Members of the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio are getting ready for the group’s candidate endorsement forum slated for Sunday, March 26.
The event, which is open to the public, marks the first for newly-elected Stonewall co-chairs Chris Forbrich and Ellen Stephens.
Stonewall sent invitations to all the candidates running in the May 6 municipal election which includes races for mayor and all ten city council districts. There are also six bond propositions on the ballot.
This year’s slate of candidates is extensive. There are six candidates running in District 1; four in District 2; seven in District 3; three in District 4; six in District 5; eight in District 6; five in District 7; six in District 8; ten in District 9; and ten in District 10. There are also 14 candidates running for mayor.
To be eligible for an endorsement, candidates must fill out a questionnaire by March 24 and appear at the forum to make a short presentation and answer questions from Stonewall members.
At the time this article went to press, organizers told Out In SA that mayoral candidate Councilman Ron Nirenberg had confirmed he was attending. The other major candidates in the race, Mayor Ivy Taylor and Bexar County Party chair Manuel Medina, had not yet signaled their participation.
Prior to the endorsement forum, Stonewall members are given copies of the completed candidate questionnaires. After the candidates make their presentations at the meeting, Stonewall members caucus privately to determine who gets endorsed.
To be eligible to vote on endorsements, Stonewall members must be in good standing as defined in the group’s bylaws and been a member for at least 30 days prior to the endorsement meeting. Lapsed members, whose dues are less than a year in arrears, may renew their membership at the time of the endorsement meeting and will be eligible to vote.
If deemed necessary by the Stonewall board, another vote may be held at a later date to consider additional endorsements for the June runoff election.
The list of Stonewall endorsements has for years served as an important resource for voters in the LGBT and allied community. “Vetting equality-minded candidates is our most important work,” said co-chair Ellen Stephens.
Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio Candidate Forum and Endorsement Meeting, March 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Metropolitan Community Church, 611 Myrtle Street. The meeting is open to all but only Stonewall members may vote on endorsements.
