The food was hot—but the atmosphere at a March 30 LGBT event hosted by 25th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis became even hotter.
A political meet-and-greet that began rather routinely ended in a completely different manner at the Pilsen restaurant Ciao Amore as supporters of Témoc Morfin, Solis' opponent in the April 5 aldermanic runoff election, confronted the incumbent with questions.
About 75 people attended the event, including former city clerk candidate Marilyn Morales, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore. There were also two tables occupied by Morfin supporters, who talked with this reporter about what they felt were Solis' shortcomings—often with the alderman standing right next to them. There was also at least one individual passing out Morfin flyers.
Tunney kicked off things by discussing the outgoing mayor: "When I got to city council, I did not know what the reception would be like, to be honest with you. Holistically, the mayor was in the right place at the right time. He has become the best spokesperson for the LGBT community nationwide because he speaks of middle America, and he speaks of things that are very important to everyday, working-class people.
Switching to the 25th Ward alderman, Tunney said, "Danny Solis has been a friend from day one to me personally, and also on lesbian and gay issues. The issues facing the LGBT community are very similar to the issues with the Latino community and, at times, they intersect—whether it's working on immigration reform ... [ or ] local issues." Tunney then mentioned coming from the Ritz-Carlton hotel to this event before adding about Pilsen, "This is a great community." At that point, a woman sitting at one of the Morfin supporters' tables asked Tunney, "It's a lot different from the Ritz-Carlton, isn't it?" He answered, "It's all what makes our city great."
Tunney added to the crowd, "I think it's a no-brainer that the LGBT community and the community at large [ are ] supporting his re-election."
For his part, Solis said, "As you know, I've been working on naturalization and immigration issues far beyond the time I've been alderman for 15 years. About two years ago, [ Tunney ] brought me an issue that I had never thought about that he was absolutely right about, and that is that many times immigrants in the United States have significant others and spouses and people that are not documented that they care just as much [ about ] as heterosexual individuals..." He then added that a resolution ( in favor of the Uniting American Families Act ) had passed with unanimous support "and the mayor's blessing," and again thanked Tunney.
Solis also said that he is "a proud supporter of same-sex marriage." He then said that if LGBT students want a separate school, then there should be one; however, another female Morfin supporter asked why people could be taught to be tolerant instead. Solis then finished his thought: "At the same time, though, there should be an option for the gay community to mix in with other communities, so I favor both."
At this point, Solis concluded his speech, saying, "So let's enjoy ourselves..." when the second supporter suddenly asked, "What about Target? Why do you support Target?" Solis replied, "Target is in the 11th Ward." The woman tried to answer that, saying that she was "being respectful," but was drowned out by Solis' backers.
Then, the situation became even more tense. Shouting commenced on both sides, culminating in the first woman repeatedly saying, "Do not touch me!" as people closed in around her. Eventually, the pro-Morfin supporters made their way out of the restaurant.
Solis had told Windy City Times before the event that he planned to "listen to patrons' concerns and express [ my ] thoughts about working with them to achieve equal rights."
When Windy City Times spoke with Morfin after the event, he denied having anything to do with sending his supporters to it. He added that the development at the meet-and-greet did not put himself in the best light but added that "my opponent has sent out [ multiple ] negative mailers."
Fourteen wards will have runoff elections Tuesday, April 5. Among those vying for a spot on city council is 46th Ward candidate James Cappleman; he will become the second openly gay individual on the council if he defeats Molly Phelan.
