An openly gay Wilton Manors mayoral candidate is drawing criticism for his signs which read “Vote! Gay! Vote!”. The Wilton Manors gay voting population is about 30 to 40 percent of the entire pool (the town is adjacent to Fort Lauderdale). Both straight and gay people are scratching their heads at the approach: “…Gay activists find this an improper appeal because signs urging straight voters to support a heterosexual candidate would draw deserved protest.” But others say there’s a difference because of the history of discrimination against gays. Resident: “I think its just a way of telling people he’s gay and will stand up for the rights of gay people.”
The candidate, Seth Solomon may have bigger fish to fry, however. His past isn’t exactly something to write home about. In addition to assaulting a police officer, Solomon has had other run-ins with the law: “Wilton Manors police also arrested Solomon on July 30, 2001 for allegedly trafficking 15.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 110 pills of Ecstasy out of his house in the 800 block of Northeast 21st Drive, and possession of cocaine and other substances, according to a police report.”
His controversial signs seem the least of Solomon’s worries.
Novice Seeks to Unseat Mayor [miami herald]