Kirk LaPointe appointed as NPA mayoral candidate for Vancouver, promises Free WiFi
Vancouver’s newest political figure announced his mayoral candidacy for the Non-Partisan Association in the upcoming 2014 civic election this morning.
Kirk LaPointe, former managing editor of the Vancouver Sun and current adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, made the very low-key announcement this morning in a coffee shop on Main Street in front of a select group of reporters.
The NPA’s selection of LaPointe is rather unique, as they have a long standing history of appointing mayoral candidates who already have a political post in their resume. LaPointe is new to politics, having only held positions in the media before—but he suggests this is to his advantage, stating “I’ve spent a career asking questions I think the public wants answers to and now I think I’m at an age and stage where I can find the solutions that the public wants.”
When elaborating on the NPA’s platform, LaPointe made it clear that he does not condone personal attacks during his campaign. Along with his staff, LaPointe said he will sign a declaration of a clean campaign, and if it is broken, he will resign.
This message comes after the series of rumours and personal attacks made towards the incumbent Mayor Gregor Robertson after his divorce, with NPA members being accused of making it an election issue.
As part of his platform, LaPointe also spoke about creating free Wi-Fi across the city, a tax-freeze, and an end to the cyclist-motorist conflict. He also criticized Robertson and Vision Vancouver for their “closed-door” attitude, which he said were making many city matters hidden.
With today being his first public statement on his mayoral candidacy, LaPointe still has long ways to go to create a personal brand and a recognizable public face. The election is on November 15.
“Four months tomorrow I hope we have earned your trust,” LaPointe said.
Feature image: Facebook
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