Sue Hammell and her NDP family secrets

NDP MLA

Current Position: Running for re-election as NDP MLA, Surrey Green Timbers. Appointed NDP Community Services critic by Carole James.

Past Positions: Was Minister of Women’s Equality in NDP governments.

Family Connections: Married to long-time NDP Director of Organization John Pollard, who best known for being impatient in ferry lineups. Sue was a senior organizer for Glen Clark’s leadership.

Family Secrets: Rumours persist that Hammell has set a record for hiring, firing and resignations of constituency assistants during a four year period (2005-2009). What is most interesting is that there were no grievances officially filed by the BCGEU who represents the NDP caucus staff.

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John Horgan and his NDP family secrets

NDP MLA

Current Position: Running for reelection as NDP MLA, Juan de Fuca. Appointed NDP Energy Critic by Carole James.

Past Positions: Chief of Staff to NDP Premier Dan Miller, political staff for Premier Glen Clark, Ministerial Assistant to Minister of Employment and Investment Glen Clark

Family Connections: Following a low profile career on Parliament Hill working for one-term NDP MP Lynn Hunter, Horgan reached his full potential under Glen Clark. His friendship with Adrian Dix and Ian Waddell helped Horgan play a senior role in the Clark government. As British Columbians were breathing a sigh of relief following the defeat of the NDP, Horgan took his large taxpayer-funded severance package and got busy in the “private sector.” Horgan partnered with current Carole James Chief of Staff Ian Reid and Ian’s current second in command Mary O’Donaghue to form the consulting firm Ideaworks.

Family Secrets: Where to begin? Horgan was one of the most influential staff members during the 1990s. Fast ferries, fudge-it budgets, job losses… Horgan was there the whole time. We think Horgan’s role in the decade of decline has been underappreciated.