To sign or not to sign?
That was the question recently confronting the seven Hillsborough County Commissioners. Do they all–Democrats and Republicans alike–sign a proclamation designating GaYbor District Coalition Days?
The answer, as we know, was no. Democrats Kevin Beckner and Les Miller signed, the five Republicans didn’t. GaYbor’s annual signature event is not GOPster-friendly turf. It’s more likely that Ronda Storms would lead a discussion group after a showing of The Times of Harvey Milk.
But surely there could have been some rationale enabling the Commission to unanimously sign on. Granted, just “Do the right thing” would likely have seemed righteously heavy handed, let alone politically provocative. But what of “Do the right thing for less than the noblest of reasons”? Or possibly “Do the right thing for the right pragmatic reasons”?
Even President Barack Obama and Mayor Bob Buckhorn have officially recognized the event, although that tandem might be a double-edged political sword around here.
If they were looking for cover, then the non-signing five could have noted that the 5-day GaYbor event, which features a music festival and a pub crawl and culminates on the Fourth of July, isn’t officially designated a “Gay Pride” event. According to Carrie West, GDC president, it’s a “showcase of businesses” within the historic district. There will be plenty of rainbow flags, to be sure, but the catalytic color that resonates with all Ybor businesses is commercial green.
Of course, GaYbor is gay themed. So what? The GDC has nearly 250 members, the majority of whom are NOT gay. They understand what the ongoing revitalization that GaYbor–during a down economy–has meant to Seventh Avenue. They know that the area didn’t need more clubs with hip-hop enthusiasts, underage imbibers and a proven need for after-hours police patrols. The kinds of places that deter other demographics from spending their money in Ybor. What’s good for GaYbor is good for Ybor. Gentrification takes many forms.
Put it this way. Proclamations are symbolic niceties. They are official, feel-good shout outs to various constituencies across the spectrum. The GaYbor District Coalition and its annual celebration deserve one. Not as a token gesture or a politically correct nod, but as a bottom-line salute and message to other would-be entrepreneurs that Ybor’s GaYbor is, indeed, open for business and Tampa, per se, is a tolerant community — not just a business-friendly one.
Signing a proclamation? Candidly, it’s more like writing a thank you card.