A corporately-funded Stadium opposition group suffered a serious setback today on the Bill Good Show on CKNW 980. The newly-formed Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition was bombarded by calls in favour of the Whitecaps new stadium.
Most stunning were the phone calls from Gastown residents and business owners that claimed the coalition doesn't speak for residents of the area. One caller revealed that the coalition's chief spokesman, Jon Stovell, heads acquisitions and development for a real estate company that owns several of the buildings behind the stadium site. He also revealed that this “grassroots” coalition has hired an exclusive communications firm, Reputations Corporation, to handle its public relations.
In the past, Reputations Communications worked on the election campaign for Mayor Sam Sullivan, and handled his media relations at the recent Winter Olympics & Paralympics.
It would seem that the two biggest lobby groups opposing the stadium, Gastown Residents Association & the Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition, aren't very grassroots or representative at all. In fact, according to internet domain registration information, it would appear they were created at the same time, by the same people.
With support among the public overwhelmingly in favour of the stadium, it's more important than ever to let your voice be heard. And it will be the powerful, positive message of soccer fans and citizens of Vancouver that will bring the stadium home! Write, call, and e-mail City Council and the Mayor and let them know where the real power is!
Here is a link to to an MP3 of The Bill Good Show:
http://www.vancouversouthsiders.com/media/billgoodshowmay4.mp3
Yours in Soccer,
Bill Currie
1 comment:
I live in the neighbourhood, i love the Whitecaps, i go to the games at Swangard, i like outdoor music festivals, i like big crowds, but tis is teh wrong site for tyhis stadium. Gatsown is not the playfground for the rest of vancouver. It's a neighbourhood jkust like theb one you live in. I wouldn't propose a COSTCO or Canadian Tire across the street from Lenarduzzi's North Vancouver home, and then slag him when he expresses resentment. Process from day-one has been bad on this, quite disrespectful and anti-poor. While Vancouver is becoming more of a "resort city," nevertheless, my neighbourhood is not metro Vancouver's nightlife playground. Families live here and we've got just enough bar culture already thank you.
Save Swangard, one of the most beautiful stadium locations. Make the FIFA 2007 expansion a permanent one.
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