Larry Campbell - Election

Election

Campbell was elected in 2002 under the banner of the left-wing Coalition of Progressive Electors party. He was the city's first mayor to be elected from 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 CBC Television drama called Da Vinci's Inquest. The show was later followed by a spinoff, Da Vinci's City Hall, in which the Da Vinci character followed his real-life counterpart into politics.

He was also dubbed the "Dapper Mayor" for his penchant 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 provincial government, led by BC premier Gordon Campbell (no relation). Mayor Campbell sought to check the premier's eagerness to host the 2010 Winter Olympics by calling for 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. His decision to "flip-flop" on the issue received widespread criticism, some claim this reflected a "go with the flow" attitude.