I think last week’s GLT editorial was a very balanced one. Personally, I believe in slow growth in Hillcrest. The facts are that our population is rising, and that’s not going to change. We can’t keep Hillcrest like some little village, but, at the same time, we don’t want it to become a mini-Gaslamp District either. We must all compromise and agree on a balanced approach.

First, we have generals who have ignored the living conditions of our returning soldiers who have been wounded. Some VA hospitals have had rats – which look a lot like our generals. One general who was criticized actually lived right across from one of these hospitals and testified that he never once walked across the street to inspect the hospital. Thank goodness these generals have been fired.

Now we have another general, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace, who has said, “I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts.” Yes, he said this while thousands of gays and lesbians are serving their country, many of them dying in the process. Based on the fact that Gen. Pace refuses to apologize, I think he should be fired too.

Next month, thousands of Christians will be coming to San Diego to hold a rally focusing on the sin of homosexuality. They have held similar rallies in San Francisco that resulted in large counter demonstrations that turned ugly.

I propose we look into organizing a peaceful, loving welcome by GLBT Christians and our straight Christian allies. We could peacefully hold up signs such as “We are all God’s children” and “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and “Judge not lest you be judged” and other messages along these lines. More on this in my next column.

Word has it that City Councilmember Toni Atkins and former Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante’s top aide, Lorena Gonzalez, have had a meeting, and the sad facts are that both will be candidates for the state Assembly in 2010, when popular California Assemblymember Lori Saldana will be termed out and probably looking toward a state Senate seat.

These are two good women with almost the same stands on issues, and, trust me, this will be a close race that could get nasty. It has been noticed by many that Gonzalez has been more visible in our community than ever before. I believe that she should run for the County Board of Supervisors or another office rather than split the Democratic Party.

Like many in our community, I have been watching the possible candidates for the third district City Council seat, Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn. It has become clear that Todd Gloria is not only the frontrunner and has organized a campaign that is ready to go, but, most importantly, he has received key endorsements from third district leaders, businesspeople and activists – both inside and outside the gay community.

Todd Gloria has lived in San Diego all his life, while Stephen Whitburn has only been here for about five years. Todd is the district director for popular Congressmember Susan Davis and is a city commissioner serving on the city’s Housing Commission. He is chair of The Center’s board of directors and is part Native American and Asian. He also has the financial backing and commitments of countless third district residents.

Let me make it very clear that I’ve come to respect and admire Stephen Whitburn and feel that he is a true gentleman, and he was one of the best presidents of the San Diego Democratic Club. He has also become a much better public speaker. But I feel that he is neither as qualified nor has the experience or involvement in the third district that Todd Gloria has. I believe that Whitburn would become a better candidate in the future.

Remember, this will be a wide-open seat with no incumbent, which means, as in past such elections, we could have a dozen candidates, including John Hartley, who seems to always get at least 30 percent of the vote. Also, word has it that a straight woman may run against the many male candidates, and, in the third district, women vote by a much larger percentage than men.

Our community cannot afford to split our vote and take a chance. We must unite behind Todd Gloria as you did for Chris Kehoe and Toni Atkins. Those of you on the fence get off of it and make the right choice.

Todd Gloria will not be the gay candidate, but the candidate for all the residents of the third district for whom he has been working so hard these last years. In about two months, candidates for the City Council can start raising money and establishing committees. Todd is set to go and has big-time endorsements. The choice is very clear for all of us in district three. Todd Gloria for City Council!

I will be making endorsements in the other three council district races in the coming months.

Now a state in Mexico has same-sex unions and so does New Jersey. Contrary to what some radical individuals feel, I am for same-sex marriage, but civil rights are achieved one step at a time. Just look at the black civil rights movement.

Unfortunately, all public polls and all major presidential candidates only support civil unions. I believe that civil unions, with all the rights and privileges of marriage, are all we will get at this time during our fight for equality.

I believe that we will see same-sex marriage in the future and hopefully in my lifetime. However, all that pushing the same-sex marriage issue has done so far is cause us to lose elections and progressive candidates.

I understand and respect those courageous fighters for same-sex marriage, but in the political reality of society today, I think we should fight the fights we can win now and table others for the future when they can be won. I know that victory will be ours in time, but let’s not attack those who support gay unions with all the rights of marriage. It took countless decades before blacks and whites could get married in some states, so by comparison we are far ahead of the curve in our fight for equality.

Congratulations to the following people who visited the Gay & Lesbian Times Web site and entered to win one of the many great prizes offered just for checking us out on the Web!

Xavier Fraga won a membership for two at 24 Hour Fitness in Hillcrest.

Joanne Rayborn won a $100 gift certificate to DMood restaurant in University Heights.

Craig Best won a free massage from a certified massage therapist.

Ken Breeding won a free two-night stay at Villa Mykonos in Palm Springs.

Thank you to everyone who visited the Web site and entered to win. We invite you to continue to visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com to read the latest news, features and columns in the GLT on the Web. While there, don’t forget to register to recieve the GLT and Rocket magazine e-blast delivered directly to your e-mail address.