Commissioners sworn in, with a firstTAMPA — Hillsborough County's first openly gay commissioner was sworn in Tuesday, with his partner at his side.
Democrat Kevin Beckner took the oath of office before a standing-room-only crowd that spilled into the first floor at County Center.
Like the two other commissioners sworn in, Beckner thanked his parents and supporters. He singled out a 96-year-old activist who collected 400 signatures to get his name on the ballot and another woman who campaigned for him while battling cancer.
As he joined a commission that three years ago voted to ban gay pride displays on county property, he also recognized his partner of 10 years.
Beckner disclosed his sexual orientation on the campaign trail, but did not identify his partner other than saying he worked in law enforcement. On Tuesday, he thanked Gil Sainz, a sergeant and 23-year veteran of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office who works in recruitment and screening.
Beckner, 37, is a financial planner and former police officer in Indiana. He defeated Republican Brian Blair, a one-term incumbent, by a 10-point margin Nov. 4.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/article908692.ece
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
