Don't forget to say 'thanks' to your neighborhood politician!  In the historic election for the open 3rd Alder district seat, we saw Nik Kovac's integrity in action when he built a coalition of hard working good people to win the seat.  Two other candidates also created crucial milestones in Milwaukee LGBT politics.  In Sura Faraj, we had a courageous queer community member who stood up early on in what was an unknown election climate to define the issues, suggest solutions, and act as heart, soul, and conscience.  In Patrick Flaherty's solid primary and general election showings, our district and city nearly achieved an historic first, an openly gay Alderman whose years of service to the community could have made him an effective political broker.  

They came to our doors through ice and snow during a brutal, lingering winter and patiently listened to our concerns. When we asked hard questions, they had good answers.  Each of them took time out of their lives, left their livelihoods, and plunged into the whirlwind exposure of being a public figure.  They all sacrificed pieces of their private lives, put themselves on the line and let us scrutinize them.

Three cheers for the three candidates from the 3rd district who made history and have raised the bar for future candidates, campaigns and elections!  I look forward to seeing Nik, Sura and Patrick all working together to build community and improve our neighborhood.