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September 3, 2014 Volume 1 • Issue 3

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By Steve Bower

Wilton Manors Scores 80 on HRC Equality Ranking; Commissioners Outraged

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Riots of 1969. “If you look at Wilton Manors, we not only accept our diversity but it actually makes us a stronger community. We’re one of the most desirable communities in the country because we’re not just accepting but we embrace our diversity,” said Resnick during the interview.

“To be honest, I think this is a waste of staff time [to respond to this],” Resnick said.

The Human Rights Campaign has given Wilton Manors a score of 80 out a possible 100 on its MEI [Municipal Equality Index] Scorecard. It’s a ranking commissioners are not very happy about.

“We’re talking about image,” said Commissioner Tom Green, who called the score “ridiculous” and something the city needs to respond to. “They’re not doing it objectively is part of the criticism,” said Mayor Gary Resnick.

In 2013, Wilton Manors got a score of 82 on the MEI. Some of the other rankings that year were: Tucson, 90; Tallahassee, 84; Oakland Park, 85; Las Vegas, 91; Fort Worth, 91; Austin, 100; Salt Lake City, 87. The scores for 2014 have not been offi cially released yet but the Gazette was able to obtain a copy.

“[HRC stated] we have no gay liaison to the mayor. Why do we need that?” asked Green. Mayor Gary Resnick is gay. The only heterosexual members of the fi ve-person commission are commissioners Ted Galatis and Scott Newton. The city also lost points for not having a human rights commission. The city’s score included 5 bonus points out a possible 20.

“To be honest, I think this is a waste of staff time [to respond to this],” Resnick said. After that, Green volunteered to head-up the city’s response to the survey. “I brought this topic up a year ago and it was batted-down,” he said.

The survey also stated “City leadership has engaged

somewhat positively in matters of equality but has not recently undertaken efforts to change law or policy to be more inclusive.”

The latest change to city policy came in September of 2013 when commissioners approved an ordinance that requires fi rms doing business with the city to provide the partners of their LGBT employees with the same healthcare benefi ts as partners of their heterosexual employees. The city scored a 0 on the city contractor benefi ts ordinance. The city already

has non-discrimination and equal benefi ts regulations in its code of ordinances.

In the category of “Leadership’s Public Position on Equality” the city got a

possible 3 out of 5. It’s unknown why only a 3 was given – HRC did not return calls for an interview –but city offi cials here often make public statements in support of equality. Most recently, the city issued statements supporting the recent court rulings against the state’s ban on gay marriage.

“I know I speak for our entire city when I say we applaud the ruling by Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia declaring the ban on marriage equality in Florida unconstitutional,” said Resnick in the press release.

In June, Resnick appeared with Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park, on CBS 4 to promote the city’s annual Stonewall parade and festival, an event that commemorates the Stonewall

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What’s your favorite memory together as friends?“We Ride Motorcycles so Bike Week Bike-tober Fest up in Daytona, We’re Bikers We’re Gay.”

Do you guys have a particular routine you guys do every week?“We like to go to dinner on wednesdays nights.” Any Particular Place? “No we change it up, but it has to be a place with a server otherwise he won’t go.” (pointing to man on left) So no McDonalds or anything like that? “Oh God No, He is way to high maintenance for that. Me I’m cheap and easy I’ll do whatever, but him no, he has to be served.”

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What was your Best Moment?“Everyday! You have to make everyday your best.”

What is your hobby?“I like to sing! I am a Tenor and some of my biggest infl uences are Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston.”

If you could give a piece of advice to a large group of people what would you say?“Be Kind to EVERYONE! Don’t pick on anyone, be good to everyone. I was always taught that way, unless they are going to stab me in the back or something.”

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WILTON MANORS GAZETTE

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When did you get your 1st Tattoo?(pictured from left to right)“When I was 14 in 2002, I begged my mother to take me.”“When I was 19 in 1996, just 1 big one on my back.”“My 1st and only tattoo was at the age of 54 my partner of 25 years wouldn’t allow me so I went and did it anyway.”“I started getting them in 2001 and now my whole body is covered in them.”

SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 32520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305

PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law offi ce, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

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WILTON MANORS GAZETTE

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Wilton Manors Candidate ForumSept. 30, 6 p.m. at Hagen ParkContacts: Paul Rolli, CANA – 703-

855-0738 President@canawm.org John Fiore, ENA – 954-564-3281 Fiore@WiltonManors-ENA.org Rick Ellison, WAWM – 954-663-0514 rick@wawm.org Come meet the candidates and hear their answers. There are three candidates for Mayor: Gary Resnick (incumbent), Douglas Blevins and Boyd Corbin. There are eight candidates running for two city commission seats. They are Ted Galatis (incumbent), Scott Newton (incumbent), Justin Flippen, Lillie Harris, Naomi Parker, Sal Torre, Christopher Warnig and Kimber White. The public is invited to attend. The number of questions will be limited due to time constraints because of the number of candidates seeking offi ce. Voters with specifi c questions for candidates should ask them directly to the candidate during the “Meet the Candidate” session at 6pm or after the forum. Parking is free 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after the event.

