When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough ... Show Their True Colors

I'd like to thank Clark College and Poli-Sci Instructor Michael Ceriello for yesterday hosting a Vancouver mayoral forum.

It was refreshing to see so many different faces in the audience, diverse in age, ethnicity, background and area of study. There must have been some 150+ students and others on-hand to ask questions of me and my opponent about our positions and the future of Vancouver.

Clark College is a tremendous asset for our community. I'm proud to be an alum, and continue to be active on campus as an Alumni Association Board Member, a new member of the Penguin Athletic Club, and the sponsor of a scholarship. I encourage each and every one of you to also remain engaged with the College once you've finished your education there. We need your support!

Participants asked great questions, ranging from improving parking/access to the College to addressing homelessness to the proposed bridge crossing and tolls. As candidates, we also made opening and closing remarks about why we are running for the position and our vision for the future of Vancouver.

I want to apologize, on behalf of my opponent, that you were short-changed by his closing remarks. Rather than speaking to why he believes he is the candidate to be retained for just another four years, he chose to spend most of his time stooping to a new low. Rather than defending his 14-year record, or informing you about how he promises to grow beyond it, he decided it more important to sling barbs at my personal voting record at the ballot box.

I'm sorry that you were then indoctrinated into the sometimes-ugly side of politics.

And that ugliness speaks to the character of the person.

When times are tough, we see the real character of a person.

Actions reflect attitudes, beliefs and moral values.

In politics, when desperation sets in…when it is looking as though a loss is at hand, you learn the true nature of a candidate's character. And my opponent, we are learning, when faced with the toughest challenge of his political life, goes negative and gets dirty.

Vancouver deserves better. And in November, with your support, we'll get it.