Potential Sam Sullivan bid for B.C. Liberal nomination has NDP talking

Word is out that Sullivan is interested in seeking the B.C. Liberal nomination in Vancouver–False Creek, and it hasn’t escaped the attention of New Democrats.

Constance Barnes, who wants to represent the B.C. NDP in the same constituency, noted that she has also heard former Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt may compete against Sullivan for the B.C. Liberal nomination.

“I have respect for Sam Sullivan,” Barnes told the Straight in a phone interview.

A political warhorse, Sullivan served as a Vancouver councillor for 12 years with the Non-Partisan Association before being elected mayor in 2005.

Digital-media entrepreneur Matt Toner, who is also contesting the B.C. NDP nomination in Vancouver–False Creek, welcomes the prospect of running against Sullivan.

“What makes it unique for the NDP is that I come from a business background,” Toner told the Straight by phone. “I speak the language of business. I got experience working in New York and Toronto. I brought some Canadian business interests on the world stage. And I got a graduate degree in economics. That’s not usual for an NDP candidate. In fact, I quite enjoy having discussions with the Liberals because they’re not used to dealing with someone like me. I think it will be a spirited contest.”

As for Barnes, she has put together a diverse campaign team that includes arts advocate Sean Bickerton, who is an NPAer like Sullivan.

“I joined the NDP for two reasons: to support Constance, and in protest for the horrendous treatment of the arts by the B.C. Liberal government,” Bickerton told the Straight by phone.

Without naming Sullivan, Bickerton also had this to say about his decision to back Barnes: “It’s become complicated because I went to high school with Lorne [Mayencourt], and I really admire so many things he accomplished in his life.…And there may be someone else running in that race that I greatly admire as well.”

Neither Sullivan nor Mayencourt granted the Straight an interview before deadline.