughts.
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Re Christy’s religion, I’m pretty sure she was and probably still is an Anglican but she sends her son to a Catholic school because she says that is the best or only way she can get a faith-based education for him.
The minister who gave the first prayer in the Leg after she became Premier was from her Anglican church in downtown Vancouver.
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Great good for her. I’m profoundly disinterested in her religion. It’s completely irrelevant. She could be praying to a plastic cup and I couldn’t possibly care less.
She’s simply using that in the hope she might be able to shore up some of the God crowd.
Pathetic.
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How can any person with a conscience remain in that party? All the murmur of these people thinking of leaving, do they have no sense of self decency?
Every day that passes, that we see more of this outright bullshit going on masquerading as government, what an absolute joke. Infuriating…
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Truly. It’s incredible. I would have crossed and sat as an independent the second she was elected. And the budget today is a complete joke. Raiding ICBC and Hydro to pretend they are slashing the deficit. Yes, it’s the most conservative budget since 1983, but so what? No slashing of jobs, no real cutting costs. Just the same shell game they’ve been playing since Colin Hansen’s turn at the wheel.
How on earth does Kevin have the stones to claim the Carbon Tax is revenue neutral. The money goes into general revenues, not an allocated fund or account.
It reduces our carbon foot print as much as I’ll be modelling for Dolce and Gabbana.
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This carbon tax is as effective at reducing our carbon footprint as income tax is at discouraging us from making money.
This government cannot create a budget without relying on some outside influx of cash — from the Feds with the Olympics and the HST, plundering BC Hydro and ICBC, selling off BC Rail and now liquor distribution (and more assets in the future apparently), etc.
I knew a fellow in university who ran up bills so high that he ran to his parents for more money, and when he couldn’t do that any more, he started selling his clothes.
How anyone — anyone at all — can even remotely claim that this party has any aptitude at money management is beyond me.
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NOTE TO READERS: SUPERB COMMENT–REQUIRED READING!
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just where is colin hansen these days? not that I am complaining but he seems to be MIA and was so very, unfortunately, prevalent in days gone by. thought he might have headed across the pond with his good bud GC.
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He’s apparently sitting on the back bench smiling.
Can’t imagine why. It’s not like he torched his political career by lying about a punitive tax measure or anything like that…
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That he turned down the cabinet position for himself and demanded what his community needs makes me wish I could vote in Port Moody.
I realize that he is a politician but he is the kind of guy who is one for the right reason.
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Yes, Joe is like that. First class all the way.
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Alex, I personally think this is one of your best columns. The comments added by other’s that visit this site are even better. I especially like the comments by Hopeful Citizen. I think HC sums up what a lot of us want, both in government and in the MSM.
CC & the liberals long ago lost the moral and ethical right to be our provincial government. I would like to think that there must be at least 8 – 10 liberal MLA’s that can find the last bit of moral fiber & back bone in their bodies. To have them collectively stand up, walk out and sit as independants. They have to do it now or incredibly soon. They can’t cross the floor or suddenly bolt to the Provincial Conservatives. They can try their luck with that in the next election. Am I asking too much of our elected representatives?
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No, you’re not.
I think there’s lots of preparation happening.
Thanks for the kind words too. Always appreciative of your feedback. Good to hear from you as always.
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Alex, what a great article!
Joe Trasolini is so refreshing – it’s shocking to listen to him speak – he’s such an honest contrast to the “Lieberal” cesspool we are in. How the hell did we get here? Why did we allow it? We need them out now before they do more damage! Recall!
Joe Trasolini – a refreshing honest man in BC politics; a man who wants to do right for the citizens of BC!
Bruce Clark – a cockblocker who says and does shit that only mindless assholes may be thinking!
Cristy Clark – SFU BA (incomplete) major in “kootchie kootchie Koo”!
Voting Public – It’s time for pitch forks, tarring and feathering, a televised trial, and running these “Lieberal” criminals out of town!
