Archive for Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Rundle says he’s proud to be city’s first gay mayor
April 13, 2005
Advertisement
Lawrence City Commissioner Mike Rundle stepped down as mayor Tuesday night and acknowledged for the first time that he might have been the city's first gay mayor.
"It is with dignity and pride that I acknowledge that I have been Lawrence mayor and in all likelihood, Lawrence's first gay mayor," Rundle said, his voice breaking momentarily with emotion.
6News video: Outgoing mayor makes personal disclosure
New mayor wants South Lawrence Trafficway settledRundle said he decided to go public with his sexuality in part because state voters earlier this month approved a constitutional amendment for a gay marriage ban and because of "whispering campaigns," and rumors and smear tactics launched at him after he first entered politics in 1987.
Rundle said he did not acknowledge his sexuality earlier because he wanted to keep the political focus on his quest for good government and avoid triggering a barrier of prejudice that might detract from that quest.
"I think, perhaps, that is less of a concern today than it was 18 years ago," Rundle said.
Rundle's announcement was greeted with a lengthy applause from a large audience that attended the commission meeting and from his fellow commissioners.
Although his one-year term as mayor is over, Rundle continues to serve as commissioner.
More like this
- Rundle speech draws praise April 14, 2005
- City Commission selects new mayor April 7, 2004
- New city commissioners sworn in Tuesday April 13, 2005
- City Hall campaign issue flares at meeting March 5, 2003
- Mayor questioned on smoking, Wal-Mart April 9, 2004
Top ads RSS
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Blog: Top Tens Reasons The Oprah Show Is Like Boil. November 21, 2009 · 2 comments
- Leaders offer tips for chancellor’s successful tenure November 21, 2009 · 6 comments
- Mangino's contract outlines probe November 21, 2009 · 63 comments
- Poll: How much are you contributing to the United Way this year? November 21, 2009 · 11 comments
- Blog: Why Do People Repeat Falsehoods? November 20, 2009 · 56 comments
- Blog: Palin Book Could Be Your Cheapest Source For Winter Fuel November 20, 2009 · 77 comments
- Obesity activist crossing country to urge American Indians to embrace healthier diet November 20, 2009 · 15 comments
- Blog: We Noticed November 19, 2009 · 124 comments
- No line at H1N1 immunization clinic November 21, 2009 · 7 comments
- Four decades in crisis mode November 21, 2009 · 19 comments
- Mangino's contract outlines probe November 21, 2009
- Four decades in crisis mode November 21, 2009
- On target November 21, 2009
- A sad story November 19, 2009
- Lawrence couple excel in triathlons November 21, 2009
- Chiefs honor ex-left offensive tackle Roaf December 15, 2008
- Researcher: Writing proves Shroud of Turin is real November 21, 2009
- Center for East Asian Studies celebrates 50 years of accomplishments November 21, 2009
- 40 years ago: Construction begins on Meadowlark addition November 21, 2009
- Sexual healing: Dennis Dailey coaches couples with tough love at his intimacy workshop November 20, 2009
Post a comment
Comments are disabled on this story.
Post a blog entry
You have to be logged in to blog on LJWorld.com. Please log in or sign up.
Learn more about blogging on LJWorld.com.