Caddy wanted

Anybody got a 1979 Cadillac convertible for sale?

Vision Vancouver Coun. Kerry Jang is interested. But wait a sec, you say, isn’t Jang a member of the ruling party at city hall that some pundits and others have accused of launching “a war on the car” with the introduction of the 2040 transportation plan.

Well, yes. And doesn’t the city’s 2040 transportation plan, which was adopted by Jang and his bike-friendly buddies Oct. 31, call for at least two-thirds of all trips in the city to be by foot, bike or transit by 2040?

Yes, again. So why the heck would Jang be interested in a gas-sucking land yacht? Some background first: Jang has made it no secret that he loves cars and he’s not somebody you would see along a bike path wearing spandex and one of those neon jackets; he’s sticking to dark pin-striped suits, as far as I can tell.

His automobile addiction, it appears, will continue after he heard some car-friendly news about the 2040 plan from the city’s transportation director Jerry Dobrovolny, who actually can be found along a bike path.

“The plan emphasizes that having a road network that’s efficient, effective and not congested is absolutely crucial to the well-being of the city in the future — both from a car perspective, from a goods movement perspective and from a bus-transit perspective,” Dobrovolny told Jang at council.

What Jang took from this was that he was “quite satisfied there is no war on the car. I was always concerned about that and it’s clear from all the questions I’ve asked in talking to the staff that there is no war on cars. So let’s get that straight.”

Besides, he said, he’s not all about the car, anyway. He’s actually discovered other ways to get around the city. Would you believe…walking? Or even more amazing…taking transit?

What the… “It’s actually great to walk. Didn’t know that. I’ve actually started taking transit. It’s actually very convenient. It saves me a lot of time and money, actually.”

But let’s get Jang back on the road, shall we, and hear why he’s really stoked about the 2040 plan. “I’m also very happy to say that because of the road space that is available and will be in the future, I will continue to look for my dream car, a 1979 Cadillac convertible.”

Good luck with the gas bill and finding parking.

Gay people use transit?

In other transportation news…

Jang’s colleague, Coun. Tim Stevenson, let it be known at the Oct. 31 council meeting that “gay people” use transit.

Whoa! Jang admits to walking and taking transit—now Stevenson, who is a homosexual, says gay people actually ride the buses!

Let me explain further, if I can.

Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr spent a lot of time during the 2040 plan debate talking about how she supported the idea of more walking, biking and transit. But, she said, the plan needed more consultation.

But, but, but… And Carr’s use of the word “but” is what prompted Stevenson to say, somewhat bizarrely, the following: “I have to say that Coun. Carr reminds me of people I’ve known over the years who have said to me: ‘You know, I really do like gay people but…’”

At that point Vision Coun. Andrea Reimer interjected and told Stevenson to stick to the main motion related to transportation. “Well, gay people use transportation. So it’s all tied together,” he said.

Just another head-scratcher-of-a-day at council, folks.

mhowell@vancourier.com

Twitter: @Howellings