Go Joe!
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I agree.
Thanks for the kind words.
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Please never forget how evil and vindictive this “government” is. They can see the writing on the wall, so it will be a feeding frenzy at the trough as they fight over the last few scraps left.
Look for a massive amount of sabotage legislation and sweetheart deals to make it almost impossible for the next government to repair some of the damage this government has done.
We will be decades trying to repair the damage, and the voter (who still buys the “bread and circuses” philosophy) is not that patient.
Tanstaafl.
Cam
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I agree.
And let me say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to you and your colleagues throughout this great province, for doing what you can to keep patients alive and breathing on their way to the hospitals or care units.
Bless you.
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Suffice it to say Alex, I and my colleagues have the very best job in the world, but have the very worst employer in the world.
I have turned that to “I work for the person on my stretcher” philosophy. It helps me to remember why I love it so much.
I would also say God Bless you and your colleagues for keeping this information flow available. I suspect you are the reason for the government push to control the internet. Now if more folks could just see through the bullshit from Bill Good et al.
You can lead a person to knowledge but you cannot make them think.
Cam
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Thank you, Cam. I just feel fortunate to be able to continue doing what I love and for the people of this great province.
They deserve the truth. They’ve earned it.
In spades. Thank you for continuing to believe in that person on the stretcher. You and your colleagues are a credit to humanity.
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Thanks Cam, I am afraid you are right, I can imagine the government already have great deals for their friends as the continued sale of BC goes into garage sale mode. There has been a systematic dissection of some essential services over the past few years.I don`t believe they are done with the agenda. We both know what sabotage feels like, the transfer fleet cuts for example. I hope we are not for sale. I am not looking forward to April.
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just saw this little article posted on mike smyth’s column. no honour among thieves.
http://2010goldrush.blogspot.com/2012/02/kinsella-client-poised-for-liquor-loot.html
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I just included it in my review of the budget. Go to the next post!
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I met Joe at Starbucks in Port Moody many weeks ago. He was with his wife and he asked me if I had a minute. He asked me if I thought he should continue in politics or call it a day and stay in business only. I told him it worked either way, but a good argument could be made for utilizing his name – with the by-election coming up. Joe asked me if I thought he should go BC Liberal or BC NDP – adding the BC Conservatives want him as well.
I said to him “Joe the BC Conservatives don’t want you and you wouldn’t do well with them if they did.”
I said to him why would you go to the BC Liberals? What did they ever do for you? I cited a discussion he and I had in his office when Gary Farrell Collins was finance minister over the Port Tax. I said Joe, they treated you like shit then and did nothing to show you respect – now they are drowning – what can they offer you – a Cabinet position for one year?
The New Democrats are going to win do you want a Cabinet position for one year or for four or more years?
To Joe’s credit he said he was going to hear them out – I presumed he meant both parties – but given the rendition of the ‘hearing out’ under the Alex T. stream here – it is pretty obvious why he went New Democrat.
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Forgive me in advance, Glen, but how is it that you had such a discussion some weeks ago, whm Joe has been a declared candidate for the NDP since last November?
How is it that he was asking you for advice only weeks ago, when his decision was made months ago?
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Yes your are right Alex, time flies when you are having fun. I met Joe on or about October 3, 2011 when I had that conversation in Starbucks. I had the riding of Port Moody Coquitlam polled a few weeks ago.
My focus has been more on the States of late – and got the times mixed up–and didn’t bother to check.
Thanks for your polite ‘anecdote’ nonetheless.
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“Mark, Christy, Bruce?” (cue music: Sly and the Family Stone “It’s a Family Affair” )
Well Christy’s family first platform has a whole new meaning to me now!
Thanks for the effort you put into this blog AGT. It’s first rate.
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You’re most welcome.
