People identified as possible attack tweeters for the NPA are not too pleased about the email that went out recently from NPA campaign organizer Scott Harrison to them, as many of them had not agreed to do anything of the sort.
(This just in at 5 pm Wednesday from one on the list, Diamond Isinger: I have zero involvement whatsoever with the NPA. Currently, during this civic election, I’m not working on any campaign, with any candidate, or with any party. After working on campaigns literally every single day from late-November to mid-May, I think I’ll leave the 24/7 civic politicking to others.
If anything, the email blasts sent out have made me even less willing to get involved with the NPA… a sentiment shared by quite a few other recipients, too. It’s bothersome to have a political team assume my support – and ask for very-public online help – when they’ve not once communicated with me previously to ask about my interest in being involved. It’s also especially irresponsible (and, well, very ‘amateur hour’) to send out a sensitive email like that to a list of political folks without using a blind carbon copy, but that’s a whole other issue…
Sean Holman, who published the original email, also got copies of several emails from various parties on the list objecting to their names being included. That’s here, for those following this micro-drama.
For those concerned that Sean and I posted the names of people who got the emails, I assure you I will be happy to do the same for any revealing Vision missives that fall into my electronic hands. I’ll even happily accept information about the various callers to radio shows whom we’ll be hearing in the coming weeks who will be pretending to be “average citizens,” while defending their party of choice.
I’d point out, to those outraged, that the people identified in the emails are free to contact me and publicly declare that they have nothing to do with any of this. I’d love to hear from Shahin Behroyan myself, the head of the Vancouver office of Campaign Research Inc. reassuring me that he and his company not going to participate in any of these hijinks.
In the meantime, a few days behind Sean, I’ve had my only little brown envelope arrive with another message from Scott Harrison to the faithful, suggesting anti-Gregor/Vision media clips that could be used.
—–Original Message—–
From: Scott Harrison <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 19:39:15
To: (the same group of people who were emailed in the message Sean posted)
Subject: FW: web-site?
I know I promised not to send to many emails but these are great! Feel free to post, share etc. Honest last one until Monday/Tuesday. Have a great weekend.
—– Original Message —–
I didn’t know any details.” – Gregor Robertson on security planning for Stanley Cup Finals, June 2011
“Gregor Robertson didn’t read the report commissioned after the 1994 Stanley Cup riots.” – CKNW, June 2011
“Who’s running the city anyway?” – Gary Mason, Globe and Mail, June 2011
“I think (Robertson) has to wear this.” – Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer, Sept 2011
“We rock at this.” – Vision Vancouver Councillor Heather Deal hours before the Riot
“Planning was ad hoc” – Independent Review of 2011 Vancouver Riot, September 2011
“…it was (Gregor Robertson’s) responsibility. He should own up to it.” – Vancouver Sun, September 2011
4 responses so far ↓
1 Jason // Sep 7, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Frances, I have to say, your characterization of this entire email bothers me. You seem to suggest that there is a “guided & organized” plot underway by the NPA to unfairly “attack” Vision…and that somehow the NPA is guilty of something that Vision is not.
There have been numerous (and I mean NUMEROUS) articles on the Vancouver riot and his responsibility and handling of it….from the Province, to the Courier to the Georgia Straight. Are these papers all being directed by the NPA? Is the NPA doing something nefarious if they encourage their supports to remind people of the riot, Gregor’s handling of it, and the numerous papers that seem to agree?
We’re in an election cycle…and from what I remember, reminding your supporters to get the message out, etc. is pretty common practice. You’ve been covering elections for sometime now…you’re telling me this is odd or out of character with past elections?
I don’t get it Frances….but I certainly hope that if and when some Vision emails cross your desk, talking about their strategy and messaging, that you go after those with as much vigor as you appear to with these NPA related emails.
Oh and for the record, while I am an NPA supporter…I haven’t received any direction from anyone, but have chosen to state my opinion repeatedly on Facebook, Twitter and Blogs like this one. And I certainly hope I don’t get an email from anyone in the NPA, because according to you that would suddenly make my comments “directed and nefarious” rather than simply “honest opinion”.
“…it was (Gregor Robertson’s) responsibility. He should own up to it.” – Vancouver Sun, September 2011
(thought I’d throw that in there, just to be cheeky…but I got it straight from your article…not from anywhere else!)
2 Paul T. // Sep 7, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Excellent article Frances! Way to go.
As for the content of the email, I see no reason Mr. Harrison should bite his tongue in repeating what has been openly said by politicians and journalists. Clearly the NPA as a group feels that the mayor should take accountability for his (in)actions leading up to the riot. They are not alone, as witnessed by the numerous pundits who have pegged the blame on him too.
Are there extenuating situations that contributed? Absolutely. Should other people share a portion of the responsibility? No doubt.
But let’s be clear, Gregor Robertson is the mayor of Vancouver, he is the chair of the police board and HIS office directed the planning of the Live Sites. Removing him from blame because he’s young, inexperienced, wasn’t there, didn’t know or didn’t want to know is unacceptable.
You were at the meeting on Tuesday when Suzanne Anton asked for an apology. He didn’t offer one. All he admitted was that he is responsible for the safety and security of the city AND THEN he added “as are all the councillors.”
More deflection. More muddying. Why can’t he just say, “You know I messed up big time. I didn’t read the 94 report, I didn’t make sure there was a proper safety plan in place. It’s on me and I’m sorry.” He REFUSES to say that.
Until he does, I’ll bet the NPA will continue to hammer him on it, because he JUST DOESN’T GET IT.
3 Everyman // Sep 8, 2011 at 9:11 pm
How can the councillors be responsible if the live sites never went before council?
4 Max // Sep 9, 2011 at 9:33 am
What I find interesting is the DBIA is now voicing concern over them not being kept in the loop with regard to Greycup.
Honestly, did the Mayor & City Manager not learn anything??
Shakes head in total disbelief.