Gregor Robertson brings a caddy to the Mayors' Council meeting

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      Sometimes, it appears that Vancouver city council punches below its weight at the regional level.

      Its underwhelming influence was apparent in Metro Vancouver's handling of its two biggest issues in this term: the solid-waste plan and the regional growth strategy.

      Today, Mayor Gregor Robertson tried to rectify this by bringing a reinforement to an important meeting of the Mayors' Council on Region Transporation.

      Sitting in the audience dressed in a suit was none other than Vision Vancouver councillor Geoff Meggs.

      He's the party's point man on transportation issues. And clearly, he had the ear of the mayor during a break, when they were spotted in deep discussion.

      While Burnaby mayor Derek Corrigan, Delta mayor Lois Jackson, and Richmond mayor Malcolm Brodie dominated the debate, Robertson kept his mouth shut, for the most part, while supporting the plan. He appeared to spend a great deal of time scribbling down notes.

      The plan, which Vision politicians support, was approved by the mayors. Meggs, as a good apparatchik, kept a low profile. But he was there in case the mayor ran into trouble.

      As the election looms, don't be surprised if Meggs is spotted lurking in the background at other high-profile events involving the mayor. As a former B.C. government director of communications, Meggs knows how to spin the media. And with the NPA's Suzanne Anton running a stronger-than-expected campaign, Robertson could probably use the help.

      Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      James G

      Oct 7, 2011 at 3:04pm

      Surely you meant 'jockey' instead of 'caddy'? A caddy just carries bags and offers the odd tip. A jockey rides to victory on whichever horse he can best tell what to do. Giddup Larry Campbell!

      Now that he has gone to stud in the Senate (watch out Marjorie LeBreton, Anne Cools and Nancy Ruth!) it is giddup Gregor!

      Gregor might not make it past the finish line this time though ...

      12 9Rating: +3

      Rob Roy

      Oct 7, 2011 at 5:10pm

      No one, anytime anywhere, has ever accused Gregor of being very bright. The less he says the better he sounds.

      He needs Meggs far more than Meggs needs him.

      Gregor will get the GQ vote.

      Not so sure about the IQ vote.

      14 8Rating: +6

      Bill McCreery1

      Oct 7, 2011 at 11:36pm

      You've notched it Charlie. But, sadly for Vancouver, not only was Meggs required backup for Mayor Gregor today, but Meggs himself, as well as Gregor have failed to properly represent Vancouver at the regional table. They have been silent for 3 years. Suddenly, 6 weeks before the election our Mayor wakes up and takes a position. Why?

      Does anyone remember any "open and transparent" discussion in Vancouver facilitated by the Mayor regarding how to finance the next important phase of Translink expansions? How or where did he get this sudden revelation? Does the Mayor's position reflect that of the people of Vancouver? How do we know the answer to that in the absence of any public discussion of the issues involved?

      12 9Rating: +3

      @ Rob Roy

      Oct 7, 2011 at 11:48pm

      I've corresponded with Geoff. He seems vacuumous. Transportation expert?

      How about idiot who just watched the end of transit.

      6 12Rating: -6

      OH Gregor

      Oct 8, 2011 at 8:30am

      Gregor sits quietly, nothing to say at meeting, while others tackle the tough questions. Big surprise. Gregor brings along a buddy to explain the dialogue of the meeting. Big surprise. Gotta wonder.. Do the other mayors just shake their heads and laugh when they see this guy (juice box boy) coming?

      14 9Rating: +5

      Such a dork.

      Oct 8, 2011 at 12:45pm

      Gregor can't even go to a friggin meeting without someone holding his hand telling him what to say. Lame. Embarrassing to Vancouver.

      10 7Rating: +3

      Absent mayor has to go!!

      Oct 11, 2011 at 11:22am

      The mayor's seat has been vacant for three years now. Time to elect a mayor who will actually get something done. So long Gregor! Take your chicken farms, bike lanes, and other green-inspired fiascos with you.

      11 5Rating: +6

      Coal Harbour Resident

      Oct 17, 2011 at 10:54pm

      -What are the choices? Gregor or Suzanne? Dumb-but-pretty or flip-flop-flip-flop?

      Geoff Meggs is one of the few people on council with a brain but he is not running for mayor!

      11 4Rating: +7