BC NDP Run Anti-Soccer Stadium Ads

[vancouversoccerman]

From Friends of Soccer (http://www.friendsofsoccer.org) (with permission):

Friends Of Soccer Objects to NDP Anti-Soccer Stadium Ads

On Wednesday, April 1, the BC New Democratic Party ran a series of internet ads on several soccer-related websites condemning the renovation of BC Place, and falsely suggesting that the cost of the renovation is coming at the expense of healthcare and the homeless. We at Friends of Soccer find these ads extremely misleading and innapropriate. We call on the NDP to immediately back away from this irresponsible threat to the future of soccer in our province.

The claim in the ad that BC citizens must choose between a soccer-friendly stadium and social services is both false and offensive. The NDP is well aware that the BC Place renovations are to be financed by the future sale and development of the lands surrounding the stadium, along with future sponsorship funds surrounding naming rights. Neither source is drawn from the general revenue tax base that fund social programs. To suggest otherwise is alarmist to say the least.

The NDP is also aware that the BC Place renovations are crucial to the development of soccer in the province. Only two weeks ago, Vancouver was awarded a Major League Soccer team for 2011. The BC Place renovations promised by the current provincial government were overwhelmingly the deciding factor in the bid process. The threat made by Carole James to revoke the renovations could place the future of professional soccer in BC in doubt, and has the potential to choke soccer projects being undertaken in other parts of BC as well.

Carole James should also recognize that BC Place is a major economic engine for the citizens of BC. Every event held there pumps millions of dollars into the BC Tourism, Hospitality and Retail industries. It is BC's largest trade and exposition centre, hosting over 200 events every year. And it is also home to the BC Lions, a football team loved by people throughout the province. Without these renovations, it is unlikely British Columbia would be hosting the Grey Cup game in 2011. The global exposure this facility provides for BC is unsurpassed.

As citizens, we expect governments to be able to address a host of issues. We expect our governments to provide sustainable healthcare, while still encouraging economic growth in our cities and towns. We expect our governments to help those who are downtrodden, but we also insist that governments allow its working citizens the freedom to build a good quality of life for their families. To say we must choose between these priorities is a false choice, and any party who forces that choice is not capable of governing this province.

Friends of Soccer has always been, and continues to be, a non-partisan grassroots movement. We have always supported the efforts of those who help the game in BC, and we've fiercely opposed those who threaten the development of soccer in our province. I'm pleased to say that we've done this regardless of party affiliation. But in this election campaign, we cannot allow the future of soccer in BC to be once again cast into doubt for cheap political gain.

It is now up the BC New Democratic Party to make a clear statement committing their party to the BC Place renovations without modification of the current plans or budget.

Otherwise, they can be certain that we will not stand idly by in this election campaign.

http://friendsofsoccer.blogspot.com/2009/04/friends-of-soccer-objects-to-ndp-anti.html

[sportie1]

as a citizen of bc, i watch the ndp scrounging around for election issues that will save them from a humilating defeat in the may provincial elections-- an election that if they had have done a better job of providing an alternative to the reigning despots, the liberals, they had a chance of winning-- picking on soccer and bc place stadium will not garner them a wit of extra support-- they should be trying to rewrite their candidate selection process which is gender, racial and physically biased-- the ndp keep 'shooting themselves in the foot' and then blame the media, etc for their defeats-- ndp= NON-DEMOCRATIC PARTY

[vancouversoccerman]

Here's a good take on this issue from the local political site City Caucus:

"Is Vancouver's MLS Soccer threatened by the provincial opposition?"

"Clearly soccer fans have reason for some trepidation. The polls show that with a good bounce the NDP are within reach of forming government. If Carole James is Premier, there's a good chance that pro soccer fans in Metro Vancouver will have to tough it out for a few more years at Swangard Stadium."

http://www.citycaucus.com/2009/04/is-vancouvers-mls-soccer-at-threat-from-provincial-opposition#more

[phreakydancin]

The New Dumbocrats make my blood boil. They wasted $465 million dollars in taxpayers' money on the fast ferries, and now they want to cancel renovations to BC Place that would be self-financing and would bring millions of dollars into the local economy?

If the renovations are nixed, you can kiss MLS goodbye as well.

Get the word out! Vote for soccer! Vote Liberal!

[whiteymirbowl]

This is what the NPD is trying to run on facebook. I say everyone go say that the stadium is worth it. And the money does not come from the same place damn it

http://www.bcndp.ca/haveyoursay

[piltdownman]

Carole James' campaign office is two blocks from my flat. I'm tempted to go over there and find out what the hell they are on about. Its a fitting location as its right on crackhead road, just down the block from two shelters.

