Candidate Questionnaires Continued From Above

Name of Candidate: Mike Doyle
Office Sought: U.S. Congress --- PA 14th District
Email address:

Please list any receptions, events, parades or other functions that you have attended that were sponsored by an LGBT group or organization:

Most recently, I and the Steel-City Stonewall Dems hosted a meet and greet with Congressman Barney Frank when he visited Pittsburgh in November 2007. It was a great event that gave many people a chance to hear from Congressman Frank and exchange in a substantive give and take of ideas.

Another major event that I attended and participated in was the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh’s charity fashion show – “Go Gorgeous” which took place in October 2003 at the Omni William Penn. I would certainly be open to participating in other events if invited and my schedule made attendance possible.
Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

I have always had open communication with the community in the Pittsburgh area. Through informal conversation, official functions, meetings in my office, correspondence, and other means I believe I have a good familiarity and relationship with Pittsburgh’s LGBT community.

What is your position on hiring LGBT people? Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector?

I have been an original co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would forbid employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and would further prohibit related retaliation and coercion. I was very pleased when it passed the House last fall. It is vitally important that ENDA be enacted as it would provide basic protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and currently these protections do not exist.

In my own office, we have an established policy of non-discrimination, and I just recently once again signed a pledge put forth by the Human Rights Campaign in which I committed to upholding a non-discrimination policy relating to sexual orientation and gender identity as my official office policy. I have signed a similar pledge many times in the past. I do not believe LGBT people should be restricted from any employment opportunities and also certainly should be eligible to serve in the public sector.

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

Yes, I not only would, but have hired an openly LGBT person on my staff.

The Federal Government, the State nor the County Government have laws that offer protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations. Would you support legislation against such discrimination?

Yes

Please explain:

Certainly I would support legislation against such discrimination.

Please discuss your views on amending the law to include such protections on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

I strongly believe these protections should be enacted immediately to cover not only employment, but housing and public accommodations. As I mentioned previously, I have been a co-sponsor of ENDA which would address the employment issues. I think it would be best to see these laws amended on a federal level so LGBT people throughout the country can be ensured an equal level of protection and we don’t see a patchwork quilt develop where some states have laws and others don’t. Ideally, these protections should be guaranteed at the federal level.

LGBT citizens are also discriminated against by the government. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" not only stops LGBT citizens from serving openly in the military, it also encourages anti-gay harassment in stopping victims from reporting harassment by labeling it as "telling" under the policy. Would you vote to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy”?

Yes. It’s time to let gays and lesbians openly join the military, which is why I am a co-sponsor of Rep. Marty Meehan’s “Military Readiness Enhancement Act.”

In addition, Hospitals often refuse to discuss end-of-life issues with same-sex partners and GLBT senior citizens are often discriminated against by health providers who fail to recognize their relationships. Would you support government regulations that would stop this discrimination?

Yes

Victims of same-sex domestic violence face a fear that police and emergency responders will not respond appropriately when the couple is the same sex and LGBT people face discrimination by emergency services personnel. For example, preoperative transgender people may be afraid to call emergency services for fear of being ridiculed. If elected, what would you do to help eliminate this problem?

I certainly am aware of this problem and share your concern. This is a problem that exists throughout the country and quite simply should not be occurring. I would support any efforts our local officials would take to address this in the Pittsburgh area. Unfortunately, as a member of the US Congress I’m not clear what action I could take on the federal level to address this seemingly local issue. I would be open to further dialogue on that question and would try to be helpful with any federal actions that might make sense.

Do you support domestic partner benefits for government and governmental agency employees?

Yes, I support domestic partner benefits for public sector employees

Discuss your thoughts on marriage equality for same-sex couples; while the position you seek may not directly affect this issue, it is important for us to understand your perspective.

I strongly oppose President Bush’s call for enacting a constitutional amendment to ban civil marriage for same-sex couples and have stated my opposition publicly. I strongly believe that states and local governments should have the right to recognize civil unions if they choose to do so and I do not think the federal government should step in to overturn decisions made at the local level. Additionally, as I previously mentioned, I strongly believe that same-sex couples in civil unions should have all the rights and benefits traditionally granted to heterosexual couples. .I think that civil marriage for same-sex couples should be allowed and it would be a travesty for us to enact a constitutional amendment to ban it.

Over the past decade, government money has been used to promote “abstinence-only-until-marriage” programs in schools. Even though same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania, to qualify for government support, schools must teach that any sexual relationships outside of marriage is “likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects.” Do you support or oppose abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula?

I oppose abstinence –only-until-marriage curricula.

Discuss your thoughts on government's role in shaping school curricula for sex education, including comprehensive education that advocates for safe sex and the use of condoms and birthcontrol.

