St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and so is the big parade, meaning it’s once again for local politicians to make a statement one way or another on the organizers’ decision not to allow gays to participate under their own banner.
I asked a few possible citywide candidates about their parade plans, and here’s what I heard back so far.
Mayoral candidates:
Like last year, Christine Quinn will not march in the parade, but will march in the all-inclusive St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Sunnyside. Bill Thompson will not march in the parade in Manhattan but will march in the one in Sunnyside. I’m waiting to hear back from Anthony Weiner’s office. UPDATE: Weiner will not be marching in the parade in Manhattan. Also, Quinn won’t just be marching in the parade in Sunnyside, but be one of the grand marshals there.
Comptroller candidates:
Adolfo Carrion will march in the parade in Manhattan, as he has done every year, but won’t march in Sunnyside because he’s travelling that day.
Melinda Katz is not going and hasn’t gone in the past, and is marching in Sunnyside.
David Yassky is not going to march in the parade in Manhattan.
James Brennan has not marched in the parade in Manhattan for the past several years and will not this year.
Simcha Felder is not going to the parade in Manhattan.
David Weprin initially did not march in the Manhattan parade, but he now does. He also marches in Sunnyside.
Public Advocate candidates:
Eric Gioia is not going to the parade in Manhattan, but has marched in the parade in Sunnyside. An aide to Adam Clayton Powell IV said he may not attend the parade in Manhattan. UPDATE: Norman Siegel will skip Manhattan and march in Sunnyside.
If any of this seems wrong or incomplete (or if you know any instructive anecdotes about how any of the candidates have dealt with this issue in the past) please let me know.
