Larry Campbell (born 1948, in Brantford, Ontario) is the current mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
He was elected in 2002 under the banner of the Coalition of Progressive Electors party. However, infighting began soon after between Campbell and the centre-left COPE city councilors versus some of their further left colleagues. On December 14, 2004, Campbell and councilors Jim Green , Raymond Louie and Tim Stevenson announced that they will caucus separately from the other COPE councilors, although they have not quit the party.
Much of Campbell's success with voters was attributed to his charismatic personalty and colorful background. As the city's former chief coroner, his life inspired a popular drama on the CBC called Da Vinci's Inquest. He was also dubbed the "Dapper Mayor" for his panache for wearing fedora hats and long overcoats. His personality contrasted greatly with his predecessor, Philip Owen, who was seen by many as being quite stiff and boring.
Campbell was also popular for his opposition to the increasingly unpopular provincial government, led by BC premier Gordon Campbell (no relation). Mayor Campbell sought to undermine the premier's eagerness to host the 2010 Winter Olympics by holding a city-wide referendum on the bid. The mayor felt that the people needed a say about the Olympics, and since Gordon Campbell refused a provincial-wide referendum, Vancouver was only allowed to hold a non-binding, city-wide plebiscite. Though Mayor Campbell had originally portrayed himself as critical of the bid, he eventually joined the "yes" side and began actively campaigning for it. The "yes" side ultimately won the vote, but only after a long and often highly polarized debate.
Campbell's other main project has thus far been the establishment of a safe injection site to help curb Vancouver's injection drug problem.
Campbell has openly stated that he is not a socialist and instead identifies himself as a moderate centerist . This has in turn put him in conflict with some of the more radical members of his Coalition of Progressive Electors party. In 2005 he announced that he will run for a second term as an independent.
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Last updated: 05-07-2005 11:14:42
Last updated: 05-13-2005 07:56:04
