Mark Leno runs for California Senate

[roody]

Mark Leno seeks Senate seat and vouches to serve all
by Francisco Da Costa
Saturday Mar 3rd, 2007 7:29 AM
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/03/18371901.php

Mark Leno served well as a SF Board of Supervisors. He then moved to Sacramento where the ball game has higher stakes. He knows on a personal level - how he fared. Yesterday, within the shadows of Saint Patrick's Church, facing the new but yet to be open Jewish Museum, within the confines of Yerba Buena Gardens - Mark invoked the names of Harvey Milk and Moscone - and declared he would fight a fair race - and seek the California State Senate Seat. Kudos.

I accompanied by good friend Espanola Jackson after a hectic day to the Yerba Buena Garden by 3rd and Mission - to hear first hand the announcement of the day - Mark Leno throwing his hat and declaring his intention to seek the State of California Senate seat.
Mark Leno was happy to see Espanola Jackson - she means a lot to the Bayview Hunters Point community. Her presence there - prompted Mark Leno to recognize her soon after his invocation and make some fine, concrete, holistic statements.
He promised that he would serve all and pay particular attention to those adversely impacted. I suppose he sincerely meant the people of the Southeast Sector and those that need help all over San Francisco and beyond.
He promised to do right and that is what we want to hear our politicians say - we know the many that talk the talk - but the very few that walk the walk.
Mark Leno said the right things and I do believe sincerely means to do what he promises.
He has stuck his neck for the queer community and now wants to embrace everyone. If that is not good news in today's world - I just do not know what else is?
Mark Leno saw me and at first was shocked.
"You are here after all the stuff you have written about me. " Well, I said I am an advocate and have to write and speak the truth".
I looked him straight in the eye and he knew that what I said came from my heart - but more from my soul. Straight or Queer an advocate has to speak the truth and serve the constituents he or she represents.
He asked me if I supported him and I said "yes". " That means a lot to me" he said.
Mark and I share some things in common - but perhaps one single common denominator is our Theological training, this comes with sound Philosophy, and of course a compassion and understanding for humanity. There can be no sacrifice with genuine love.
Mark Leno really wanted to mention all those that were gathered to support him - but as we all know - that was impossible to do without taking a lot of time and really not focusing on the message of the day.
It was a nice day - the sun was in its element and most folks had that twinkle in their eyes - they really want Mark Leno to go places and do good things.
Mark Leno means well and has some very good supporters - among them my good friend Fiona Ma and Theresa Sparks. I was making my rounds shaking hands and sharing my moments among some fine queer folks that I had not seen in a long time.
Queer folk and many others - mostly poor and without clout have suffered a lot and still do in San Francisco and beyond. Who will come to their aid? Who will hear their pleas?
Mark Leno spoke about Solar programs and about Global Warming and Climate Change. I am for all that and more. It is the details that tell the true story.
Mark Leno should fight the proposed two Combustion Turbines using fossil fuel to be placed in the Bayview. These very polluting will spew sufficient toxic particulates to negate all good done by all the Solar projects - a thousands time over. Think about that. No price can be put when with intent we kill our children and adults through pollutants.
I would like Mark Leno to build a home for the queer teenagers.
The many that come to our City seeking help and hope and do not get it. I think the rich queer folks and the politicians Fiona Ma, Leland Yee, even Nancy Pelosi, Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, George Miller, Tom Lantos, others can pool in and build a nice home for the queer teens complete with the best support systems.
For too long has this segment of our population suffered. I speak about it but no one wants to listen. But, I will not give up. I know many support this idea but do not have the guts to make it happen.
Mark Leno will WIN the Senate Race.
He should just focus on what has to be done today and impacts the majority. He should reach out to everyone - the general populace of San Francisco for sure. He should as you all can feel and see very clearly to those that need help most in his jurisdiction which includes Marin County.
The Bayview Hunters Point has many cases of AIDS. One does not have to go to Africa to do charity - it begins in one's back yard. One children and dying from the pollutants that this City and Mayor Gavin Newsom is not paying attention to.
The SF Health Department is a joke. Time for the CDC to be called in.
In the 1980s when so many queer men were dying - many of us did not really understand the magnitude of the situation. We still do not know fully how this virus works. In 2007 I still watch some videos on the Internet that send conflicting messages.
More, poor folks die in San Francisco from diseases linked to pollution then AIDS. The queer population is sensitive to those that need help most. Now, is the time to put the best foot forward.
I already have a good friend in Leland Yee he is the first Chinese Senator in Sacramento. Mark Leno will join him and take a holistic approach.
No longer can politicians have a narrow mentality. They have to learn to work outside the box and seek the best within all communities.
Queer men and women are invading the political scene and straights are watching and saying nothing. Well, for one thing - many queer folk having experienced hardship and discrimination and are well equipped to help others. But, that does not mean they can do as they please.
Good leaders know the way, show the way, and go the way.
Now, to Mark Leno I will say: as as advocate I have to speak my mind. That will not cease. I have to speak the TRUTH.
You did mention Accountability but I did not hear Transparency.
Let this race be fair and know the situation at hand - many will vote for Mark Leno - and we expect results in Sacramento. We will make trips and we will demand and fight what is right.
Francisco Da Costa
Director
Environmental Justice Advocacy

[Mind_your_head]

1. I can't read that w/o formatting.....I used to try, but no way/ no how now.....eom