The tiny town of Dillon, Colorado (population about 800) has elected an openly gay man as its next mayor.  Victory Fund-endorsed candidate Ron Holland won the general election tonight, beating his opponent 90-72.

The Summit Daily News interviewed Holland immediately following his win:

“I’m ecstatic,” said Holland Tuesday night from Pug Ryan’s in Dillon. “It was actually a larger margin than I thought, with two well-knowns running and both of us with a lot of support.”

“It’s going to be a whole new council now, so the first order of business for me is to bring us all together, make sure we’re all focused in the same direction,” Holland said.

Issues facing Holland and the council in the coming year include encouraging town growth through urban renewal, redevelopment, working with the Dillon Business Association to bring visitors to town, marketing and creating town attractions.

Holland is popular in this small mountain town frequented by skiers headed to area resorts.  He’s currently serving his first term on the Dillon City Council.

Holland entered public service as a small business owner who was also president of the Dillon Business Association.  He is a longtime activist on HIV/AIDS issues, and he and his partner have called Dillon home for more than five years.