Look out for a battle of battles for our next mayor. Right wing conservative Carl DeMaio vs. progressive Bob Filner. You have to give it to DeMaio, as he was talking about running for mayor to many of us even before he ran for City Council.
Bob Filner has served our city on the board of education, City Council, deputy mayor and Congress, and obviously is the most experienced candidate during these difficult times. Even Carl DeMaio himself, said yesterday on NBC 6 a.m. news that he had “great respect for Bob Filner’s work ethic” and that Filner was a very “genuine” person. DeMaio led Filner in the primary by only two points in a crowded field, and as history shows the winner of the past three primaries has gone on to lose the November election. The GLBT community is, and should be concerned, especially after the strong leadership of Mayor Jerry Sanders when it comes to gay marriage and other social justice issues. DeMaio says he will not get involved in these civil rights issues, while Filner says he will.
Carl DeMaio stated that he will reach out to those who did not support him and try to bring San Diegans closer together, though he has a more divisive reputation. Meanwhile Bob Filner stated he will run a focused campaign – and be a gentleman. We will all be watching.
Many of us in the GLBT community are very concerned about a nasty, negative and ugly campaign. Already there is talk about a “recall” campaign if DeMaio wins and these “discussions” that were held even before this primary are dead serious … as I was invited to them, though I did not go. Both Carl and Bob were true “gentlemen” on yesterdays NBC news show. Let’s all pray that it continues.
Thank you Bonnie and Nathan
I agree with yesterdays Union Tribune editorial: “We’re happy Bonnie Dumanis still serves the public trust as district attorney.” Dumanis has been the very best DA in the nation and will continue to be so. Nathan Fletcher is young and bright and has a great future ahead of him. Many of us would like to see him run for another office in the future and would support him. Thank you Bonnie and Nathan and God bless you and your families.
Primary election, etc
I’m happy that congressional candidate Juan Vargas, state Senate candidate Marty Block and state Assembly candidates Shirley Weber and Brian Maienchein, all of whom I endorsed, came in first in their primaries. As for the District 52 congressional race, well, it looks like Scott Peters bought with his millions of dollars a run-off spot. The people’s candidate Lori Saldana lost, which leaves us upset. I’ve supported Brian Bilbray in the past and may do so again. My longtime friend Steve Danon came in first for supervisor with Dave Roberts coming in a very close second. Hooray for Mary Salas, coming out a very strong first for Chula Vista City Council. We must all make Sheri Lightner’s city council race a no. 1 priority, period. Will Todd Gloria’s next step be the state Assembly or Congress? Well, I’ve been getting phone calls by the dozen from candidates (some who I did not support) and will be meeting with many.
Nickyawards.com
Get your nominations in for the 37th annual Nicky Awards 2012 categories at nickyawards.com. “San Diego’s gay Academy Awards” have been set for Aug. 26. Check out some of the new categories and get your tickets and tables early as they are always a sell-out. Further info: 619-300-1232.
Key to the City of Lexington
Let’s see; first I get appointed the mayor of La Villita, Texas and this past weekend Mayor Jim Gray gave me the key to the City of Lexington, Ky. Hey folks, I appreciate all these ongoing honors, but this old queen does not plan to die as yet … that I know of!
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. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.
You have to sympathize with candidates who waste their time working with Nicole.Its divisive opinions do not deliver the votes of our community.
Bonne Dumanis has been a joke as a DA and has done nothing to reign in a Police Department that has made this city a laughing stock
We are calling on City Councilman Carl DeMaio, State Assembly Member Nathan Fletcher, and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis to support Congressman Bob Filner’s effort to End Homelessness amongst Veterans in San Diego by the 2015 Deadline. Congressman Filner and Homeless advocates are asking Governor Jerry Brown for an accelerated repayment schedule of misappropriated Federal HUD Debt totaling $144 million plus accrued interest, from former Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Tax Increment (TI). During the Mayoral campaign all candidates talked about how they solve problems by building coalitions across party lines.
http://www.tinyurl.com/20120526
The issue of Veterans Homelessness nation-wide is being resolved through Federal HUD-VASH Vouchers secured by Congressman Bob Filner. The new Federal goal to end Homelessness amongst Veterans by 2015 championed by Congressman Filner is supported by President Obama. A new source of Federal Money started coming in last year for the first 200 HUD-VASH Supportive Housing Vouchers for the San Diego region. There are approximately 1,000 Disabled Unsheltered Veterans at last count sleeping outdoors. Hopefully, all Homeless Veterans who want Emergency Shelter will be housed by 2015. Unless future Congresses or Presidents try to cut the Federal VA and HUD funding for returning troops.
Bob has lead the effort nation-wide to take care of our Homeless Veterans problem. But all other Homeless and Mentally Ill citizens are out of luck unless we can get some support from the City (Councilman Carl DeMaio), the County (DA Bonnie Dumanis), and the State of California. (Assembly Member Nathan Fletcher).