The elephant in the City Hall room is the talk going around about a possible recall campaign being launched against Mayor Bob Filner. Now, by elephant I do mean conservative Republicans, some who are distributing “Recall Mayor Filner before it’s too late” stickers. KGTV-10 News premiered these car stickers a few weeks ago. No mayor has ever been recalled. (Two have resigned.)
But in 1991, then closet-case lesbian conservative Republican Linda Bernhardt was recalled from her 5th District City Council seat by 70 percent of the voters.
For our Mayor Bob Filner to be recalled 101,596 San Diego voters must sign petitions within 39 days after the intent to circulate these petitions is filed with the City clerk.
This is a very hard hill to climb; just ask Carl DeMaio who led petition drives that cost thousands of dollars with some getting the needed signatures and some failing.
Mayor Bob Filner has not broken any laws and yes there are those who are upset with him and others who are behind him 100 percent. People don’t recall someone just because they don’t like them; it would cost citizens thousands of dollars for a lot of special elections. If the 101,596 signatures were achieved, and all were verified, the City Council would call for a special election within 60-90 days.
Voters would have two questions on their ballots: should the mayor be recalled and, if he is, which “nominee” on the ballot should succeed him?
The mayor would need 50.1 percent of the vote to remain in office but if he did not achieve this the nominee voted to replace him would just need a simple majority.
The recall talk is being led by right wing/Tea Party leaders and downtown big business interests. Arch-conservative City Attorney Jan Goldsmith is already whispering that he wants to kick Filner out and become mayor and, of course, Carl DeMaio is among possible nominees being mentioned.
The recall petitions can actually begin in June but word is some Republicans can’t make up their minds whether to attempt this now or in later months.
All I know is that our city does not want to go through another ugly, divisive mayoral election and many of us will do all we can to stop any recall of our mayor. We have just begun to fight!
Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly, Myrtle Cole for City Council
There hasn’t been a more qualified candidate for public office in a long time since Lorena Gonzalez. Her election to the state Assembly will give us another true champion of social justice and a voice for all Californians.
Myrtle Cole has the support of the majority of the leaders and community activists in the City Council’s 4th District. Chris Kehoe, Toni Atkins and I know about her principles and passions. She will make history as finally our city’s first female African American elected councilmember. Long overdue.
First lady of San Diego and mayor attend Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
More than 800 family members and children attended the 10th annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt held at Trolley Barn Park and sponsored by the Imperial Court, The LGBT Center/Family Matters, Team First Lady and the 3rd District City Council office.
It was a wonderful event with our 2013 Honorary Chairwoman Bronwyn Ingram, Mayor Bob Filner, Council President Todd Gloria and School Board Vice President Kevin Beiser.
As the founder of this annual children’s event I want to most sincerely thank: Rich’s, Urban Mo’s, The Caliph, Bourbon Street, Carl’s Rentals, San Diego Pride, The Firefighters Association and The Municipal Employees Association, Ben Dillingham, Rick Ford, Sherman Mendoza, Kiki of Lips, Essential Support Services, Jackie-O, Mikey, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Big Mike, The Eagle, Prince Robert, Jane and many others, especially Empress Candi Samples, the leather community, and hardworking chairs, Allan Spyere, Regina, La La and everyone who donated.
By the way Team First Lady delivered more than 40 baskets to children at homeless centers/shelters. God bless you all.
New York City
Twenty-seven years ago I was the guest of honor at the first Night of a Thousand Gowns at the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel and crowned New York’s first emperor and empress. This now annual gala charity event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for HIV-AIDS and GLBT causes. It was great to see actor/activist Wilson Cruz, Russell Royball (N.G.L.T.F. deputy director), Dr. Marjorie Hill, writer Michael Musto and three of my favorite Housewives of New York TV reality stars!
It seems that the Washington Blade and the Bay Area Reporter recently ran articles about me stating I was 91 years old! Needless to say I had a lot of questions asked of me … hum.
The almost 800 people in attendance raised the roof for San Diego’s own Chad Michaels and singer Taylor Dayne. It was also the legendary Co Co La Chine’s 20th anniversary and she received a loud standing ovation as empress VII.
The Democratic Party’s nominee for governor of New Jersey gave a most boring and flat speech. Everyone I talked to was excited about leading New York mayoral candidate Christine Quinn (she’s fabulous and the frontrunner).
Among the restaurants I got to taste were Carnegie Deli of course, Benoit (French) and El Quijote (Spanish, now in its 82nd year). Thank you to Nick Moede, Rick Ford and Co Co!
I don’t recommend the Hilton Hotel on the Avenue of the Americas … awful.
I did catch a great review on Phil’s BBQ of San Diego on the Travel TV channel!
I was interviewed by Dr. Dan and “In Focus” WVOX 1460 AM Radio but mostly had a lot of social time.
A special thank you to Stonewall Inn bartender Tree, Emma, Russell Royball, Gary Della Notte, Tony Monteleone, the lovely Suzanne, Florence Nightingale and Just Jack for making my 5-day trip so nice.
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
The bitterness and hate of the GOP in this country is just beyond the pale and totally disturbing, and for people who always talk about wasting tax money, they have no issue with a ‘recall’ that is doomed to fail, their hypocrisy alone is enough to keep me hoping they go the way of the Whigs.
Go Myrtle Cole! She’s the BEST and most genuine candidate for the seat. We love you!