Out in the Suburbs: James Llanas Runs for Maplewood City Council

James Llanas is one of a crowded field of candidates looking to fill two open spots on the divisive Maplewood City Council, which earned the city the distinction of the “Twin Cities Most Dysfunctional Suburb,” in a recent City Pages feature by Paul Demko. The primary is next Tuesday.

Born in Colorado, James Llanas moved with his family to Minnesota when he was 2 months old. “I was raised in a loving Mexican home by my mother who taught me the benefits of hard work, family and faith,” he says on his campaign blog. He has lived in Minneapolis and Roseville, but he has settled in Maplewood with his partner Adam, his two children and two dogs. Llanas is an education sales consultant and has been a school teacher and administrator.

LGBT candidates are not common outside the urban core of Minneapolis and St. Paul, so I was surprised to run across a reference to an openly gay candidate running for a suburban council spot. Llanas agreed to share with me some of his thoughts and experiences as an openly gay candidate in suburbia.

Andy Birkey: How do you feel about being an openly gay candidate in the suburbs?

James Llanas: At the end of the day, I hope people vote for me based on my beliefs and what I can do for the city and not who I love.  That being said, I am an openly proud gay man who is raising his children in a loving home.  My supporters are proud of me for taking the step to make our community a better place to live, work and do business for all citizens of Maplewood.

Birkey: Is Maplewood a friendly place for LGBT people from your experience?

Llanas: We moved here not knowing how accepting our neighbors would be and have been pleasantly surprised by the level of acceptance and support.  Most see us doing common everyday things with our kids, homes and friends.  We are breaking stereotypes by just being us and by being active in our community.  I do believe, despite an outwardly accepting community, there are a small few who would never vote for an LGBT candidate.  We have had negative things shouted at us from passing cars while on the campaign trail.  They do not speak for a majority of Maplewood, but it does show how much work we have to do.

Birkey: Have there been other openly gay candidates run for office in Maplewood?

Llanas: None that I know of … gay candidates are rare and especially so in the suburbs.

Birkey: What are three issues you see as important to the city and that you will work for on the council if elected?

Llanas: There is a large segment of Maplewood that feels disenfranchised and ignored, so my overall goal is to be a voice for those who traditionally not had been heard in City Hall.  My focus is simple: safe neighborhoods, clean parks and an inclusive government.

Birkey: What do you feel sets you apart from your primary opponents?

Llanas: Most of my opponents are running with support of one side or the other of the divided council.  My grassroots campaign is aimed at focusing on the important issues and not the bickering and infighting.  I am the only candidate who has no allegiance or entanglement to today’s dysfunctional council.  I bring fresh and new leadership that is so sorely missing.

Birkey: Is there anything you’d like to add?

Llanas: Some feel that since they do not live in Maplewood they can’t or do not need to participate.  You do not have to live in the community to support openly gay candidates.  The more common the occurrence, the less important perhaps, but for now, we must support members of our community who can be a voice for LGBT issues at all levels.