2011-08-26 Brendan Cross, controversial candidate for the Green Party of Saskatchewan

STORY PUBLISHED IN LEADER POST:  http://www.leaderpost.com/health/Greens+look+past+record/5309578/story.html

Greens look past record

 By Angela Hall, Leader-Post August 26, 2011   

A Regina man with several criminal convictions – including charges related to an incident in which he disrobed and entered the mayor’s office – plans to seek a seat for the Green Party in the upcoming provincial election.

Brendan Cross is listed as the prospective candidate for the Regina Rosemont constituency on the party’s website, although his candidacy won’t be official until after a review period that allows Green members to provide feedback.

However, the party’s candidate recruitment coordinator Sandra Finley, an acquaintance of Cross for several years, said she sought him out to run and believes he has come through “extremely difficult times” as a healthier and wiser person. His experience with bipolar disorder also helps him be a voice for others who have had forms of mental illness, she said.

 “What I have found in the past is that he is very thoughtful. He is intelligent and he brings a perspective to any political party that is actually very valuable,” Finley said, adding the decision to potentially have him on the ballot has not been taken lightly.

 In a letter to the Leader-Post, Cross noted his “checkered past” but also said he has thoughts and ideas that are worthy of being heard. He also cited his prior political experience, which includes serving as leader of what was the First Nations Party of Saskatchewan.

 In an interview Thursday, the 35-year-old said his past legal issues “always hang over me” but believes it’s no reason not to enter the political fray.

 “I struggle on a daily basis with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric issues but I don’t want that to hold me back. I don’t want to be stagnant in leading a valuable life and moving forward with goals.” 

Cross said while it’s well known that he suffers from bipolar disorder he would like it to be better known that he is “antiwar, pro-union, against nuclear waste, and for saving our planet and all people who live in it.”

 He also touts the Green Party as encouraging greater participation of people with mental issues in the drafting of policies that will affect their lives. 

Cross made headlines following a series of events in March 2010. Court heard during sentencing proceedings that Cross entered the Cathedral-area home of a young Regina mother dressed only in socks and a T-shirt. Cross ended up in City Hall, where he took an elevator to the 15th floor and proceeded to the mayor’s office before he was arrested.

After spending nearly six months in jail, he received a sentence of time served for charges that included unlawfully being in a dwelling house, committing an indecent act, assault, and threatening.

Cross also has previous convictions related to two incidents of indecent exposure in 1997, committing an indecent act in 2001, and a mischief charge in 2004 after being caught looking down into a women’s washroom stall at a movie theatre as an 11-year-old was using the facilities.

Asked about the prior charges related to exhibitionist behaviour, Finley referenced comments Cross has made in the past about being delusional and the role that it played.

“I don’t think that exhibitionism is a fair description. I don’t think that’s that what it was at all. I think it was a person who was mentally ill at the time and was deluded and that delusion was reality for him. It’s unfortunate and he can’t take it back,” Finley said.

Green Party Leader Larissa Shasko said all Green Party candidates must agree to the party’s guiding principles, which speak to the expectations of members’ behaviour and the values and belief system of the party.

“I think that it would speak poorly of us to not give somebody a second chance, but there are expectations and responsibilities and guiding principles,” Shasko said.

Cross has agreed to those principles and impressed those who have talked to him in the screening process so far, Shasko said.

“I try not to look back to people’s past any more than is necessary in order to allow them to move on,” she added.

The Regina Rosemont seat is currently held by the NDP’s Trent Wotherspoon, who is seeking re-election. Tony Fiacco, brother of Mayor Pat Fiacco, is running in the constituency for the Saskatchewan Party.

 ahall@leaderpost.com

 © Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post 

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Hi Sandra, 

I read today that Mr. Cross is a candidate in Regina for the GPS, and I was startled. I’ve met him a couple times prior to his Mayor’s office incident, and unless he’s got a much better handle on his mental illness now, I’d want you to know that you’ve possibly made a mistake. If your strategy is to acquire media attention, mission accomplished, but it would be nice to get coverage for positive reasons over looming problems. If this is a decision that was made because he’s a controversial choice and would garner media attention whether he stays well or gets ill again, then it borders on exploitation of Mr. Cross who was (and possibly still is, for all I know) very ill. 

