Pubdate: Mon, 14 Nov 2005
Source: Record, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.royalcityrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1654
Author: Theresa McManus, staff writer

HEATLH AUTHORITY OFFICER DIDN'T ENDORSE COOK

Dr. John Blatherwick commends Casey Cook for his work on a regional
drug strategy, but isn't endorsing his bid for mayor.

Blatherwick is the chief medical health officer for the Vancouver
Coastal Authority.

Cook quickly removed Blatherwick's title from his campaign website
after being asked to do so.

"Casey has been working closely with the Lower Mainland medical health
officers in the development of the Lower Mainland Drug Strategy," said
Blatherwick, in the community comments section of Cook's election
website. "He should be commended for his leadership and excellent work."

Those words prompted media calls to the Vancouver Coastal Authority
regarding a medical health officer's endorsement of a politician.

"He really shouldn't have my title on there," said Blatherwick, a
longtime New Westminster resident. "Casey and I have been friends for
a long time. I really have to be apolitical."

While he's asked that his title be removed from the quote on Cook's
website, Blatherwick stood by his comments.

He said Cook was a leader and possibly the most hardworking member of
the regional committee that examined the issue of a regional drug strategy.

"Casey and I used to coach minor lacrosse together. His kids are the
same age as mine. I have a long connection with Casey," he said. "The
wording he has on this (website) sounds like an endorsement."

Cook had Blatherwick's title removed from the website shortly after
receiving his request.

"I guess the employer didn't want to be embroiled in politics," he
said. "I can understand that. It wasn't a contentious thing."

Cook said he was involved in developing a regional drug strategy at a
time when it wasn't being discussed and he has continued on that effort.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin