Rep. West Challenged to speak to his Constituency

Coalition for Fairness & Equality (CoFFE) Formed      Challenges West to Speak to his Constituency Congressman West ‘In His Own Words’ A group of concerned citizens, representing the diversity of the South Florida community, has come together and formed ‘The Coalition for Fairness and Equality (CoFFE)’ The group emerged as a response to the cancellation of Congressman West’s speaking appearance in Wilton Manors. The purpose of CoFFE is unifying, not dividing; bringing together the community and its supporters, through open discussions with our elected officials. The cancelled closed-door meeting with Congressman West has led us to host an event, not in the darkness of a closed room, but in the bright sunshine of Wilton Manors, accessible to all, without qualification or inhibitions on dialogue and debate. With the aim of education and promoting equality and fairness, we have extended an invitation to Congressman West to join us and address the community in his own words, and meet with his constituency. This public forum and rally will be held on August 8 at 6 pm, at City Hall Square, 2200 Wilton Drive, WiltonManors, FL 33305. One of our organizers and speakers will be L. Stuart Milk,the nephew of the late San Francisco gay rights activist, Harvey Milk, who has become an activist in his own right and maintains a South Florida residence. “The impetus for the formation of CoFFE was the divisiveness engendered by the invitation to Congressman Allen West to speak in the heart of the South Florida gay community - Wilton Manors. If Congressman West wants to talk to small businesses in Wilton Manors, he needs to acknowledge the unique perspectives and needs of the gay businessperson. To separate the business from the business owner is asking for the gay community to ignore its identity.” Organizer Miriam Richter, 954 -977-4711 “Our goal has never been to censor Allen West. It has rather been to censure him for words and deeds offensive to his constituency, and to challenge him to do better.” Organizer Norm Kent, Publisher, SFGN in an editorial 8.3.2011. Publisher, SFGN, 954 530-4970 “Wilton Manors and other developing LGBT communities around the nation are formed, prosper and grow, on the shoulders of the small businessperson. We know the importance of inclusiveness and outreach is a core value of American society. We don’t want to restrict the rights of Allen West. We want him to recognize ours. ” Organizer Dean Trantalis, Attorney , Former City Commissioner  For further information, contact Norm Kent, 954 530 4970