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ABC Vancouver Names Candidates for Upcoming Municipal Byelection
In a significant development for the upcoming municipal byelection in Vancouver, ABC Vancouver has officially announced its candidates. The party, led by Mayor Ken Sim, unveiled Ralph Kaisers and Jamie Stein as contenders for the two available council seats.
Kaisers, who serves as the president of the Vancouver Police Union, and Stein, a prominent figure in the tech startup sector, will be vying for votes in what is expected to be a competitive election. Mayor Sim expressed confidence in both candidates, highlighting Kaisers’ extensive experience in public safety and Stein’s commitment to fostering business development in the city.
“Ralph has dedicated his career to serving the residents of Vancouver… he has seen first-hand what it takes to make our city a safer place,” Sim noted, praising Kaisers’ long-standing involvement with the Vancouver Police Department since 1992 and his union leadership since 2011.
Stein, who was previously a candidate for BC United in the Vancouver-Langara provincial election before the party’s decline, expressed enthusiasm about joining a team focused on enhancing public safety and economic growth in Vancouver. “It’s an honour to join others who share my commitment to creating a safer and more prosperous future for our city,” he stated.
Candidate Profiles and Controversies
The campaign involves not only the candidates’ qualifications but also the backdrop of ongoing public debates regarding policing and governance. Kaisers emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to public safety, which he describes as encompassing prevention, compassion, and community support.
However, Kaisers’ candidacy is not without controversy. He has faced scrutiny stemming from a 2023 report by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner that referenced his involvement in the aftermath of the 2015 arrest-related death of Myles Gray. The report suggests that Kaisers, along with other union figures, may have influenced officers’ conduct during that incident. When asked about these allegations, Kaisers denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was not present during the incident and did not provide any instructions regarding documentation or cooperation with subsequent investigations.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Kaisers has temporarily stepped down from his role as union head, which previously supported Mayor Sim’s campaign in 2022. This situation has prompted concerns from other political figures regarding the intersection of policing and political influence. Vancouver Green Party Councillor Pete Fry voiced his apprehensions about the implications of a police union leader participating in an election, stating, “There are a lot of concerns around the separation of policing and politics.”
Independent Councillor Rebecca Bligh also commented on the election’s significance, emphasizing the need to address pressing issues such as the rising cost of living and the local economy. Bligh remarked, “These are policies where the mayor and I have disagreed, so it’s an important election because we need diverse voices around the table.”
As the byelection approaches, various political groups are rallying their candidates. The Vancouver Green Party and OneCity Vancouver have each selected one candidate in a cooperative effort to prevent the splitting of the progressive vote, while TEAM for a Livable Vancouver has nominated two candidates and COPE has put forward one.
With the political landscape shifting and various parties positioning their candidates, the upcoming byelection is poised to be a crucial moment for Vancouver’s governance and future direction.
Source
globalnews.ca