Mike Simpler is a champion for the LGBTQ community. Period. A political activist recently wrote an opinion letter that basically said, if someone wasn't equally an activist to his satisfaction and didn't agree with his self-serving laundry list of issues, he couldn't support them, and predictably highlighted his support for the candidate bearing his own party affiliation. That’s a pretty narrow-minded perspective of how someone can be our ally and advocate. The irony of course to his endorsement is the fact that Claire Snyder-Hall is on record as having antipathy to the Democratic Party (page 170 of her book) and having a fundamental dislike of our political system (same book). No matter to that author, however, who attempted to smear the amazing character of a man with whom I work closely and whom I call a dear friend. I won't stand by and allow that to go unanswered.
Mike Simpler is president of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and a first-time political candidate. While others may have laudably served as political activists on certain issues, Mike was busy in other contexts leading his community and saving lives. In fact, at a recent event, one gentleman, a well-known personality in our LGBTQ community, approached him and reminded him, “Twenty years ago, you saved my house from a tragic fire." Mike remembered the event, the man, and both shared a wonderful bonding moment in the mutual respect borne from adversity overcome.
I'm grateful Mike was applying his skills, not to politics, but to duties and challenges of being a first responder. His contributions made a bigger impact in his chosen career path, and for that we should all be grateful. Mike is a well-respected man in our circles, not the least of which is because of his proven executive skills, but also because of his inclusiveness across the board. He has been an advocate for promotions, mentoring and the success of our LGBTQ firefighters and members, supporting LGBTQ members to our executive committee, including our deputy chief. Mike's contributions, leadership and character have echoed in our fire company, and I know as he rises to another leadership opportunity for our broader coastal Sussex community, we will all be as well served by his talents and courage, as have the men and women who've been fortunate enough to serve with him in the fire company. He’ll be a representative for all of the people, not just those with whom he may share certain characteristics.
By his actions, he has shown that in his heart, Mike believes in the LBGTQ community, and I have no doubt he will advocate for us and support us in any opportunity to thrive as an equal part of the larger coastal Sussex community. Mike deserves our respect and gratitude for what he has already done for us, and now he deserves our votes for what I know he'll contribute to us in Dover, and for a better future for all of us here.
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