Activist using Lovelace’s lapsed website against him

Gay rights activist campaigns in city race.

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By Jeremy P. Kelley, Staff Writer Updated 10:35 PM Saturday, August 27, 2011

DAYTON — A local gay rights activist has taken over the lapsed former campaign website of Dayton City Commissioner Dean Lovelace, who last ran unopposed in 2007, and is now using it to campaign against Lovelace in this fall’s commission race.

David Lauri writes on deanlovelace.com that he opposes Lovelace in large part because of his 1999 and 2007 votes against ordinances to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The 2007 law passed despite Lovelace’s “no” vote.

“It’s not fair, but I think (legally) he can do it,” Lovelace said this week. “I think he’s a jerk. ... I’ve not done anything to him, ever.”

Lauri, of Dayton, said Friday he has little desire to discuss the issue with Lovelace, who he said has been in office too long. Lovelace has served on the commission since 1993.

“I think it’s fine that he’s angry, but he has done something to me and every other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person in Dayton (through his votes),” Lauri said.

Lovelace and Matt Joseph are running for re-election this fall, against challengers William Pace and Mark Manovich. Lovelace now has a new campaign website, www.re-electdeanlovelace.com .

Lovelace said he voted against the 2007 ordinance because he wanted to have “constructive discussion” first about the comparative plights of the gay community and the black community.

“I heard comments (that) the gay movement is just like the civil rights movement,” Lovelace said Wednesday. “And I say that’s crap. That’s crap.”

Asked if he was against gay rights, Lovelace said no.

“That’s just not true,” Lovelace said. “As a commissioner, you’re not going to make everyone happy, but my agenda is not gay rights. My agenda is around poverty reduction, community reinvestment and diversifying our safety forces. I don’t step outside that.”

Lauri said it’s a mistake not to include gay rights as civil rights.

“It’s not a reasonable stance,” Lauri said. “He was elected to represent all Daytonians, and gays and lesbians are part of his constituency.”

Dayton city commission candidates’ web sites

Matt Joseph: mattjoseph.com

Dean Lovelace: re-electdeanlovelace.com

Mark Manovich: On Facebook, Mark Manovich for Dayton City Commission

William Pace: williampacefordaytoncitycommission.com

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