Toni Atkins

Toni G. Atkins (August 1, 1962–) is an American Democratic politician, member of the San Diego City Council.

Toni Atkins was born 1962 in Wythe County, Virginia in southwest Virginia. She earned a BA in political science from Emory and Henry College, focusing on community organizing.

In 1987 Atkins relocated to San Diego in 1987 to help her pregnant sister. She ended up staying permanently. She joined the staff of Womancare Health Center as Director of Clinic Services. Atkins served as council representative and policy analyst to Councilwoman Christine Kehoe for a number of years. When Kehoe was elected to the state legislature, Atkins was elected to Kehoe's seat, the Third District of the City Council of San Diego, on November 7, 2000. She was reelected in March 2004.

In April 2005 Mayor Dick Murphy resigned due to ethics scandals. Councilman Michael Zucchet, who was deputy mayor, took over, but three days later, resigned along with Councilman Ralph Inzunza after they were convicted of taking bribes. In an emergency vote on July 19, Atkins was chosen by the other five council members to take over as mayor pro-tem for one week. On July 25 they reaffirmed their choice and designated her deputy mayor to serve until Jerry Sanders was sworn in as Mayor December 5.

Atkins was the first openly lesbian mayor of San Diego.

Quotation

I'm certainly aware of that fact [of San Diego being the largest U.S. city with an openly gay mayor]. I know that it has significance for our LGBT community, so it is something that I take seriously. I think it's a huge responsibility, so I'm very much aware of it and I hope that it's a good thing for our community. — Washington Blade

External links

• City Council site
• Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund
• Atkins in prime position to become deputy mayor