It gives me further pause in joining the party as a member, and certainly does make me consider if I’d want to be a candidate for the GPS any time soon. People want MLAs who are approachable, and Mr. Cross is not someone I’d approach with any problem of mine. 

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Thanks for your input – – .   It warrants serious consideration because of your personal experience with Brendan. 

QUESTION:   Is it possible that your encounter with Brendan was not representative of who he is, because of the timing of your encounters? 

His candidacy definitely was not done to get media attention or to exploit Brendan. 

Perhaps I have made a mistake, I do not know.  I don’t believe so, but someone else and maybe TIME will be a better judge.

I responded to another person thus: 

Brendan has been in my email network for a number of years.  He makes infrequent, but valuable contributions to the dialogue – –  some environmental, some social, some political. He did let me know when he was going through a delusional period, the struggle and what had happened. 

There is a recording of a radio interview with him,  at the very bottom of his blog,  in which he explains things.  (In Regina I lived next door to a Judge and his family.  Their son has schizophrenia.  Delusion is real.   The person acts with the understanding that what they are doing is performed in a real world.  But it isn’t the real world from the perspective of those around them.)   Brendan is on medication.  He is living in a supportive family environment.   He has come through the fire, so to speak.

It was in response to recent, thoughtful input from him on an important issue that I thought he has a contribution to make and it would be worthwhile to discuss the possibility of candidacy.   He was interested; we were both aware of the potential problems.

(Penny and Larissa:  please correct me, if I have gotten this wrong.) 

Because Brendan is in Regina, Penny met and interviewed him. 

Skeptical at first, but she came out of the meeting supportive of him.  It then went to a group of the active Regina Greens.   Brendan came to their meeting, was met, etc.   In the end it was agreed that he would be supported.  Some reservations, of course.  But in general, the decision was to support his candidacy.

In response to your question,  I cannot say for sure if the entire Executive discussed Brendan’s candidacy. 

The media interviews I have done today have been positive (wait until I see what they edit it down to!  Except that I don’t go back to watch) .

In a lengthy interview for radio I spoke along these lines:  

People are born with gifts that are innate to them.  Sometimes their life experience and our society make it difficult for those god-given gifts to be developed.   I have had the luxery of growing up in a secure, loving home and supportive community.  I was able to attend University.  Not everyone has been so blessed.  Some children are significantly harmed in their early years, intentionally or unintentionally and through no choice of theirs.  It is truly the luck of the draw. 

It is up to us to find ways for people to fully develop and contribute their particular talents to our communities.   We are richer and happier if everyone, no matter their position or background, health, race, religion or gender,  has the opportunity.  They might blow the opportunity, but if they have taken control of their life and sincerely want to contribute, why would they not be given the chance to prove themselves?

From what I know about Brendan Cross, I would say that first, he was born with gifts that equip him to contribute in the political sphere.   From what I know of his life experience, I think he is uniquely equipped to represent a segment of our society that is poorly understood and represented.  He did not choose the training he received (who would?!).  But it is more valuable than anything that could be taught in a university course.   I do not think it is wise, as a society, to develop a cadre of politicians who represent the same thing because they are selected on the basis of street appeal. 

It is not an easy choice to be different.  It is not an easy choice for Brendan to face public scrutiny by running for public office.  It takes courage under the best of circumstances.  

Brendan gained the acceptance of the Green Party members in Regina, when they got to know him somewhat.  Those Greens are members of the community, the same as voters.  I see no reason why the voters would react differently.  There are those who will give him a chance. 

People who do not develop their talents, for whatever internal or external reasons, become non-productive members of our society, often frustrated, sometimes angry.   We can each try to know each other better,  to discover the talents of the other.  Sometimes we can open small channels that will allow  – – that is all it has to be  – – ALLOW another to overcome a hand that was dealt to them at birth.   

