Why we support Bobby Abtahi
We support Bobby Abtahi in the June 15 runoff to represent District 14 on the Dallas City Council. We believe Bobby is the candidate best able to support our neighborhoods and community by listening to our concerns and working positively with others to find solutions that keep us safe and improve our quality of life.
We believe Bobby is the only candidate with the ability to build coalitions and get a majority vote on serious issues. We believe Bobby will be more than just an ally but a real leader who will carry on the proud tradition of District 14 leadership on LGBT issues.
We have worked hard in the trenches to advance the cause of LGBT rights and are proud of our achievements some of which include:
• Elected the first openly gay member of the Dallas City Council
• Originated and passed diversity training and liaison programs for the Dallas Police Department and the LGBT community
• Passed a nondiscrimination ordinance protecting LGBT city employees
• Passed a city ordinance prohibiting discrimination against LGBT persons in housing, employment and public accommodations
• Implemented domestic partner benefits for city employees
• Secured Federal funds program improvements at the AIDS Resource Center (ARC)
• Secured city of Dallas grants for HIV/AIDS education
• Served on the Ryan White HIV Planning Council allocating $10 million annually for HIV services and education
• Married legally in the United Methodist Church by ordained Methodist ministers.
Bobby’s commitment to our community and values is personal. As a Persian-American, Bobby knows from his own experience what it means to be discriminated against. As the brother of an out lesbian, Bobby believes passionately that his sister should be entitled to the same rights that he enjoys.
We are proud to endorse Bobby in the June 15th runoff election and hope that you will join us in electing a bright young leader who will bring a new voice to the Dallas City Council.
Veletta Lill, Craig McDaniel, Chris Luna, Ed Oakley, Gary Fitzsimmons, Craig Holcomb
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 7, 2013.
