Gearing up for the May Election Finding YOUR Candidate in District 1
City elections will take place on May 16th this year, and the District 1 race has drawn a lot of attention from our community over the past month. ignite felt it necessary to focus on this particular race given a number of factors, not the least of which is the fact that our magazine is primarily picked up and read in that district. While we certainly acknowledge that not everyone who reads the magazine lives in District 1, it has been and is often a focal point of the LGBT community, not just because of the bars and clubs, but because of the revitalized neighborhoods such as Tobin Hill, the increasingly trendy downtown area and the ever-vibrant art scene in Southtown.
The intensity of the District 1 race recently prompted the Express-News to declare, "The caliber of the four main contenders is the best in any City Council race, let alone the district that encompasses downtown, in many years. Any of them would enhance the discourse at City Hall." However, which of them would enhance the plight of our community's effort to gain full legal equality?
Chris Forbrich, who ran with near success for the seat against the now term-limited Marie Alice Cisneros two years ago, has been a fixture in the LGBT community for years. His work with the Human Rights Campaign and Stonewall Democrats speaks volumes as to the message he can take to the City Council about our movement. While it is undeniable that Mr. Forbrich has been a vocal and fierce advocate for LGBT people, several LGBT community members and leaders recently declared their support for his opponent Diego Bernal. This is likely due to Mr. Bernal's recent increased presence at LGBT functions, including a local community town hall meeting with the Executive Director of GetEQUAL, Robin McGehee, and an LGBT Chamber of Commerce Open House held to celebrate the opening of a new office for Mr. Darrell Parsons (an HRC Board of Governors member).
The "Coalition to Elect Diego Bernal," which consists mostly of people who are not residents of District 1, pitted friends against friends, and effectively removed Ralph Medina and Carolyn Kelley from the conversation within the LGBT demographic.
However, don't discount Carolyn Kelley too quickly. Carolyn's experience in public service and the non-profit sector make her an excellent choice for City Council. Her pragmatic view of relevant issues and genuine concern for our community indicates that she would certainly be an advocate for LGBT rights. Sadly, Ms. Kelley's weakest point in representing our community is her present lack of knowledge of the issues we face. For example, in speaking with Ms. Kelley about her platform and general legislative agenda, I inquired as to her intentions to protect LGBT people in public housing and accommodations. While she immediately expressed her support for inclusive non-discrimination policies, she was stunned nearly speechless because she did not know that HUD housing can (and does) discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
But what about Diego Bernal? Does he have the experience and education to fully represent the LGBT community? Some argue that his status as a straight man does not give him the insight that Chris Forbrich, an openly gay candidate, has with respect to the struggles faced by our community. In speaking with Mr. Bernal, I directly asked whether or not he would introduce an inclusive non-discrimination ordinance for San Antonio. His response sounded with tones of both businessman and street activist, and I admired him deeply in that moment: "Not only would I introduce one, I'm the only candidate who has the knowledge to draft the ordinance."
To be fair, I asked a similar question of Chris Forbrich. "Would you introduce a fully inclusive employment non-discrimination policy in San Antonio?" It was no surprise that Mr. Forbrich's answer illustrated his vast knowledge of present city policy and our community issues; however, he may have missed the mark. He flatly stated that he would review the city's current policy as it relates to city employees to ensure that the policy is inclusive of gender identity; however, he made no indication of any intention to expand the policy into the private sector. That being said, it would be uncharacteristic for Chris Forbrich to not fiercely fight for the protection and rights of our community.
Reviewing the leading candidates, Carolyn Kelley is certainly willing and able to represent the needs of the LGBT community if provided with a bit of education about the issues we face; Diego Bernal is perhaps the most passionate and fierce sounding advocate; and Chris Forbrich is the tried and true advocate for the LGBT community. Not one of them would be a bad choice. This means we have to do the unthinkable and look at the candidates for their experience rather than just their support of LGBT rights.
Carolyn Kelley served as District 1 Zoning Commissioner from 2009 - 2010 after being appointed by Mary Alice Cisneros. She has been a resident of San Antonio for approximately seven years and co-founded the Tobin Hill Community Association where, as President of the Association, she helped to secure $31.8 million in funding for education, neighborhood revitalization and job training.
Diego Bernal is a native of San Antonio. He spent a summer in New York City with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and a year at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and served as a MALDEF attorney in San Antonio. He is an artist, a businessman and a community advocate.
Ralph Medina is also a native of San Antonio and a life-long resident of District 1. He served for approximately 25 years as District Fire Chief. He has also served as the Zoning Commissioner for District 1 and served separately as President and Vice-President of the Tobin Hill Neighborhood Association.
Chris Forbrich is a life-long resident of San Antonio, as well. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and has served as a member of numerous equal rights organizations and has been a leader in several political and community groups. He is a businessman and an advocate.
When you go to the voter's booth in May, you will undoubtedly have a tough decision to make. However, from this author's perspective, there is no wrong choice in District 1, only choices that are more right based upon the individuals ideas for San Antonio. Your choice can be narrowed down to one-word characteristics of each candidate: Carolyn Kelly is pragmatic. Diego Bernal is passionate. Chris Forbrich is knowledgeable. Ralph Medina is absent (at least with respect to the LGBT community).
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