City Commission MeetingSept. 9 (cancelled), 23 - 7 p.m. at City

Commission Chambers, 2020 Wilton Drive.

Planning and Zoning BoardSept. 8 - 7 p.m. at City Commission

Chambers, 2020 Wilton Drive.

Historical Society MeetingSept. 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall

Commission Chambers

Dog Obedience ClassSept. 4, 11, 18, 25 - 6:30 p.m. at

Hagen Park (Basketball Court)All Breeds Welcome Beginners

Obedience Class. Registration at 6:30 p.m., class begins at 7:30 p.m. Rally Obedience Class - Skill Building, Drill Class - Class starts at 8 p.m. $5 per class

Square DancingSept. 4, 18, 25 - 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at

Island City Park PreserveThe South Florida Mustangs is the fi rst

GLBT International Square Dance Club organized in 1980. Positively no previous experience required. We’ll teach you the ropes beginning with an allemande left and a do-si-do. All you need is a desire to have fun. Questions? Feel free to call Ken 305-343-1710; Randy 305-458-1649; Tom or Chris 954-525-8365. Dance fee only $5. Visit Caller4u.com.

Wilton Manors Green MarketSept. 6, 7 & 13, 14, & 20, 21 & 27,

28- 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park

Wilton Manors Green Market every

Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.

Preschool StorytimeSept. 8, 15, 22, 29 - 10:30 a.m. - 11

a.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

500 NE 26th St.For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain

with their children.

Zumba FitnessSept. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29,

30 - 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and fi nd yourself in shape at the original dance-fi tness party.

Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fi t and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Join the Party!

Brains and Balance Past 60Sept. 10, 17, 24 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at

Hagen ParkBrains and Balance Past 60 is designed

for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specifi c exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity.

Island City Book ClubSept. 17, 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. at

Richard C. Sullivan Public LibraryThe Island City Book Club gathers at

the library on the third Wednesday of each month. Reading selections include current and classic novels as well as popular nonfi ction. All are welcome to join and help select our next book!

Calendar Of Events (Compiled from the Wilton Manors City website)

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By Steve Bower

As city offi cials still look into the possibility of generating more money for Wilton Drive, the way to spend it may have already been decided: more parking.

Parking has been a problem on Wilton Drive for more than a decade, especially on the north side of the street toward Five Points. “It’s good to have a parking problem [people are coming here to patronize our businesses], but by the same token you want to fi nd ways to satisfy the parking needs,” said Randy Welker, economic development coordinator.

To raise the money to provide more parking, offi cials want to designate Wilton Drive as a Business Improvement District [BID]. That would allow them to charge property owners along Wilton Drive up to an additional 2 mills per year in property taxes. “It would be like a special assessment,” said Randy Welker, economic development coordinator. The money generated could be as much as $100,000 a year for 10 years. Other issues facing Wilton Drive, said Welker, include attracting more retailers so that the street isn’t just bars and restaurants. BID money from Wilton Drive could only be used for that street.

Welker said property owners have already been surveyed and given their “overwhelming acceptance.” Now, the issue will go before the city commission after city staff fi gures out how to proceed under state law.

Welker said the board, made up of commercial property owners and tenants, would be strong but the city commission would make the fi nal decision on how funding would be spent.

Nick Berry disagrees.Berry, co-owner of Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard

Café and Rumors Bar and Grill, both on Wilton Drive, supports a BID for the street – but only if the board gets the fi nal say in how money is spent. “The money’s coming from people volunteering to pay extra in taxes. It cannot be government-controlled. It has to be that way or I wouldn’t be in favor of it.”

Berry favors using the money to fund the Two-Lane Initiative, a proposal that entails reducing the number of lanes on Wilton Drive from four to two. In essence, supporters of the Two-Lane Initiative want to reshape Wilton Drive into the next Las Olas – parking on the outside lanes, landscaping and

trees in the median. Berry said it would provide 126 parking spaces on the street and make it safer for pedestrians.

“They could have used that [$788,000 they spent on the 42-space parking lot at Northeast 26 Street and Northeast 8 Terrace] for Wilton Drive.” At the ribbon cutting for the lot in April, Mayor Gary Resnick said the money spent on buying the land for the parking lot and paving it was “inordinate” but necessary to provide badly needed parking.

Berry also wants to see the BID formed as a public/private partnership, with the city funding legal fees, staff time any other expenses associated with running the board and managing the account. “The city should [commit] its resources,” he said.

A BID was suggested for Andrews Avenue but Welker says the property owners there want to see how Wilton Drive’s BID works before they commit to their own. Some ideas suggested for Andrews are lighting and streetscape improvements. Resnick suggested that BID money could be used to promote the Indian restaurants and businesses on North Andrews Avenue.

New Solution for an Old Problem on Wilton Drive