In the June 6 Democratic primary for governor, LGBT voters face two choices – state Treasurer Phil Angelides and state Controller Steve Westly. Both men met with the Bay Area Reporter earlier this year, and both pledged that if elected governor, they would sign a bill legalizing gender-neutral marriage should such legislation pass the Assembly and Senate. We endorse , and believe his experience and consistent opposition to Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's many misguided policies make him the stronger candidate.
Angelides gave a strong performance in last week's televised debate with Westly, and while not many voters likely saw the broadcast, we were impressed with his command of the issues and his confidence. "I don't stand by, I stand up," Angelides declared at one point, and he has the record to back up that claim.
Almost from the moment Schwarzenegger was sworn in as governor resulting from his election in the historic recall campaign, Angelides has been confronting Schwarzenegger. He opposed the governor's bailout solution to the state's budget woes, saying it would saddle future generations with debt. He opposed Schwarzenegger's cuts in education funding and has been critical of rising healthcare premiums for many state residents.
But it is Angelides's vision for equality as it relates to the LGBT community that is of importance to our readers. He told us that he wants to see California "on the right side of history" in the quest for marriage equality. "If you look at the long march where this country's been, it's been a society that has moved toward more inclusion, more civil liberties, not less. I know this is where we will be and the sooner we get there the better," he told us.
Angelides grew up in the 1950s, and, yes, he acknowledged that he has taken a slower path toward supporting full marriage rights for same-sex couples. But he credited his support for marriage equality to conversations with his family, and the fact that one of his daughters looked at him and asked, "Dad, how can you have any reservations about this?" while they were discussing the issue. He also credited his growing understanding to friends who are in loving, caring same-sex relationships. Those relationships, he said, are "as powerful and meaningful as my own marriage."
That proves what we have said for years – the more people get to know us, the more likely it is that they will support us.
Angelides also was critical of Schwarzenegger's blatant untruthiness in the winter of 2004 when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered city officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Shortly after the marriages began, state Republicans held their winter meeting just south of San Francisco. On NBC's Meet the Press, Schwarzenegger said that there were "riots in the streets" of San Francisco because of the marriages. The truth was, there were no riots, in fact, there were very few protesters during the several weeks that the marriages took place.
Many LGBT political leaders support Angelides, believing he is the one candidate who can defeat Schwarzenegger in the fall. And it was Schwarzenegger, readers certainly recall, who last year vetoed Assemblyman Mark Leno's (D-San Francisco) same-sex marriage bill in an effort to shore up his sagging credibility with the right wing ahead of his ill-fated special election. The special election backfired badly, and now Schwarzenegger, despite his celebrity status, is vulnerable.
This fall offers California voters the opportunity to replace our action star-turned governor with someone who has real government experience and can implement policies that will move this state forward. First, however, there is the June 6 primary. We urge our readers to vote for Phil Angelides.
Nevin for state Senate
Former San Mateo County Supervisor Mike Nevin is our choice for the 8th District state Senate seat. During a meeting with the Bay Area Reporter editorial board, Nevin emphasized that he's no "Johnny-come-lately" to LGBT issues. "I am aware that separate but equal does not work," he said. LGBT issues, he said, "are easy and no brainers for me."
Part of Senate District 8 includes the Castro, and LGBT voters would be well served by Nevin. He supports same-sex marriage and adoptions by LGBT couples or individuals. He said that since leaving office in January 2005, he returned to the Board of Supervisors only once – to persuade the board to support Assemblyman Mark Leno's gender-neutral marriage bill. "They did it on a 4-1 vote," Nevin said. In the years before marriage became a major issue, Nevin supported full domestic partner benefits for county employees and he helped pass an equal benefits ordinance that prevents county contracts with companies that do not provide the same benefits to domestic partners as they do to spouses.
As a Catholic, he told us he was "very disappointed" that new San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer spoke out against adoptions by same-sex couples.
Nevin, a former police officer, is "adamantly" in support of medical marijuana and worked while on the Board of Supervisors to get federal funding for a clinical study that is now nearing completion.
Some of the issues facing the district and the state include transportation, public education, and health care. Nevin has 25 years of local government experience that will serve him well in the legislature.
On June 6, vote for Mike Nevin.
Ma for Assembly District 12
In San Francisco's 12th Assembly District, the Bay Area Reporter endorses Fiona Ma. We believe Ma, currently a San Francisco supervisor, offers the experience necessary to get things done in Sacramento and she will be a reliable vote for LGBT-related legislation, including marriage equality, that is certain to be debated in the capital.
In this era of term limits, it is important that newly elected legislators get off to a quick start. Ma, with four years on the Board of Supervisors and seven years of experience as an aide to former state Senator John Burton, has the experience that makes the difference. As a certified public accountant, she will be accountable for how taxpayer money is spent, and will provide the accountability necessary in this time of budget deficits and yearly battles over spending cuts.
Ma is a solid supporter of equal rights for LGBT residents. In addition to supporting marriage equality, Ma told us she is "totally supportive" of adoption rights for LGBTs, noting that "children need loving families" and that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to defining a family. She is also committed to preserving state funding for HIV/AIDS treatment as well as securing funds for programs that help those addicted to crystal methamphetamine.
During her tenure as supervisor, Ma has worked to increase funding for public schools and police services, and fought to keep mental health clinics open.
On June 6, vote for Fiona Ma.
Ballot propositions
San Francisco
Proposition A: Homicide Prevention Plan and Survivor Assistance. Vote NO
This is a simplistic approach to a very complicated issue. It creates a new level of city bureaucracy, mandates another budget set-aside, and just throws money at the problem with little analysis on what will be effective.
Proposition B: Eviction Disclosure Ordinance. Vote NO
This is the latest in the constant stream of bickering between landlord and tenant advocates. The real problem is the lack of affordable housing in San Francisco. We think these issues should be addressed by our elected representatives at City Hall and not passed off to the voters in a simplistic, symbolic ballot proposition.
Proposition C: Appointing Members to Transbay Joint Powers Authority. Vote NO
This is the latest power grab by some members of the Board of Supervisors to dilute the mayor's authority over this important agency. Transportation is a citywide and regional concern. This proposition would give district elected supervisors two-thirds control over the agency, and is more about personalities than policy. Other provisions of Proposition C dilute the agency even further, which is bad public policy as well.
Proposition D: Laguna Honda Hospital, Zoning. Vote NO
This is a sinister attempt, using the ruse of patient health and safety, to disguise the agenda of developers to build private, long-term health care facilities on public land.
Decisions on where to place patients should be made by doctors and health administrators guided by state and federal legislation, not by land use administrators.
State measures
Proposition 81: Library Bonds. Vote YES
This builds new community libraries and renovates old ones and encourages partnerships with local governments.
Proposition 82: Preschool Education, Additional Tax. Vote NO
If this proposition didn't pay for preschool education for parents who could afford it, we would support it. It is too broad and should be narrowed to address those who need it.
Oakland mayor
In the race for Oakland mayor, we endorse Ignacio De La Fuente. Currently a member of the Oakland City Council, De La Fuente told us he supports same-sex marriage and adoptions by LGBT couples or individuals. He is focused on the city and its needs. While Oakland lacks the visible queer presence of San Francisco, De La Fuente said he has continued attending meetings of the LGBT Leadership Roundtable and supports city funding for youth programs, including those that serve our community.
Oakland has a lot of problems, including crime and poverty. We believe De La Fuente is the best candidate to move the city forward.