At various times throughout my congressional career, amendments or bills have been voted on that seek to promote or provide additional funding to abstinence-only programs in the public schools. I have consistently opposed and voted against these efforts. Generally speaking, I believe that any government role in shaping school curricula for sex education or other issues should be handled at the state or local level and the federal government should not be in the business of determining curricula. I do however strongly support family planning and safe sex and believe that type of education should be forwarded in sex education classes.

Do you have any thoughts on the formation of gay-straight student alliances within the public school systems?

Any programs or alliances that may exist or be created designed to promote greater awareness, understanding, and communication between people of different sexual orientations would be a positive step and would be something I would support.

Please discuss your views on protection from real, or perceived, discrimination in the schools and in school extra-curricula activities regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender identification, including bullying.

Again I believe that largely this issue has to be handled at the local level, but I certainly oppose any discrimination of this type. I have co-sponsored and voted for anti hate crimes legislation in Congress that address some of these types of issues on a wider scale beyond just educational environments.

Do you support needle exchange as a way of reducing new HIV infections in IV drug users?

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I am a strong supporter of all types of AIDS prevention programs. Throughout my years in Congress, I have continually supported increased funding for AIDS research, prevention and treatment programs within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control.

Additionally, with the overall rate of infection among adults in sub-Saharan Africa at about 8.4% compared to a 1.2% infection rate worldwide, I have supported legislative actions that would fund programs aimed at reducing the infection rate and helping to eliminate the AIDS epidemic in Africa through education and awareness programs.
I certainly recognize the vital importance of government support for AIDS prevention programs, and fully expect to continue my record of support for these programs.

Do you support inclusion of LGBT people within the official Democratic Party structure, including official representation on the county, state and national levels, including increasing the number of GLBT delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver?

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I know of a number of openly LGBT people that work for the official Democratic party structure as employees of the DNC, DSCC, and DCCC in Washington. I know there has been some concern surrounding some of the restructuring efforts that current DNC chairman Howard Dean has instituted but I’ve been assured that the concerns of the LGBT community are still being heard and taken most seriously. LGBT people are an important part of the Democratic party and I would be open to other ways to continue their involvement in the party structure at all levels.

Have you ever supported an openly LGBT person running for public office? Do you believe a person's sexuality or gender identity should stop them from running for public office?

I have certainly supported openly LGBT people for elective office and would do so again. There are several members of Congress that are openly LGBT which I have supported such as Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin who I assisted when she first ran for Congress in 1998. I do not believe in any sort of litmus test with regard to a candidate’s sexual orientation. If I support someone’s positions on many issues and their party affiliation, I am going to support them regardless of their sexual orientation. Likewise, if an LGBT person held positions on many issues or a party affiliation I didn’t agree with, I would not support them. I do not believe sexuality or gender identity should effect anyone’s decision as to whether to run for public office or not.

In his book, The Rise of the Creative Class, University of Pittsburgh Professor Richard Florida argues that communities that are open to diversity and to LGBT people prospered better than those that were not as open. What would you do to make the region and the state more welcoming to its LGBT citizens?

I am not surprised that Mr. Florida would make that argument as it seems almost self-evident. I strongly believe it is important to respect and listen to the views of all minority communities and I have done just that during my time in Congress. I think my record of efforts to support non-discrimination policies, co-sponsor ENDA, outlaw hate crimes, be personally involved in the LGBT community, and publicly promote greater understanding between all sexual orientations and genders are a partial example of the types of efforts that I have made to demonstrate the openness of the region to our LGBT citizens. I would hope that all the elected officials in the region would promote this type of attitude and set of beliefs publicly to help demonstrate the openness of our region to LGBT people.

If elected, what outreach would you do to the LGBT business community to encourage their participation in community planning and economic development?

Job creation and economic development have always been at the top of my agenda since I was first elected to Congress. I have founded the Doyle Center for Manufacturing. Worked with numerous businesses on specific issues, and supported more funding for job retraining programs among many other initiatives. I even have a district-based staffer who as my Economic Development Coordinator, is specifically tasked to work on these issues with local businesses. My Economic Development Coordinator would be happy to meet with anyone LGBT business community to assist them in any manner that is possible just as we would do with any other group or business that requests assistance. A thriving business community is integral to the health of our region and this needs to include members of the LGBT community as well as everyone else.

Currently, both locally and statewide, GLBT citizens are underrepresented on Boards and Commissions. Would you advocate on behalf of qualified GLBT citizens who are interested in appointments?

Yes.

Another divisive issue confronting our country is the issue of abortion. Please discuss your position on abortion and any thoughts you have on the current abortion debate.

I am a strong supporter of embryonic stem cell research, have supported increased funding for family planning both domestically and internationally, support the emergency contraception legislation, and opposed efforts by the government to intervene in the Terry Schiavo case. On all of these important issues, I have differed with the official “pro-life” position. While I do oppose federal funding of abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger, I have not been an outspoken activist on this issue by any means.

