Happytown

But Dyer is not the only one in conflict with Cantone’s instant gay activism. Equality Florida, which has worked directly with city staff and the mayor to get the registry passed – and played a large part in crafting Broward County’s new benefits ordinance – isn’t terribly impressed.

“As far as Mike’s campaign goes, it’s disappointing that he would characterize the city’s work with the county as a punt. Mike wasn’t working on an equal benefits ordinance before he was a candidate,” says Equality Florida Field Director Joe Saunders of Cantone’s casting of Dyer as a gimmicky politician. “So that’s sort of the pot calling the kettle black.” Snap! (To be fair, Cantone’s campaign claims he has worked on gay issues in Florida since 2008).

And though Saunders applauds Cantone for raising the issue of a benefits ordinance, he suspects that newbie Cantone isn’t paying enough mind to how much of a process these touchy social issues can be.

“It takes time to draft policies,” Saunders says. “In terms of timing, we’ve got to get the registry done first.”

For its part, the county is remaining cautious on the registry issue. In a letter to the city dated Nov. 3, the county said its docket is full through the end of the year with other stuff like “redistricting, prescription drug force recommendations and ordinance, Workforce Central Florida update, Economic Development Incentive Program, etc.” It will continue to vet the issue, however methodically, and leave the political bickering to the city bitchfest, thank you. Being gay (-friendly) is exhausting.

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