It is very rewarding for everyone  –  the individual, supporters, and the community  – –  when the door is open to receive the talents.  Even if there is some stumbling on the way to the door!

In another interview I was asked if I wasn’t afraid that Brendan would run naked again.   I try not to make decisions out of fear.  (I am frankly more afraid, and the consequences are much more severe,  that elected officials are representing corporate interests and not the public interest.) 

I was asked by the media what Brendan would bring to the table?   I know him from his engagement in community issues.  He is thoughtful, intelligent,   – –  a risk. Yes.  But one worth taking, I think. 

There are good points to be made regarding representative democracy, the wisdom and contributions that can be made from personal experience with something like mental illness, etc etc.   The fact that  representative democracy  has become a matter of cloned candidates who represent the same thing.  Monoculture really,  even if skin colour is different.  Real diversity is squelched;  thou shall not speak if thou art a candidate or an elected member.   Only “Our Leaders” are to be trusted with “the message”.

Let me end with the message on my answering machine from John Keen:  The Green Party has a candidate with nothing to hide!   (Sorry   I couldn’tresist some levity!)

Sandra

 —– Original Message —–

Hi Sandra,

Thank you for the thoughtful response. I understand the need to have politicians with different backgrounds (not all lawyers). My point was that after a person comes into a life of crime, intentionally or through illness, they’d have to do community service that they are recognized for prior to entering public life successfully. Serge LeClerc managed to win a seat for the Sask Party thanks to his positive work with children for years, and exposure on the radio.

Brendan doesn’t have this sort of background after his extremely negative press coverage. The media in this province is not kind, they are not going to take the Greens very seriously if they go out on limbs for people who should be very welcome to join campaigns as support and advisers, but are ill suited to be candidates at this point.

Even though it may not be the case, this makes it appear as if the Greens are very desperate for candidates, and have low standards.

First impressions are important, and many people have not heard about the Green Party of Saskatchewan, but they may now hear of the party because of this questionable uncontested candidate selection. Brendan ruined his first impression chances with me, and he’s going to have to meet a lot of people in any riding he’s running in, and change their pre-conceptions, in order to not hurt the party’s vote count.  

Actual nomination meetings would be nice, so the media has something else to cover than one controversial nominee who could still presumably be defeated in a nomination race. Imagine how you could turn this story around if you found someone as well qualified as Brendan, with less experience scaring people, and have them contest his nomination. If Brendan wins the nomination, that’s an interesting story for the media to cover and for people to mull over.  

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FROM PENNY TO CANDIDATES

Good morning everyone,

The media is talking about Brendan after noticing he put his name forward as a candiate for Regina Rosemont.  Everyone that met Brendan finds him to be a very genuine individual.  He is a well qualified candidate with a history of mental illness.  He was 20 years old when he started the First Nations Party of Saskatchewan and his natural ability with politics is evident when you have a conversation with him.  He is fine while on his medication and has changed his lifestyle to ensure his good health continues.

-I think I can speak for most people in Regina who have been working with him over the past couple of weeks when I say we stand by his candidacy.

What they fail to report about the city hall incident was that one winter day he became paranoid, ran out of his home without his pants.  Finding himself locked out of his apartment and no one coming to his aid, he encountered agression rather than compassion or assistance when he entered a familiar building-Regina City Hall. Then it was off to jail rather than a hospital.

Do we want to get this information out to our membership or shall we let them contact us?  The Leader Post article gives a good account of the issues over Brendan’s past.  Angela Hall has captured the seriousness of the events but also the controversy around mental illness.

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Subject: Re: Brendan Cross 

Murray Mandryk and I don’t always come to the same conclusion, so this should worry you that he’s said the same things as I have, independently.

http://www.leaderpost.com/news/Topp/5315453/story.html

A new man at the Topp?

