Burnaby South MP Kennedy Stewart is “seriously considering” a run for the mayor’s seat in Vancouver, the NOW has learned.
Stewart said he was pleasantly surprised by the results of a Research Co. survey released today, where 10 per cent of responders favoured him in a question about who would be a “good choice” for Mayor of Vancouver. Green Party of Vancouver Coun. Adriane Carr came out on top with 35 per cent support. Vision Vancouver Coun. Raymond Louie came in at second (19 per cent), independent Jean Swanson in third (17 per cent), Non-Partisan Association Coun. Hector Bremner in fourth (11 per cent), and Stewart in fifth.
Since his name was listed in the poll, the NDP politician said he’s been getting a lot of positive feedback, which is making him think about making the jump from federal to municipal politics.
“It’s a little bit out of the blue for me. If you asked me a couple weeks ago, this wasn’t really on my radar,” he told the NOW. “Just surprising, and very flattering calls I’ve had over the last couple of days, means folks are looking for a leader in Vancouver, and it’s something I’m taking a close look at.
“Perhaps I am a solution to some of the problem’s they’re having in Vancouver, in terms of unifying progressive politics.”
As for why he’s not considering a run for mayor in Burnaby, he said he thinks current Mayor Derek Corrigan is doing a good job.
Results of the Research Co. poll are based on an online study conducted from April 28 to 30, with 400 adults living in the city of Vancouver. The margin of error is +/- 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