What other endorsements have you received? Are you supported by any unions?

I have been endorsed by a wide variety and very numerous group of people and organizations over the years in addition to this years campaign. One significant endorsement is that of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. As far as I know, I am endorsed and supported by every union and have been very proud to have the strong support, both financially and logistically, of labor for many years.

If you are endorsed by Steel City Stonewall Democrats, will you display it on your campaign literature, when possible and appropriate?

Yes

As a candidate, some of the issues raised in this questionnaire may be new to you. If elected, would you be willing to work with Steel City Stonewall Democrats and other representatives of the LGBT community to create a better understanding of the needs and issues confronting us?

Yes

Are there particular areas of concern that you have that we have not addressed?

No.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would be honored to receive the endorsement of the Steel City Stonewall Democrats. I certainly feel my record in Congress and position of the issues important to the LGBT community merit endorsement. I have enjoyed getting to know many members of your organization better in the recent past, and appreciate the work that you do and the willingness of your members to become involved in the political process.

You may also be interested to know that I have received substantial support over the years in the form of numerous financial contributions to my campaign from the Human Rights Campaign PAC and am pleased to have received an 100% support rating on their most recent congressional scorecard.

I appreciate your consideration of my re-election candidacy.

Signature of candidate and date signed
/s/ Mike Doyle
22 February 2008
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Name of Candidate: Beth Hafer
Office Sought: U.S. Congress (PA-18)
Email address: beth@haferforcongress.com

Please list any receptions, events, parades or other functions that you have attended that were sponsored by an LGBT group or organization:

I attended “Pride Fest” Parade in the fall and walked with the Stonewall Democrats. I attended the Kennedy-Lawrence dinner featuring Barney Frank and had the privilege of dining with his partner. Most recently, I attended the Super Tuesday event on Feb 5, which was co-hosted by Stonewall. Prominent members of LGBT community have hosted events for me. I welcome invitations and will make a concerted effort to attend.

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

I encourage open communication with all people. Through informal communication, official events, meetings and newsletters I try to stay informed about issues and concerns of LGBT community.

What is your position on hiring LGBT people? Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector?

I hire the best person for the job and I oppose any employment discrimination. I fully support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would forbid employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and would further prohibit related retaliation and coercion. Currently, these protections do not exist. LGBT people should be eligible to serve as government workers and should not be restricted from any employment opportunities.

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

Yes

The Federal Government, the State nor the County Government have laws that offer protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations. Would you support legislation against such discrimination?

Yes

Please discuss your views on amending the law to include such protections on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

I believe these protections should be enacted for employment, housing, and public accommodations. These laws should be amended on a federal level so that the LGBT community across America can be ensured an equal level of protection. This form of equality should be guaranteed at the federal level and not up to individual states.

LGBT citizens are also discriminated against by the government. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" not only stops LGBT citizens from serving openly in the military, it also encourages anti-gay harassment in stopping victims from reporting harassment by labeling it as "telling" under the policy. Would you vote to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy”?

I oppose “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and any other federal policy that allows discrimination. I would co-sponsor bills that would target removing discrimination in our federal laws.

I favor offering domestic partnership benefits to federal employees and I believe that the tax code should be amended to give the same tax-exempt status to domestic partners as we currently have for heterosexual couples. In addition, the Family and Medical Act should be expanded to allow leave to care for domestic partners, same-sex married partners, grandparents, siblings and adult children.

In addition, Hospitals often refuse to discuss end-of-life issues with same-sex partners and GLBT senior citizens are often discriminated against by health providers who fail to recognize their relationships. Would you support government regulations that would stop this discrimination?

Yes, I would support government regulations that would stop this discrimination.

Victims of same-sex domestic violence face a fear that police and emergency responders will not respond appropriately when the couple is the same sex and LGBT people face discrimination by emergency services personnel. For example, preoperative transgender people may be afraid to call emergency services for fear of being ridiculed. If elected, what would you do to help eliminate this problem?

I will support any efforts in Congress as well as any local efforts to address this problem. How to address this problem on a federal level is difficult, but it remains a concern based on discrimination. I would be open to hearing some solutions proposed by the LGBT community.

Do you support domestic partner benefits for government and governmental agency employees?

Yes

Discuss your thoughts on marriage equality for same-sex couples; while the position you seek may not directly affect this issue, it is important for us to understand your perspective.

I strongly support civil unions that give same-sex couples all the rights and benefits that heterosexual couples are granted. I would ardently oppose a constitutional amendment to ban civil marriage for same sex couples proposed by President Bush.

Over the past decade, government money has been used to promote “abstinence-only-until-marriage” programs in schools. Even though same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania, to qualify for government support, schools must teach that any sexual relationships outside of marriage are “likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects." Do you support or oppose abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula?

