Gregor Robertson cant stop tanker traffic or build a subway, so why leave that impression? - Charlie Smith (because its all about posturing, were the good guys righteous sanctimony, social engineering + greenwashing optics + perceptions not real tangible results + actions with Greg-veloper Robertson + his horde of Visionistas) The Broadway subway and opposition to more oil tankers in Burrard Inlet are cornerstones of Visions reelection campaign. While Mayor Gregor Robertson can claim to provide moral leadership, the reality is he has ZERO authority over either issue. The National Energy Board will make a decision on Kinder Morgans application to triple bitumen shipments to the Lower Mainland. The federal body will decide if theres going to be up to 400 oil tankers per year sailing out of Vancouvers harbour. The City of Vancouver will have a minor amount of influence as an intervener in the regulatory process. But in the end if Stephen Harper wants this pipeline project to be approved, it will be approved because the company can appeal any decision to the federal cabinet. (Thats not to say the pipeline will be built because theres always a chance of civil disobedience, successful court challenges, or a change in the federal government.) Any decision about future rapid-transit projects will be made by the federal and provincial governments with input from TransLink and Metro Vancouver. Anything the mayor says likely wont have a huge impact on the decision over a Broadway subway. Those who pay the cost—i.e. senior levels of government—will decide. So basically, Vision Vancouvers reelection campaign is based in part on tricking voters into believing that the mayor is this powerful guy who can stop oil tankers and deliver a $3-billion subway line. straight/print/news/721911/gregor-robertson-cant-stop-tanker-traffic-or-build-subway-so-why-leave-impression
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 06:41:25 +0000
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