IT’S parade to the post time, fellow political punters.

Your mayoral candidates are in the starting gate, paw- ing the ground and venting from nostrils much conspeti- tive steam.

For gamblers it’s time to place bets on the winning horses; for everyone else it’s time to start paying close attention to the race ahead.

Ripping Yarns, therefore, presents today the first in a three-part series of handicap- ping sheets aimed at provid- ing some guidance and hum- ble insight into your munici- pal mayoral horie race. For the field this year is richer and more varied than it has been in many a North Shore civic election -+ numerous mayors in waiting, some tudders, a few stallions and the odd gelding.

West Vancouver: you're up first. But before you focus your binoculars on the clubhouse turn, note that the odds listed below will have to be adjusted once the West Vancouver Citizens for Good Government. syndicate selects its favourites: *

The field in alphabetical

order: Qa0

Pat “Cuffed” Boname:

The incumbent, Gracious, © polite, hardworking and ‘thoughtful. Has one mayoral term under her belt. Add to that previous terms as a school board trustee (1984 | to 1986) and councillor (1986 te 1996). Long-time West Vancouver resident with extensive knowledge of the municipalizy. Lives west of West Bay area. West : Vancouver to the core.

Previous term: chaileng-

ing would be © pol tes embat-

mailbox

ded would be closer. Steep learning curve encountered, but wants to put negative past behind her and embark of New positive era.

Handling of such issues as the Cuff report into coun- cil and district hall opera- tions was indccisive, evasive and damaging to leadership image. Has a hare time rid- ing herd ever council.

Recent community poll of 112 West Vancouver resi- dents conducted by Whytecliff resident Ralph Sultan finding, among other | things, that 45% of those polled strongly agreed that the municipality would be better off if Boname retired, another vote of non-confi- dence in ability to lead.

Game filly, but not good in the mud and heavy-goirig of the local mayoral game. Has the incumbent’s edge, name recognition and some loyal West Vancouver sup- port: 3 to I odds.

O80 Andy “The Orator” Danyliu:

Sentinel hill resident with gift of the gab. Excellent public speaker. Part-cime actor; full-time wit. Served three terms as councillor under mayors Don Lanskail and Mark Sager. Topped pofis in his last term, which ended in 1996 when he left to spend. more time with his family.

‘onc Vieernocncnmenrn aneneneme veinen

Currently doing consult- ing work that involves bring- ing, new digital technology to senivrs. Has extensive business and public serv ice background. Campaign ctari- on call: eticeriveness, effi- cieney, accountability.

Add openness to the above: would release the entire Cuff report that West Vancouver residents paid $65,000 for but have vee co see a full unabridged version of; vows also te reduce in- camera council meetings. Keen on reducing taxes and bringing a business approach to running district hall. Also keen on plugging West Vancouver into high tech world, and addressing issues of emergency preparedness and affordable housing for West Vancouver's aging pop- ulation.

Questions, however, per- sist around overall ettective- ness as a leader and ability to work wich a team. Candour has alienated some council colleagues and members of the public in the past.

Retains voter recognition even after three years’ absence from council.

Dark horse potential: 8 to

1 shot. gga

Russ “The A.G.” Fraser:

One of two former B.C. attorneys general sitting on the current Wese Vancouver council, Has served a single term as councillor. A British Propertics resident since the late 1980s. Silver-haired and politically astute; engineer by training but professionat politician by trade, Former Vancouver-South Socred MLA; former minister of post-secondary education; resume lists a host of man- agerial and head office titles. Now a “business consul-

NOL US ER LL NRO REIN CONN PT

Mayor leaves question unanswered

Dear Editor: . Re: Keeping the record _Stvaight.

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Don Bell’s election cam- paigns as reported in the Oct... 17, North . Shore News,

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mayor five times, politely asking this very question. I have yet to have the courtesy of a reply.

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North Vancouver

oe FLU

tant.”

Smooth and confident: claims to have friends and acquaintances in high politi- val places — connections that could make a ditference when dealing with such key issues as the future of the Horseshoe Bay ferry termi- nal.

Garnered high recogni- tion and strong respondent support in the Sultan poll.

Believes the “mayor's job is not that hard.” Says he has more time and capacity than the other candidates to get things done. Could be, bur might be underestimating mayor’s workload; focused on such smail-time issues as ensuring that che entrance to West Vancouver be spiffed up and that the municipal fire department be the best turned out in the Lower Mainland.

Says he wants to bring energy to West Vancouver; wants to make things hap- pen.

Bizarre proposal iast year to install a temporary ferry between West Vancouver and

. Vancouver to circumvent the - Lions Gate Bridge upgrade

chaos raises questions about the quality of his idea bank.

Well-groomed public fig- ure with political blood iines: 4 to 1 odds.

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yoral race

Ron “The Conciliator” Wood:

Long-time Dundarave- area resident. Heads up an executive scarch business. Has served on council since rove.

Low-key public persona. Not a frequent or forceful speaker at council meetings. Far more impressive at close

quarters. Strong business

credentials; sound leadership

skills; conciliator and team builder. Believes there should be a 10-year statute of limitations on how long senior bureaucrats can serve

ata given position. Insert applause here. Backs findings of Cut? report; key issues inchude furure of Horseshoe Bay, the need for business reviews of Ambleside and Dundarave areas and the need to devel- op affordable seniors hous- ing in West Vancouver. Sound political thorough- bred with much long-term potential; Ripping Yarns” money is on U rhs entry even though odds are set at 10 to 1. Next week's race: North Vancouver City. —trenshaw@adirrct.cn

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