Eighteen years ago, I became Neil's one and only campaign staffer/manager, volunteer coordinator, receptionist, et al. I was it.  But Neil was so capable and so enthusiastic about the race that it didn't matter. He plopped a computer on my desk at his house, muttered something about “mail merge” and took off. He raised more money than both of his opponents (now, our U.S. Congressman Bob Filner and City Attorney Mike Aguirre) had wide support in the business community, especially travel and tourism. Neil bravely faced gay-baiting set-ups at community forums with dignity and grace. I will never forget how much I learned from Neil about our city and community as well as politics.

Although Neil's loss by 385 votes was a painful defeat, he never let it show. He became more active in the LGBT community after the campaign including helping revitalize San Diego Pride. His death less than two years later was a loss for me and for all of San Diego.