[the shelts]

The NDP are great in opposition. They manage (always) to find the one guy or one family who truly is getting screwed over and point this out to the media.

Problem is when they actually win, all bets are off. They are like a bull in a China shop. I honestly think they have a Robin Hood persecution which is blame all rich people and give all the money to the poor.

Remember that bumbling fool Bob Skelly? or that other halfwit Clark. That Premier Clark guy was one of the things that helped make up my mind to move back to the US.

If the people of BC are crazy enough to allow this wack-pack back into office then you deserve them.

Don't get me wrong there are plenty of insane idiots in the political field down here, but anyone who thinks BC Place, Expo 86, False Creek would have been accomplished under an NDP government is deluding themselves.

[vancouversoccerman]

Jim Mullen of CKNW ripped the NDP ads in an editorial yesterday:

http://friendsofsoccer.blogspot.com/2009/04/cknw-editorial-slams-both-libs-ndp-on.html

[Macksam]

The New Dumbocrats make my blood boil. They wasted $465 million dollars in taxpayers' money on the fast ferries, and now they want to cancel renovations to BC Place that would be self-financing and would bring millions of dollars into the local economy?

If the renovations are nixed, you can kiss MLS goodbye as well.

Get the word out! Vote for soccer! Vote Liberal!
You sure about that?

[phreakydancin]

You sure about that?My understanding is that the Vancouver franchise was awarded based on the stadium plan that included the renovations. If the renos don't happen, I can't see MLS allowing them to begin play in 2011.

[the shelts]

Before anyone over-reacts the 35 million was wired and is in the MLS coffers as we speak. The contract is not contingent on BC Place stadium but does go over the stadia (spelling correct) requirements.



So anyways. I sent the NDP a email via facebook telling them to stay the hell out of the way of progress and I would personally send $2500 bucks to the Liberals, So-Creds, or anyone who can beat them and promissed to spend my vacation nailing signs of any opposition party into yards across Victoria and Vancouver.

Clearly they read my message, because I immediately received some verbage about how they "valued my opinion" and would "be closely listening to the suggestions and comments" and then sent me this.


Yesterday, in front of a crowd of hundreds in Victoria, we nominated our leader, Carole James as the BC NDP candidate in Victoria-Beacon Hill. Together with your BC NDP team across this province we will take back your BC.


Today we launched a major new television advertisement. We want you to be one of the very first to watch it online.


As you know, advertisements like this are extremely expensive both to produce and to run on television. Thanks to generous tax credits of up to 75%, your contributions will cost you less and will help Carole James and the BC NDP team take back your BC. A donation of $50 or $10 (which would only cost you $12.50 or $2.50 after taxes) would help with the costs associated with our ad campaign.


Please consider making your contribution online


Pack of jerks. The only contribution I'll make to them is I will personally head back to BC and register to vote in any tight race or swing district to make my vote count.

[JohnnyRanger]

They released their platform today, and unexpectedly did not offer an alternative solution to the Stadium, which they rip on Page 27 of the document (Which I would only use to wipe my arse with) They say that:
Investing to Make Our Communities Stronger
When Gordon Campbell decides he wants a new roof for BC
Place, the sky’s the limit. $365 million? Not a problem.
When the residents of Hazelton need a roof for their leaking community centre, the money doesn’t flow
quite as freely. For years, they waited patiently for much-needed renovations for their centre – which
serves as the town’s primary meeting and social venue. As a close-knit community, it is one of their
priorities – but it’s not Gordon Campbell’s.
When Gordon Campbell wants his state-of-the-art Vancouver Convention Centre, the sky’s the limit. To
the tune of $500 million in uncontrolled cost overruns.
When civic leaders and advocates pushed him for a comprehensive plan to help provide basic shelter for
the homeless, those pleas fell on deaf ears. Even BC’s Auditor General has cited the Campbell Liberals
for failing to take the lead on homelessness.
When communities are shattered by growing and horrific gang violence, Gordon Campbell cuts the
budget for community safety. Public safety is one of our priorities – but it’s not Gordon Campbell’s.

here they are comparing BC Place Stadium, soon to be home to two of the provinces three professional sports teams that generate millions in tourism and spinoff revenue for the province, along with the new Convention Centre, a needed project regardless of how they arrived at it fiscally, to a community centre (municipality run) in a village made up of two municipalties with a combined population of under 3000, which could all be fit in two sections at BC Place stadium.

