Alex Wan is seeking his second term on the Atlanta City Council and faces competition from two LGBT friendly straight candidates. As part of our election guide coverage, we asked each extensive questions related to LGBT communities and the city. Here are their responses. While the election is non-partisan, all candidates were asked for their party affiliation to provide more information to readers.
District 6 includes: Ansley Park, Atkins Park, Brookwood Hills (effective Jan. 1), Candler Park, Druid Hills, Lindridge/Martin Manor, Midtown, Morningside/Lenox Park, Piedmont Heights, Sherwood Forest, Virginia-Highland.
I must caution our community about its blind support for Alex Wan. In March The Advocate published an op-ed cautioning the city of New York against supporting candidates simply based on their sexual orientation. I encourage everyone to read this, as it is an issue faced by any metropolitan area with a significant LGBTQ population.
In the run-up to his election to represent Atlanta City Council District 6, Mr. Wan drew heavily upon the support of our community. In 2009 he won his seat and we had great hope and expectation that he would make the LGBTQ community proud. He had the opportunity to be a transformational figure in the politics of our city. He failed.
My concerns about Mr. Wan go far beyond Cheshire Bridge Road. His zoning proposal seems an attempt to have a “key accomplishment” going into re-election. He attempted to destroy businesses, LGBTQ and otherwise. Luckily his ill-conceived proposal failed.
It was an historic day today as Joan Garner, the first openly gay person elected to the Fulton County Commission, took her oath of office and officially began work as a member of the governing board.
At her side as she was sworn in was her partner of 11 years, attorney Jane Morrison.Garner also had a cheering section in the room who clapped as she entered the room with the other Fulton County Commissioners who were also sworn in today as part of the inauguration ceremony.
Garner was sworn in by her friend, Cynthia D. Wright, Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Fulton County.
Longtime activist seeks to be first gay person on Fulton County Commission