Just as the new year marks the official end of the holiday season (huge sigh of relief), the special runoff election for District 4 on Jan. 4 will conclude what has been a tumultuous election season here in San Diego – that is if Donna Frye doesn’t pull out her guns on sworn-in-Mayor Dick Murphy.

Following the sudden death of Councilmember Charles Lewis in August, a special election was held Nov. 16 to fill the vacant council seat. With no candidate receiving the required 50 percent of the vote, the two top contenders, Tony Young, former chief of staff for Charles Lewis, and the Rev. George Stevens, a former city council member, will face off in what has the potential of being another close San Diego race.

Young, victor over other community favorite Dwayne Crenshaw, did not receive our endorsement back in November, but earned endorsements from Councilmember Tony Atkins and GLBT Vote 2004, and was supported by many prominent members of the GLBT community.

Young, enthusiastic to work with our community early on, slowly began to distance himself as voting day drew near. Upon refusal to meet with us face to face, Young ultimately lost our endorsement.

Despite this unfortunate choice in political strategy, Young now faces Stevens – long-time thorn in the side of San Diego’s GLBT community. Demonstrating his ability to work with our community on many of our issues, Young must defeat Stevens, who will no doubt bring a misplaced and misguided “moral” authority together with an anti-gay voice to what has been a well-balanced, relatively gay-friendly city council.

If you’re not familiar with Stevens, let us fill you in. After over a decade on the council, Stevens should not even be running. Termed out, he entered the race upon finding a loophole in the legal system. Since the special election will fill former Councilmember Lewis’ term, which is less than a two-year stint, a judge gave Stevens the green flag in an Oct. 6 court ruling.

In his previous 11 years on the council, Stevens has consistently opposed issues concerning the GLBT community. Having a reputation for spewing anti-gay rhetoric, Stevens refused to sign Pride proclamations and voted against domestic partnership rights for city employees. Bereft of reason, Stevens has adamantly fought against needle-exchange programs and opposes the use of medicinal marijuana.

Stevens’ time has passed. At 72, and running as a result of a technicality, his participation in this race exhibits his inability to step aside to allow the future leadership of District 4 to be developed. The issues facing San Diego require critical analysis and progressive thinking. Stevens’ jaded perspective and unwillingness to budge on important issues will ultimately hamper the council’s ability to perform.

Young, on the contrary, would much better serve the interest of the GLBT community as well as the heterosexual majority in District 4. Councilmember Atkins told the Gay & Lesbian Times how Lewis and Young actively sought out our community in order to work with us on issues such as the clean syringe exchange program and the identification program for medicinal marijuana patients.

At a forum that took place at the San Diego Democratic Club, Young opposed same-sex marriage in favor of civil unions. However he redeemed himself somewhat, stating, “It’s a debate that’s open, and I’m listening to folks and I’m learning a lot about the community.” Young’s openness and potential capacity to learn more about the issue is hands over fists better than Stevens, who is opposed to the mere thought of civil unions.

Beyond GLBT issues, Young has demonstrated that he understands the needs of District 4, and has dedicated himself to improving public safety and boosting economic development.

Six members of city council have endorsed Young. As Lewis’ chief of staff, he has proven his ability to work with the council and build consensus.

If Stevens wants to serve his district, he should be focusing on fostering new leadership and mentoring those who will lead his district forward. His re-election would only be taking a step back.