West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon has anxiously kept his sexual orientation a secret his entire political career.Posted on 03/30/2006 10:19:26 AM PST by SmithL
West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon has anxiously kept his sexual orientation a secret his entire political career.
He broke his silence on the subject Wednesday night at the annual State of the City dinner at West Sacramento City Hall.
"The pressure and the stigma and sometimes the all too casual bigotry in this town made it painfully clear when I first ran for office that I could either serve this community or I could be a gay man. But I could not be both," Cabaldon said.
His disclosure - planned well in advance - concluded a speech focusing on levees, "walkable" communities and schools. After celebrating the accomplishments of the city and discussing the future, he disclosed that he was gay.
Cabaldon said he decided to disclose he's gay to make it easier for other gays and lesbians wrestling with making their sexual orientation public.
In an interview this week, Cabaldon said when he began his political career, he thought he couldn't disclose the matter. So rather than lead a double life or a secret life, Cabaldon said he decided he couldn't have a personal life.
"Nobody could really out me before because I wasn't dating," said Cabaldon. "I'm still not dating or anything like that."
His heartfelt address Wednesday night brought the crowd of 150 developers, business and political leaders to a standing ovation, some with tears in their eyes.
Developer Bryan Taylor said, "We couldn't be more proud of our mayor."
The 41-year-old mayor's unusual "coming out" will be carried in documentary form on an MTV Networks cable channel featuring gay-themed programming. A crew working for the Logo channel has been shadowing Cabaldon for the better part of a week. The program is expected to air in July.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
That should make him Presidential material in California.
First day on FR, troll?
He's probably doing it to divert attention from the implosion of housing values that is occurring for the overbuilt developments in West Sac.
But... seriously speaking, what's it do to the moral fiber of a community to see fags strolling hand-in-hand everywhere with the seats cut out of their tight leather pants? Kids cannot observe even a temporary local acceptance of such behavior and grow up to be morally sound adults.
I know I'm preaching to the choir... But I'm just making the point! :-)
Yes, you CAN have a personal life -- and BTW -- keep it private because I do not care who you care to sleep with.
Why is it that people continue to identify themselves by the sexual aspects of their lives?
Sacramento, not San Francisco, has the highest, per capita, homosexual population in California.
Neither should the reason behind this seemingly counterintuitive statistic; the protection offered by government employment.
Perhaps, in the interest of full disclosure, he thinks it best not to keep it hidden. Some may want to know this the next time they go to the polls. He is an elected official, after all.
I'm just waiting for someone running for public office to announce they are heterosexual. Why do we need to know? Either you can do the job or you can't. It's always the homosexuals who make it an issue.
Don't get me wrong. I have no desire to know the sexual proclivities of everyone or anyone, but there may be voters in West Sac who would appreciate knowing they are voting for or voting against a gay man.
"who would appreciate knowing they are voting for or voting against a gay man."
I think his picture answers the question.
Is that what they call it? Dating? And isn't it remarkable that the mayor waits until he's elected to inform the electorate of his proclivities? Maybe it would matter. Maybe not.
Yep. Also, his coming out was likely prompted more by a desire to show people that gays are everywhere or something, than by a desire to not mislead voters.
"Cabaldon said he decided to disclose he's gay to make it easier for other gays and lesbians wrestling with making their sexual orientation public."
Awwww, that's so brave and unselfish and courageous!!! I'm sure it's just a coincidence that he's getting a BIG, FAT paycheck for it!
Typical liberal hypocrite. Somebody ought to apply for the trademark.
Well we are told how bad rich capitalists are because they just want to keep their money for themselves and to live in palaces. That describes the leftist gentrification crowd to a T. Self-centered. "I help out the community by showing off my nice house and I have money to spend because I don't have children to raise." Saddam did the same thing (his people "starved" because of sanctions yet he had plenty of money for billion dollar golden palaces and mosques.
People should find something bigger than themselves to live for.
It should have been more of an issue in states that had outlawed same sex sodomy. After all, other politicians' criminal actions were widely reported.
Now it should be a "don't care" because the Supreme Court says so (although there are PLENTY of other sex acts between consenting adults that are still criminal across this nation, because the court knew the decision they wanted but not how to justify it).
What does he want, a medal? Who cares, can't you just keep your proclivities to yourself?
These things are rarely secret. What they mean is he is now talking about it.
Not much of a secret around here ...
With that pic? Never would have guessed.................
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.