Bill Crews

Bill Crews (born July 12, 1952)[1] is an American politician who served as the mayor of Melbourne, Iowa, from 1984 through 1998. Crews came out at the LGBT Equality March on Washington, D. C. in 1993, where he attracted national attention as a result of hate graffiti on his Melbourne house.[2][3]

For the Australian founder of the Exodus Foundation, a non-profit organization, see Bill Crews (minister).
Bill Crews
Mayor of Melbourne, Iowa
In office
1984–1998
Personal details
Born (1952-07-12) July 12, 1952

Political career

Crews was an attorney working in the office of the Iowa state governor when he was approached to run for mayor, having moved to Melbourne just three months earlier. At the elections held the following year, Crews won all 57 votes cast. He was re-elected in the 1987, 1991, and 1995 elections.[1]

During Crews' service as mayor of Melbourne, the city built a new fire station and library, improved water and sewer infrastructure and increased cash reserves.

Formerly a moderate Republican, he claimed "I was a Republican from before the fundamentalists took over the Iowa party. I believe in progressive, fiscally responsible government. I am now a registered Democrat. I'm pro-choice; I've always been."

Crews ran for the Iowa Senate in 1992 but lost by just 57 votes. After moving to the District of Columbia, Crews served two terms as an elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (SMD 6C07) in the neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Crews also served as the Zoning Administrator for the District of Columbia from 2005 through 2007. Crews was once again elected as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in 2010.

Personal life

Crews' father, a United Methodist minister who fought for social justice, was killed in a car accident in 1973. Bill Crews was also active in the United Methodist church after coming out, until 1998 when he relocated to Washington, D.C. with his husband.

Further reading
  • Ken Yeager, Trailblazers, Profiles of America's Gay and Lesbian Elected Officials (New York, 1999)
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References
  1. Schlittler, Ron. "Bill Crews". Out and Elected in the USA: 1974-2004. Out History.org. Archived from the original on 19 October 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  2. "Iowa mayor 'out' and ready to lead gay community". The Free Lance-Star. 18 March 1994. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  3. Goff, Michael (1994). Out in America: a portrait of gay and lesbian life. Viking Studio Books. p. 122. ISBN 9780670858507. Retrieved 2013-11-02.


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