You couldn't dream this stuff up! :D

[Hatzman]

I'm a Portland Timbers fan going to school in Langley, I saw these Facebook ads the other day, and made sure to send a nice little letter to the NDP. Having dealt with this crap in Portland for months I figured an act of solidarity was in line.

[JohnnyRanger]

You must have been the solitary guy at the Porkland v Vancouver game at BLSC that was then joined by the two en route to the Okanagan Beer Festival in Penticton!?

You attend TWU right?

[Hatzman]

Thats me.

[vancouversoccerman]

The NDP have now officially backed down. Nice how they frame it as a Liberal lie after it was them who started running the anti-stadium ads. Good job everyone!

Liberal lie on B.C. Place roof gets a red card

April 10, 2009

Feeling heat for their misplaced priorities, the Campbell Liberals are lying about the NDP's position on the B.C. Place roof.

Carole James' election platform does include funding to cover the estimated $365 million cost of a retractable roof based on the limited details that the Campbell government has released about the project.

We're committed to looking at possible ways to save some money on the project.

We will work closely with Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot and president Bob Lenarduzzi to ensure that the Whitecaps are able to use B.C. Place for their inaugural MLS season in 2011.

Our platform also allocates significant additional capital money--$100 million--to build soccer fields and other important recreational facilities in communities across B.C.

It will create new jobs and benefit thousands of soccer kids and adults who play the game.

http://www.bcndp.ca/newsroom/liberal-lie-bc-place-roof-gets-red-card

[vancouversoccerman]

From Friends of Soccer: (with permission)

http://friendsofsoccer.blogspot.com/2009/04/ndp-officially-back-down-on-bc-place.html

NDP Officially Back Down on BC Place Attacks

Responding to outrage and pressure from the sports community, the BC NDP offically backed down from their attacks on the BC Place renovations. They also made clear that their platform now includes the full $365 million for the renovations, and includes the retractable roof. The NDP have now also clarified that they will spend $100 million for soccer fields and community centres throughout the province if elected.

You can read their full statement on the matter here:
http://www.bcndp.ca/newsroom/liberal-lie-bc-place-roof-gets-red-card

While it's regrettable that the stadium was the target of political attack ads by the NDP, I am satisfied that the New Democrats are now fully committed to this project. But they should know that the pressure they felt on this issue over the past week is just a fraction of what our community can bring on them, or any political party, if they choose to use sport as a political pawn again.

The past week has been a testament to what the soccer and sports community can accomplish when we band together. This is a strong win for sport in BC. Regardless of which political party wins in May, they can be certain that the sports community will hold them accountable for their promises, and that we will challenge them when they take action detrimental to sport in our province.

Yours in Sport,
Bill Currie
Friends of Soccer

[carnifex2005]

Awesome. I'd never vote for the NDP anyways after the cluster******** that the 90's were under them but I would have actively campaigned against them if they didn't change their stance on this issue.

[the shelts]

Awesome. I'd never vote for the NDP anyways after the cluster******** that the 90's were under them but I would have actively campaigned against them if they didn't change their stance on this issue.

Agreed 100 percent.

By the way I did get a good message from a guy named Brendan Waters who explained the NDP stance and indicated he was a soccer fan too. At least this guy put some thought into the response and indicated there was some middle ground.

Problem is I am now on the NDP list of emails and am now getting (frankly) spam from them.


Carole and our NDP team are forging a better future for our children and grandchildren. They have positive solutions for the issues that Gordon Campbell has neglected. Action on forestry jobs. Support for small businesses. Protection of key public services like health care and education. And an end to the reckless privatization of BC Hydro and our natural resources. Campbell and the BC Liberals have cut services, increased fees, and will use this recession to cut and privatize even more.


How much more can you take?



BLAH BLAH BLAH..............INSERT BS ABOUT "its not fair" here.... ..... BLAH BLAH BLAH.............send money..........







Give us the help we need. Go online, right now, or send us a cheque to the address below. If you can, please also add a photo of you, your kids and grandchildren: we'll post them on our website as proof of who we are working for.




blah blah blah ...............get lost NDP. GO AWAY.

[VioletCrown]

Agreed 100 percent.

By the way I did get a good message from a guy named Brendan Waters who explained the NDP stance and indicated he was a soccer fan too. At least this guy put some thought into the response and indicated there was some middle ground.

Problem is I am now on the NDP list of emails and am now getting (frankly) spam from them.




blah blah blah ...............get lost NDP. GO AWAY.

I wish our wingnuts were as easy to cow as your wingnuts.