Nevermind the Obama-Clinton Fisticuffs -- Vancouver Has a Battle Brewing

Vancouver 24 hours and the Tyee are sponsoring a debate among the three candidates for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination.

Never before have three experienced politicians competed so fiercely for a Vancouver party's nomination.

The candidates are former parks board chair Allan De Genova, Coun. Raymond Louie and MLA Gregor Robertson.

The three candidates will field a wide range of questions from a panel of three journalists.

"We're very excited about our three mayoral candidates squaring off for the first time on stage, debating their visions and ideas for Vancouver," said Vision co-chair Mike Magee. "There's been so much excitement generated from this nomination race, and now our members will have the opportunity to see the candidates in action."

Vision Vancouver will select its candidate in a nomination convention on June 15, 2008, at the Croatian Cultural Centre.

Citizens must join Vision Vancouver by May 15 in order to vote at the party convention.

The same offer was extended to candidates for the Non-Partisan Association mayoral nomination, but it was rebuffed. NPA chair Matthew Taylor indicated the party is planning to host its own candidates' "event".

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Vision Vancouver mayoral candidates: Gregor Roberston, Raymond Louie and Allan De Genova

- When: May 21, 8 p.m.

- Where: Norman Rothstein Theatre at the Jewish Community Centre (41st and Oak).

- Tickets: No charge; go to www.votevision.ca