Comments on: Houston Elects Annise Parker As Mayor

By: Priya Lynn

Priya Lynn — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:43:20 +0000

Yes, Bobbi, I think this is a very positive sign. If a lesbian can be elected mayor in a large Texas city despite a rabid anti-gay smear campaign against her that seems like a pretty clear sign that the times are a changin’.

By: BobbiCW

BobbiCW — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:39:04 +0000

Given all the fussing the right-wing did about her being gay I think it’s amazing the turnout was so low. It makes me think that the people of Houston actually may not care whether she’s gay or straight. They may have elected her simply because she seemed to be the best person for the job. Gasp!

By: Brady

Brady — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:10:18 +0000

As for the 16.5%–early voting was actually higher than normal, but on election day the weather was terrible, and it was a Saturday. I think both of those had to do with low turnout. In fact, the outdoor celebration that night they had planned in the gay area was completely empty because of the weather.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:42:27 +0000

“16.5%? No wonder there is so much going wrong in this country”

Considering that 83.5% of the voting population is completely uninformed I don’t see that as a problem.

By: Eddie89

Eddie89 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:07:14 +0000

Congratulations to Ms. Parker!

By: Swampfox

Swampfox — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:50:03 +0000

What’s so incredible that a gay person is a fiscal conservative? I can only wish her and the Houston well.

By: John

John — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:56:51 +0000

Fiscal conservative you say? Melikes her already. That she a lesbian is a plus only because of the ruckus the extreme right made and now have egg all over their self-righteous faces. All the best to the Mayor-elect!

By: Regan DuCasse

Regan DuCasse — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:55:34 +0000

Fair and square and I wonder if she’ll have the cooperation of the city and county officials to get some real work done that benefits all those citizens of Houston.
The fact that her opponent did more attacking of HER, than dealing with the issues of concern for all, did him in.

Eventually, I think, smarter people will understand that gay people aren’t the enemy, but potential allies concerned with the same issues.

The problem isn’t that gay people demand that people be distracted from more pressing priorities, the problem is that people ARE so obsessed with gay people THEY allow themselves to BE distracted from them.

Those religious conservatives out there now, who have an issue with Parker’s election should reconsider where their money, time and energy has been spent.

Trying to discredit her, or trying to assure that the children of TX each have a home for the holidays, there are enough shelters and food pantries that can serve those affected by the economic downturn?

Priorities indeed.

By: Ben in Oakland

Ben in Oakland — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:08:16 +0000

I read somewhere of a 16.5% turnout.

16.5%? No wonder there is so much going wrong in this country.

By: Ephilei

Ephilei — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:18:28 +0000

Awesome. By the way, she’s a democrat which surprises me. Is it easier to be a fiscally conservative democrat than a gay republican?