Mayor’s race poses a challenge for our community

I’m off to Nebraska for five days and the next months will be very busy for me as I head to Canada, Montana, Washington, D.C., Oregon, Hawaii and Washington.

Jess Durfee isn’t a thug, but …

Many were very surprised at the harsh editorial in last week’s progressive weekly, City Beat that attacked Jess Durfee, the chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party. City Beat called Durfee “a thug, a political hack” and said he is “acting like a child.” All this because of Jess Durfee’s letter he sent to all Democratic office holders threatening to withhold party support from them if they support a Republican for mayor.

First of all, under the leadership of Durfee, the San Diego Democratic party has become more visible and powerful than ever before and definitely more effective. Durfee was even elected to the prestigious and coveted National Democratic Committee and has become a very articulate and solid Democratic spokesperson for the media.

But, I must agree with City Beat that Durfee’s letter is wrong and should be withdrawn. The facts are that in every election some Republicans support and vote for Democrats, and Democrats support some Republicans. And, most important, the mayor’s race is non-partisan!

At this point, many Democrats are supporting Bonnie Dumanis and some are supporting Nathan Fletcher and Carl DeMaio. So be it! This is what makes America such a great country. The freedom to support and vote for whomever we want.

Also Durfee has, when it comes to DeMaio, stated, “Carl DeMaio is gay, but is that enough?” Sorry, Jess, but this insults our community’s intelligence as I’ve heard no one say that they are supporting DeMaio or Dumanis because they’re gay, but for their qualifications or platforms. All the candidates for mayor support marriage equality and are pro-GLBT civil rights.

Bonnie Dumanis’ campaign kickoff

County Commissioner Bruce Abrams and I attended Bonnie Dumanis’ kickoff campaign fundraiser and it was very well attended with top Democratic and Republican officials and law enforcement leaders. Mayor Jerry Sanders introduced Bonnie and I spotted former Democratic Congresswoman Lynn Schenk, former City Attorney Casey Gwinn, Sheriffs Bill Gore and Bill Kolender, Supervisor Ron Roberts, City Council Vice President Kevin Faulconer among many. Also in support was Senator Chris Kehoe’s long-time campaign manager Bill Beck and many other GLBT leaders and businesspeople.

By the way, a group of marijuana advocates picketed the event and were loud and rude.

A conversation with Bob Filner

This past week, I had a long conversation with Congressman Bob Filner. The facts are that no one has a longer history and record when it comes to the civil rights of all Americans than Bob Filner … period.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the “Freedom Riders” who, in the 1960s, went to the South to register Negros to vote. Filner was a young college student and was arrested and put in jail by the Southern racist sheriff. I have supported Filner since his school board and city council days and believe he will be a very strong candidate for mayor.

I truly understand the many in our community who are torn between the mayoral candidacy of Filner, Dumanis, Fletcher and DeMaio. I share your pain.

Marching in Oceanside

Last year for the first time a GLBT contingent was welcomed in one of Southern California’s oldest Fourth of July parades in Oceanside. City Councilman Todd Gloria and I were honored to participate in this historic event. This year, once again, the North County LGBT Coalition organized a contingent and military veteran Cory Huston and I rode up north to show our support for this very pro-military parade. I had a great time and we were very well received. The crowd even drowned out one heckler who was shouting “queer” at us by loudly applauding!

Gay Pride contest this Saturday

Contestants are still wanted for the Mr., Miss and Ms. Gay Pride contest at Numbers this Saturday, July 9, 8 p.m. You are all invited for an evening of pride, entertainment and unity. Info: 619-300-1232.

It’s Nicky Awards nominations time

It’s that time of year when you can nominate someone, a business or an organization, etc. for a Nicky Award in your favorite categories, online at nickyawards.com, or phone 619-300-1232. The deadline for nominations is July 15. Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsd@aol.com.