The first openly gay Hillsborough County Commissioner, Kevin Beckner, was elected in 2008. Hillsborough County includes the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City as well as rural agricultural and mining regions. Beckner defeated former professional wrestler and arch-conservative Brian Blair. Beckner, a certified financial planner, ran a largely positive campaign focused on a variety of issues including responsible growth and development, transportation, and environment.
Beckner was elected after years of anti-gay activities by the County Commission including notorious library display removals, homophobic rhetoric by individual commissioners, and promotion of anti-gay laws. Prior to Beckner's election, there was a gay exodus out of the county to neighboring St. Petersburg. The Commission's anti-gay activities were in contrast to the more positive words and actions of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Tampa. Beckner's election changed the tone of the County Commission and indicated a moderation of the electorate in the region.
In gardening news, the Viscount's papaya tree is blooming after nearly dying in this winter's freeze. It will not be long before the Viscount will be able to share his green papaya salad recipe with readers of this modest blog.
Big City
1 year ago
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