State’s 1st openly gay Republican elected
Brian Bates’ victory in Doraville City Council race called groundbreaking
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This is a good AJC article showing Doraville as more than a good-ole-boy haven and immigrant wasteland, which is how we’re usually depicted.
I don’t particularly think either of those labels are accurate, since there are much worse good-ole-boy places in Georgia, even the capital itself, and the immigrant portion of our population is often a thriving part of our community. The AJC has tended to portray Doraville that way, even to the point of using “near Doraville” when any north DeKalb story involves crime or immigration or good-ole-boy politics, and “north DeKalb” when a Doraville story involves something more obviously positive and/or progressive. But this story makes Doraville and even Georgia Republicans sound like grown-ups.
I missed the article in the AJC, so thanks for posting it.
Brian said that being gay really wasn’t an issue when he ran, but every gay and lesbian knows well that running for office in Doraville was a very courageous thing to do and he should really be applauded for it. Especially after he WON!!
It’s very obvious Brian will bring much needed respectibility to Doraville and, personally, I’m very happy for him and Doraville.
The very best of luck.
Well said, SOSO. I second that!
[...] BubbaRich at Dora-Blog on an AJC story about new Doraville Councilman Brian Bates, the state’s first openly gay [...]
Me three!
Way to take the bull by the horns, Brian. He modestly says “being gay wasn’t an issue” in the election, and it wasn’t – but that’s saying something in itself! Both for Brian and for Doraville.
BubbaRich:
Perhaps the AJC does sometimes disparage Doraville. Can you cite specific examples of the AJC using “near Doraville” versus “north DeKalb”?
As information, the AJC changed from describing “Shooters Alley” as being a “Doraville club” or “in Doraville” to being “near Doraville” or in the “Doraville area” after the inaccuracy was brought to AJC attention. I wrote about it to the AJC two or three times in connection with Barbie Bandit stories (one of the gals having formerly worked at “Shooters Alley”), and at least one reporter acknowledged the mistake and seemed sincerely apologetic. I’ve not seen Shooters Alley referred to as being in Doraville or as Doraville club since. I take no exception to the AJC describing Shooters Alley as a Doraville area club, given it abuts the city limits on one side and is only a few blocks away on two others.)
Dave Bearse