The great thing about politics is all can participate. Unfortunately most don’t. I recently wrote an Open Letter to City Council, regarding Todd Gloria. In it I stated that the vast majority of the LGBT community supports Gloria for council president to honor his leadership during one of the most difficult times in San Diego politics. A few people disagreed with my assessment, particularly Linda Perine, president Democratic Woman’s (sic) Club of San Diego County.Ms. Perine found my commentary “troubling” and listed the things that concerned her in a commentary on LGBTweekly.com. First, she asserts that “It is doubtful that the majority of the LGBT community share Corbin’s eagerness to issue threats and ultimatums on their behalf.” She also says “Threatening some sort of gay Armageddon on council members who vote for someone other than Gloria is shortsighted, and has more than a whiff of gay entitlement. The saber rattling is disproportionate to the issue, cannot be supported by actual action and thus weakens the credibility of the community.”
Simply stated, I know many in our community will remember who helped “oust” the LGBT president of City Council that guided us through a troubling time in our great city. I also know many in the LGBT community will consider a councilman’s vote to “oust” Todd Gloria when voting in future elections. Somehow Ms. Perine thinks considering a councilman’s voting record for leadership is a threat. It’s not a threat, its called democracy. The LGBT voter is engaged and therefore understands the importance of the council presidency, Gloria’s leadership at the City, as well as in our community. Last I checked, votes are counted, so to suggest that my statement cannot be supported by action is just silly. Ms. Perine is suggesting that you don’t care if Gloria is unceremoniously shown the door. We care Ms. Perine, and we’ll let council members know.
Ms. Perine also suggests, “The presumption that Gloria is somehow “owed” a third term, and the arrogant chastisement against consideration of the talents offered by others, reflects ignorance about the nature of the position. It is not a sinecure. The Council presidency is intended to be passed around.” Where do I begin? This statement is patently ridiculous. I never suggested that Gloria is owed a third term. In fact, I make it crystal clear he has earned a third term because of the leadership he has displayed thus far. Further, the concept that the Council presidency is intended to be passed around is problematic. If that were the case, why not set up a system where the council members pull a name out of a hat? Then everyone has an equal chance of becoming the president. Ms. Perine, we need to reward leadership and results, not treat the Council presidency like it was a participation trophy. If you want to support Ms. Lightner then put forth the reasons why she should be president instead of suggesting it’s her “turn.”
Politics allows everyone to participate and that is what makes our democracy great. The fact that the LGBT community has chosen to support a shining star in our political galaxy is exactly what a mature political community does. Believing the LGBT community doesn’t care or will not consider who voted to “oust” Gloria when we vote in future elections is a bet that each council member needs to assess for themselves. As so many in the community have stated on social media and in comments on LGBTweekly.com, I stand with Todd Gloria.
Thank you Mr Corbin, for your kind words. You are right Todd has earned the right to a third term. I know of no council person that has worked harder for San Diego. He works both sides of the aisle. He works 7 days a week @ a min of 14hrs. Can Sherri say & do that NO!!. Sheri is just being used by Kevin, in hopes that people forget Todd. Well BIG mistake. People know who the true leader is and we all can see who on the council & in the mayor’s seat truly care about the people of San Diego