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NDP, Liberal, Cons, we”re ALL screwed either way. Watch Dix and Traz keep the HST once in power. Doesn”t take a rocket scientist to figure out we need ALLOT of money for the entightled and impoverished in this Country/Province. Also, isn’t Traz and DIX considered a DINK? ( double income no kids ) How can they understand cash strapped families needs when they haven”t bought formula or wiped a baby’s ass before? Carbon Tax, Hst, Smart Meters. Your fooling yourselves, NDP will keep all this and even expand these programs then blame the last government. Boy, did Gordo and his Liberals ever sell us out to the one world order. Port Moody is nice but I may have to move to NZ to make ends meat if these programs aren’t AXED!
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So…
Single people can’t appreciate the challenges of families and then to prove you e hit the bottom of your bottle in short order, Dix will keep te HST.
Sometimes I wonder if people get on their mess before or after they comment.
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LOL. I rest my case. Cut off my first response which your fans would have just loved. Finally someone put a little fire under this one sided thread. Wheres your back bone? Someone cut your tongue? Typical left wing nutcase that cuts debate when things don’t go your way? Are you a lobbyist? You think the grants will start pouring in when Dix is in power? I ain’t staying to pay for your free handouts and free housing and grants. There won”t be any taxpayers left in this province to pay for the madness. Is it a wonder nothing ever changes??? Hope there is healthcare for you when you all need it. Hopefully the BC Conservatives will foil your little plans.
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Listen, you demented whackjob. Please crawl back from whence you came…
(1) I deleted your earlier comment(s) because there are libel laws in this country. You cannot make such statements and get away with them–anywhere. You’re an idiot.
(2) One-sided thread? I endorsed Trasonlini, and NDPer and Martin, a Conservative. Get back on your meds.
(3) Am I a lobbyist for the NDP? Are you AT ALL well? Apparently not.
Your statement springs from the wellhead of insanity. The rest of it, isn’t even worth responding to. Go away, nutter.
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Alex I would like to apologize for the comments I made about you earlier on. They were absolutely false. You are right and my comments were un-warranted. You are the last person to be called a left wing $&!@ and you have done great things for this Country. You are not even an NDPer. As for Joe Trasolini I fully apologize for my earlier remarks about him and it is wrong for me to say such a thing about someones personal choice to have or not have children. In no way does not having children affect the ability to lead or govern or have family values and for those remarks I am also wrong and an idiot. Joe has put countless hours into Politics and coaching youth soccer and has been the most popular Mayor in Port Moody history even getting a playing field re-named in his honor. I was only searching the Internet on who to vote for this coming By-election and stumbled on this thread. I interpreted this thread as pro-NDP or left wing and for that I would like to apologize to all your fans and persons who contributed to this thread. I am growing increasingly tired of rising costs of living and the state of politics and my frustration boiled over. I am truly sorry to all I may have offended. I will never bother you again and wish you, Joe and your admirers all the best in the future.
Sincerely, Rick Steves
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Rick, that’s very big of you and shows you’re someone of character.
You’re welcome here any time, however, your comments about Joe Trasolini were really what offended me, and others. I’m sure Joe isn’t perfect–none of us are, but to make libelous statements about him and expect me not to react, isn’t clear-headed.
However, you made amends.
Bless you. Enjoy your day.
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I have just gotten back from Joe”s campaign office and personally apologized for my callous remarks. Although my remarks were idiotic and erroneous, it means allot to me to make good the hurt I caused to your reputations and the family values yourself, Adrian, Joe and your followers hold dear to their hearts. I realize, although it is hopefully forgiveable it is not forgettable and for that I am ashamed. My wife, son and I are really struggling from the HST and Carbon tax and I let that transpire in my words. Thank you for accepting my apology. It means allot to me. Best wishes and God Bless you, your family and friends. Thank-You
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And to you, Rick. It means alot to have someone so principled come here and offer such heartfelt remorse. I’ve made mistakes, and will continue to make them. As will everyone here, including you. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
If anything, your wife and son MUST be proud to have a husband and father of such moral rectitude.
Bless you too! Please come again.
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