County Commissioner, Gay Democratic Caucus to Address East Hillsborough Democrats

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and Cathy James of the  of the Hillsborough County Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allies Democratic Caucus will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Barnacles Restaurant, 926 Providence Rd., Brandon.

According to a press release from the East Hillsborough Democratic Club, Beckner will discuss significant developments in county politics.

In 2008, Beckner did what many considered impossible: as a first-time candidate, he won a countywide commission seat by defeating the sitting incumbent. Since then, he has earned admiration for his key roles in addressing transportation concerns, clamping down on pill mills, protecting the environment, giving disadvantaged youth hope for the future, and revamping Hillsborough County’s frayed infrastructure and economy.

"Beckner has been an elected official to watch, even from his first commission meeting when he identified and stopped a frivolous $2.5 million dollar request by the former Supervisor of Elections buried within a consent agenda item," said Angie Angel, president of the democratic club. "When the newly sworn-in commissioner was asked how he discovered the proposed misuse of funds, he replied, 'I read the report—all of it—because that's what I do.'"

James will provide an update on issues affecting the civil rights of gay and other Americans. Despite recent unprecedented progress, including the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the legalization of same-sex marriage in more and more states, much more work needs to be done at the national, state, and local levels, said Angel. James will report on victories, priorities and obstacles, from the County Commission's snubbing of the annual "Gaybor" festival to efforts to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. 

“We are going to have a gay ol' time at the East Hillsborough County Democrats Club meeting in October," said James. "I can't wait to share with all of you the advances the GLBT community has made since January 2009 in Hillsborough County, Florida, and the U.S."
  
Those attending are asked to bring a bag or bags of candy to the meetinging for the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club treat station at the 14th annual Halloween Horribles Parade sponsored by Center Place in Brandon on Sunday, Oct. 30.

Ordering food and drink is done on a individual basis.

For information, contact Angel at 813-334-8376.