Dear Editor,
Re: “Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie endorses three slates, eight councillors,” Online, Oct. 12
Malcolm Brodie has clearly been doing something right in the eyes of Richmond voters. Being elected mayor for eight consecutive elections is unprecedented.
But this election was different for Mr. Brodie. He became increasingly concerned about “divisiveness“ on council. A simple translation would be “opposition to my agenda.“
Fair enough. Every politician wants what they want. But why stir up even more divisiveness?
To counter the annoyance of several councillors who presented alternative views, Brodie decided to cash in on his perpetual popularity and announce his “preferred slate“ of candidates, select all the current council members who are running — except two, Michael Wolfe and Carol Day, who he perceives as most oppositional to his agenda, and justify this move with a reason that did not pass the sniff test. (Opponent John Roston was on the RITE slate).
The unprecedented ploy did not work.
A council with diverse opinions, made up of councillors who don’t all share the Mayor’s views, was elected by Richmond voters.
Fortunately, only four elected councillors have Brodie’s electoral blessing.
Nevertheless, a very curious way to create a more collegial and effective city council.
John Baines
RICHMOND
