Mayor Kevin Faulconer is on his way to a very smooth re-election as every possible major Democratic officeholder has bowed out of the mayoral race and Faulconer continues to be polling in high numbers when it comes to his approval rating by San Diegans. This is a testament to his non-partisan approach in many of his administration dealings. Faulconer is a moderate Republican and probably the only GOP leader with any possible shot at statewide office in California and that talk has been going on since he was first elected but the mayor remains totally focused on America’s Finest City.
San Diego indeed has changed since the days when President Richard Nixon called us his favorite city; from being a Republican stronghold to now Democrats holding a growing lead in voter registration.
I have had the privilege to have served and advised the last seven mayors of San Diego and two interim mayors; yes, a majority Republican who were supportive of many LGBT civil rights issues. The last two Republican mayors, Jerry Sanders and Kevin Faulconer, were strong advocates nationally for marriage equality and their administrations had many LGBT appointees and much LGBT representation and these LGBT San Diegans were mostly Democrats.
So now that we all know that Mayor Faulconer is on his way to a probable easy re-election Democratic leaders are wisely looking to 2020 to recapture the mayor’s seat. Top names include Todd Gloria, Toni Atkins and Lorena Gonzalez; but now statewide office could be in the future for Atkins and Gonzalez – lieutenant governor? There is most certainly a second tier of possible strong Democratic candidates for 2020, but what about the Republicans?
It would take a very special type of Republican to be elected mayor of San Diego, in the mold of a Jerry Sanders or Kevin Faulconer. Top possibilities I would say are Mark Kersey, Chris Cate, Brian Maienschein and Dan McAlister. Cate is a proud person of color (Filipino) and one to watch as he has a very bright future ahead of him. But another possible moderate Republican could come out of the Lincoln Club – a viable, credible business person.
Yes, you can put a fork in this 2016 mayoral election as it’s about done before it’s begun. Now 2020 will be the election to watch. Let the maneuvering begin!
Bob Ottilie for the ethics commission
The mayor and City Council needs to appoint Bob Ottilie to the City’s Ethics Commission which badly needs his proven leadership and independence. And, the commission’s Executive Director Stacey Fullhorst needs to resign; she thinks she is the chair of this commission and sadly has run it for years. We need commissioners to stand up and become leaders not followers. Bob Ottilie is the right San Diegan for this commission, period.
About planting a tree In Canada
In 1969 when some gay Americans were fighting back against police harassment and discrimination in New York at the Stonewall Inn the prime minister of Canada was signing the first government homosexual civil rights bill in North America. Interestingly, the son of that very prime minister was marching this past weekend in Vancouver’s annual Pride parade and Justin Trudeau, the leader of the Liberal Party hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and be elected prime minister of Canada in October.
In my speech this past Saturday before LGBT activists from all over Canada I called this great country “the equality nation” as it has been first in gay marriage, gays in the military, health care for all and LGBT civil rights legislation.
But for me, the highlight of my five day stay was being asked to plant a pear tree in Hamilton at the Memorial Garden located in one of the most beautiful, oldest and largest (over 130 acres) LGBT resorts in North America. A plaque was dedicated to mark the occasion and it was such an honor and a memory that I will always cherish.
I will be returning to Canada again in two weeks, this time to the city of Edmonton.
First Nicole whores for the Lincoln Club, then wants to shank the Ethics Commission. When will the LGBT Weekly decide it’s not worth the leftovers from his free meals at Mr. A’s to be his pimp?