FORT LAUDERDALE — “I’m beholden to nobody,” he said.
Dean Trantalis gets it. For the first time since moving to Broward County from Los Angeles, I met a powerfully kindred spirit who shares some of my West Coast sensibilities and values. He also happens to be the first and only openly gay member of the Fort Lauderdale City Commission. Really? Wow.
It’s surprising because so many gay and lesbian people live in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, more than just about anywhere else in the country. When you factor in the number of LGBT people moving here, retiring here, vacationing here… you get the picture. In fact, recent statistics show that more same-sex couples call Broward County home than anywhere else in the United States. Estimates are that LGBT tourism nets $1 billion a year for local businesses.
With that as a backdrop, why do so many of us still live, work and even sometimes behave like second-class citizens? Unlike Log Cabin Republicans and private Palm Beach lesbians who defy mainstream stereotyping and or choose to live their lives far from public view, Trantalis doesn’t mince words when issuing his call to action.
“This town is our town. Thanks to the gay community, what were once the most decrepit neighborhoods in the city — Victoria Park, Lakeridge, Poinsettia Heights – are now the most highly prized places to live,” said Trantalis. “We are Fort Lauderdale. (The problem is) psychologically gay people find a certain comfort level with keeping our lives private. But in order to defend our community, some of us have to step up and provide leadership at election time and not sublimate ourselves to the rest of society. That’s not good enough.
“The LGBT community needs to maintain a high profile. If we don’t, we’re bound to be relegated to a quiet corner and given a few bread crumbs to keep us happy,” said Trantalis. “Our mayor supports gay people as long as they know their place. I’m disappointed in that. As he sets his sights on a higher office, he thinks a legacy of conservatism is more likely to bring success than a progressive attitude.”
What makes Trantalis a vital voice in local affairs is not only his gay orientation but the context within in which he marries his identity with progressive values to offer leadership in a true melting pot environment like Fort Lauderdale, whether they be quality of life issues stemming from unfettered development or more accountable city governance.
He points to Elan 1640 on Sunrise Blvd., between 15th Street and Federal Highway. While 43 percent of the units have been rented so far, the development indicates how most of the new housing projects are luxury rentals.
And then there is the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Built in the 60s, when the city was the swimming capitol of the US, it has since gone into despair. But while the city has earmarked funds to redevelop the site, the project has opened old wounds about the city’s procurement process and how it picks local contractors.
After the city awarded a no-bid $25 million contract to a developer to renovate the complex, including a new 500-space parking garage to service Fort Lauderdale businesses at that end of the beach, that same developer now needs an additional $4 million to complete what he had already been contracted to do, and that was install air conditioning in the new locker rooms.
Three-term Mayor Jack Seiler was squirming in his seat to find more money because he was behind giving the original contract to one of his friends. Trantalis said he maintains a “cordial” relationship with Seiler, who he said appeals to many pro-development Republicans, even though Seiler is a registered Democrat.
“We don’t share the same view on development. I’m more measured as opposed to giving a blank check to developers. Most of his campaign funds come from developers.”
Another project is the proposed expansion of the Las Olas Marina – 6,000 feet of new dock space for large and small boats that would appeal to mega yacht owners, whose highly lucrative commerce ripples across local supply companies, hotels and onshore service industries. The city is currently opening the project to private developers who would build and manage under a lease agreement.
“The goal is to make Fort Lauderdale the port of choice for the international mega yacht community,” said Trantalis.
Maintain balanced growth with equality. Get out and vote please on March 10.