By Murray Mandryk, The Leader-Post August 27, 2011  

For all the vigorous claims from political activists that parties are strictly defined by their policies, parties are more often defined by the people they choose to represent them.

This is especially evident in their choice of leaders.

Take this province’s Saskatchewan Party and NDP. They have undergone relatively minor policy tweaking in the past decade, but radical transformations in their electoral prospects largely resulting from the respective leaders they have chosen. This demonstrates the profound effect a leader has on a party. But even a single candidate can sometimes have a serious impact.

The local Green Party, for example, is now seriously considering running Brendan Cross in Regina Rosemont. His baggage includes a bipolar disorder that’s contributed to criminal convictions for indecent exposure, committing an indecent act, unlawfully being in a dwelling house, assault, threatening and, most recently, a March 2010 incident in which he ran, pant-less, through downtown Regina into City Hall and up to Mayor Pat Fiacco’s office. Putting it mildly, this is not exactly your ideal political resume. And actively seeking out Cross as a candidate is just a very bad idea.

While Cross has dabbled in politics, he has no meaningful political experience. If this is somehow a Green Party statement about how those with mental illness can contribute to politics, the kinder thing to do would be to allow Cross (who, according to a 2004 court appearance, is easily destabilized by stress) to privately work through his own issues before burdening him with the stress of public life.

By running or even recruiting Cross now – especially in a seat like Regina Rosemont that should be relatively fertile ground for them – the Greens are sending out a message that will make it hard for many voters to take them seriously.

If this is the impact a single candidate can have on a peripheral provincial political party struggling for third-party status, imagine the magnitude of the decision facing federal New Democrats in finding just the right replacement for Jack Layton. And what’s now intriguing is the serious consideration being given to a big-time, backroom strategist – one-time Roy Romanow senior adviser Brian Topp.

Topp was recruited to Saskatchewan for his formidable political talents in 1993, though his actual track record in this province wasn’t always impressive. Arriving on executive council shortly before the NDP’s 1995 re-election, Topp played a key role in the nearly fatal 1999 campaign, where the NDP could only muster a coalition government with the Liberals and actually received fewer votes than the upstart, two-year-old Sask. Party. For this, he paid a political price and was gone in December 1999, well before Romanow stepped down. 

Of course, since that time Topp has put together a considerably more formidable political resume and even a bit of a national public profile as director of the entertainment union ACTRA, a Globe and Mail columnist and author of a couple of political books. He directed Layton’s 2006 and 2008 campaigns and was recently appointed federal NDP president. Unquestionably, he’s respected as a brilliant political strategist – one capable of matching both wits and nasty blows with Conservative Prime Minister Ste-phen Harper. Notwithstanding that Topp has never run for public office or been elected, many in the NDP circle believe that’s enough to qualify the bilingual, Quebec-born Topp to simply step in where Layton left off.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work that way. The problem here is that Topp is not really all that much like Layton at all. If it’s unkind to say that Topp wasn’t exactly the warmest, most personable guy during his tenure in Saskatchewan, it would also be true. While the bright proprietor of a rather acerbic wit, Topp was also known to be a little cold and condescending.

Bluntly put, Topp’s personality would seem to be the antithesis of Smilin’ Jack’s natural warmth that so drove the NDP popularity last spring – a reminder of how different the skill set is between a backroom player and those expected to front the image of the party. And one wonders if the NDP backroom strategists now promoting Topp’s leadership candidacy have already forgotten what got them there.

After all, a party is most often defined by the people who represent it.

 Mandryk is the political columnist for the Leader-Post. 

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

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I phoned Murray Mandryk.  He was very agreeable to meeting (Aug 31) .  I expect we will all come away wiser!

Sandra

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From: Penny    Subject: Re: Brendan Cross 

Good morning —    Thank you for your comments and insight about Brendan Cross.

I think you will be relieved by another conversation with him.  He has been well received by the other candidates running in Regina and has proven himself to be an asset to the campaign planning. 

There are a couple opportunities for a visit in the near future  . . .  I hope you can join us!  Penny 

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