To the editor:
Re: "Alphabetic voting at play in 麻豆传媒映画civic election," Nov. 22.
On the subject of ABC surnames raised by editor Barry Link, I think good ballot placement can definitely tip the balance. (I was surely tempted to run under my middle name Aaron.) However, I'll give credit to voters for picking George Affleck, Elizabeth Ball and Adriane Carr for the new council as they are all excellent choices. I'm convinced that Coun. Ball succeeded thanks to a reputation built through years of community service and innovation in Vancouver's arts scene.
Note that Woodsworth, Yuen and even myself came only a few hundred votes short of getting elected despite less favorable ballot placement. There are many things that can be done to ballots themselves without throwing out a system of governance that has helped to create a highly successful city like Vancouver. For example, today's printing technology can easily produce ballots with names placed in random order. Or candidates could be provided with a number beside their name, which could aid thousands of voters with limited comprehension of English.
As for predictions about a Vision dynasty, I wouldn't make that bet yet.
麻豆传媒映画politics-as the 2011 civic election demonstrated-is anything but predictable.
On a final note, I'd like to thank the Courier for its thorough and balanced coverage of Election 2011. I'm appreciative that your reporters acknowledged my city council campaign in a variety of stories, as name recognition is what breathes life into any first crack at elected office.
Mike Klassen (NPA), Vancouver
