It still hasn’t decided whether or not to dump its old but well-recognized name for “Vancouver First”, but that hasn’t deterred the Non-Partisan Association from making an early move in preparation for the 2011 civic election in Vancouver.

The party will nominate candidates a year before voters head to the polls.

On November 20, the first batch of candidates for council, school board, and park board will be chosen.

A second round of nominations will be held next spring.

In a press release today (June 22), NPA president Michael Davis said the early nomination of candidates will allow the party to have people who will be able to publicly address several issues in the city.

“We are hearing a growing level of frustration from residents and businesses with the current administration,” Davis stated.

“Policies like homeless shelters for chickens could be driving some of that. The Park Board budget has been gutted by Council and Vancouver kids will be feeling the affects of that all summer long. Meanwhile the Vancouver School Board seems intent on waging a very loud war with the province. The kids will end up suffering for that too. We need candidates in place who can speak to these issues,” Davis added.

The release notes that the NPA board will announce in September the number of candidate positions that will be decided in November, and the rules for the nomination process.