The term "cat bird seat" is from a James Thurber short story of the same name and is used to describe someone in an enviable position.
As our B.C. Legislature roars along on its game of political chicken and the anticipated crunch on June 22, it's clear that Green leader Andrew Weaver could be in that cat bird seat had he not rushed in for a quick deal.
When the final vote count concluded May 22, the Liberals had 43 seats, the NDP 41 and Weaver had three.
Speculation ran rampant that Weaver would form a coalition with someone and be part of that governing coalition.
He picked the NDP, accepted a deal and currently sits as a rump in the NDP caucus.
But why? Following the vote count, Weaver should have sat back, not blinked, let the Libs form government and have Christy Clark - as government leader - offer up a Speaker. Then the negotiations could begin.
Clark - now with 42 seats - would have to run the budget and all legislation past Weaver, who could say aye or nay or offer amendments.
He would not be obligated to the NDP, nor have to play second-fiddle to John Horgan or Christy Clark for that matter.
He would truly be in the cat bird seat, be his own man with his own party and in absolute control of the legislative agenda.
Bruce Strachan
Vernon
