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NDP's Spencer Chandra Herbert hasn't ruled out a leadership run
Spencer Chandra Herbert at a press conference on arts cuts at his West End constituency office in August 2009.
The B.C. NDP’s arts critic and Vancouver-West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert is considering a run for the leadership of the party. In a call with the Straight, Herbert confirmed that he was contemplating putting his name forward after being encouraged by supporters to throw his hat in the ring.
“I’ve certainly had more than a few folks involved in the creative economy, arts folks and others, urging me to do it, but it’s a huge decision to make, and I certainly will consider it as you have to consider any kind of decision,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that I’m going to make the leap next week or next month. Right now I’m leaning towards no, for sure, but if there was a huge groundswell of support urging me to do it then I would have to reassess. For now I’m leaning towards no, but never say never.”
Chandra Herbert, the youngest member of the legislative assembly at age 29, has been the Opposition arts critic since first being elected as MLA for the now-dissolved riding of Vancouver-Burrard in 2008. Prior to working in provincial politics, he served as a Vancouver parks board commissioner with COPE from 2005 to 2008.
Amir Ali Alibhai, executive director of the Alliance for Arts and Culture, said that the Alliance is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that does not endorse political candidates. Nonetheless, he noted that Chandra Herbert’s presence in the NDP leadership contest would help boost the profile of arts and culture as an election issue.
“Spencer, if he put his hat into the ring, I think that would really, hopefully, bring the arts to a high priority position within the debate, and that would be a great thing,” he said.
There are still no official candidates to replace Carole James, who stepped down as NDP leader December 6 amid heated caucus in-fighting and open calls for her resignation.
But what I really love about the idea of Spencer running for the NDP leadership is the idea of a candidate who could truly lead this province away from the style of politics which has recently mired us. Spencer is the kind of leader who wouldn't rely on partisan politics, who could bring in innovative new perspectives and initiatives to tackle the true issues in BC: homelessness, child poverty, environmental destruction and the true economic impact of the recession - that on the working person and family.
I LOVE the idea of Spencer running for leadership - consider this the beginning of the groundswell!
As someone who has followed his career, I can say that Spencer has always passionately and eloquently defended the rights of his constituents- be it the right to not be unfairly evicted from one's apartment, or the right to be safe from homophobic violence- in the vein of a Harvey Milk
So please, Spencer, help us get some fresh blood into this stagnant pool of provincial politics!!
He could bring such vibrancy to the office, the NDP and government.
He has those rare qualities of being bright, accessible and very humble.
I saw him in the grocery store the other, obviously not in MLA mode, but I quietly watched him from a distance as shopper after shopper stopped him to say hello, chat about whatever and carry on.
I saw this repeat at least six times.
Each time, he smiled sincerely and engaged them as long as they seemed to want. All those I saw walked away with a smile on their face.
To contrast him with the very absent and disappointing Hedy Fry, the laziest MP in Canada, and you will see why she is waaaay past her best before date and he is a rising star.
Lastly, his and Fry's offices are about a block apart.
His is ALWAYS open with his smiley staff in the window, hers never is and her staff are cranky.
Nuff said.
Go fer it Spencer Herbert!
No guts, no glory, kid.
But so much depends on who else is running...
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