Brian L. Bates
(1971 - living) U.S.A.
Politician
Brian, born and raised in Denver Colorado, moved to Doraville, Georgia in 2001. He is the co-owner and Principal of The Laurus Group, a professional consulting group that specializes in fundraising and annual communication plans for non-profit organizations, with an emphasis on fraternal organizations.
He is also in charge of Doraville's annual Police Appreciation Day. He's active in his neighborhood association and staunchly supports popular police Chief John King, who became a major issue in his election.
Brian lost his first bid for city council in the conservative state, but then became the first openly gay Republican elected to the the Doraville, Georgia city council. He says recent victory has little to do with his sexuality.
"I am gay and there's no reason to hide it. I made the conscious decision to be open and honest about my orientation. It really didn't come up with my conversations with voters and for the most part, I don't think they care. It was not a campaign issue. There is not a gay agenda. It wasn't an issue."
Brian' victory in a race for city council didn't come as a major surprise in this Georgia town of about 10,000 residents.
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