Oppose

Discuss your thoughts on government's role in shaping school curricula for sex education, including comprehensive education that advocates for safe sex and the use of condoms and birth control.

As a former public school teacher, I believe that curriculum is best designed at the local level so it can address individual and possibly unique needs and priorities of a school. Sex education in schools should be comprehensive and discuss all forms of birth control and not solely abstinence. Studies show that abstinence only programs have negative effects in the long run. A curriculum that encompasses all aspects of sex-education that teaches our youth to make informed decisions would be wise.

Do you have any thoughts on the formation of gay-straight student alliances within the public school systems?

If students are willing to form a gay-straight alliance as an extra-curricular activity, they should be allowed to do so. This would create greater awareness and subsequently decrease discrimination.

Please discuss your views on protection from real, or perceived, discrimination in the schools and in school extra-curricula activities regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender identification, including bullying.

Typically, in most schools there is a “no tolerance” policy for bullying. There is room for great progress when it comes to enforcing those policies, however. Again awareness programs and disciplinary action is needed to curb discrimination and hate crimes.

Do you support needle exchange as a way of reducing new HIV infections in IV drug users?

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I would support prevention programs for HIV and will support funding for research, prevention, and treatment programs within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control. I will support legislation that would fund international programs aimed at reducing the infection rate and helping to eliminate the AIDS epidemic in Africa, which has disseminated an entire generation, leaving millions of children as orphans.

Do you support inclusion of LGBT people within the official Democratic Party structure, including official representation on the county, state and national levels, including increasing the number of GLBT delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver?

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I would support LGBT people who want to be included in the official Democratic Party structure. The LGBT community plays an important part of strengthening and growing the Democratic Party.

Have you ever supported an openly LGBT person running for public office? Do you believe a person's sexuality or gender identity should stop them from running for public office?

A person’s sexuality or gender identity should NOT stop them from running for public office. I have supported many candidates in general. Barney Frank is a person that I admire. His intelligence and wit has served the Democratic Party well. I would support a LGBT person if I agreed on most of the issues, including party affiliation, and I believed they are the best candidate. A candidate’s sexual orientation is not a factor in my decision making process.

In his book, The Rise of the Creative Class, University of Pittsburgh Professor Richard Florida argues that communities that are open to diversity and to LGBT people prospered better than those that were not as open. What would you do to make the region and the state more welcoming to its LGBT citizens?

I always respect people of all backgrounds and am against any form of discrimination. I am a businesswoman and I understand the challenges of running a business. I will be happy to discuss this issue with the LGBT community to see how business owners can prosper without facing discrimination. When elected, I will work to help all citizens in this region succeed.

If elected, what outreach would you do to the LGBT business community to encourage their participation in community planning and economic development?

Job creation and economic development are what I want for the region. We can create an entirely new industry by investing in alternative energy. We can create living wage jobs, decelerate global warming, improve national security and achieve energy independence. Southwestern Pennsylvania is uniquely poised to capitalize on this emerging market. LGBT people will be able to take advantage of these business opportunities.

Currently, both locally and statewide, GLBT citizens are underrepresented on Boards and Commissions. Would you advocate on behalf of qualified GLBT citizens who are interested in appointments?

I would advocate on behalf of a qualified GLBT citizen because I believe that the best qualified person should represent on the commission.

Another divisive issue confronting our country is the issue of abortion. Please discuss your position on abortion and any thoughts you have on the current abortion debate.

My position on abortion is that it should be safe, legal, and rare. Safe so that women do not die. Legal so it remains safe. Rare so that abortion rates decrease. If family planning, including emergency contraception, is widely accessible and affordable this occurs. I would support increases in funding for family planning both internationally and domestically. I support stem cell research, which as a side note would have economic impact on this region as well. I would oppose efforts to weaken or overturn Row v. Wade.

What other endorsements have you received? Are you supported by any unions?

I have received an endorsement from the Communication Workers Union, NOW, Women’s Political Caucus, Women Under 40 and Women’s Campaign Fund. In addition, I have received endorsements from many elected officials and leaders like Rep. Lisa Bennington, City Council President Doug Shields, City Councilman Bill Peduto and City Councilman Patrick Dowd. For a complete list, please visit my web site at www.HaferforCongress.com

If you are endorsed by Steel City Stonewall Democrats, will you display it on your campaign literature, when possible and appropriate?

Yes

As a candidate, some of the issues raised in this questionnaire may be new to you. If elected, would you be willing to work with Steel City Stonewall Democrats and other representatives of the LGBT community to create a better understanding of the needs and issues confronting us?

Yes

Are there particular areas of concern that you have that we have not addressed?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signature of candidate and date signed

Beth Hafer
Candidate for U.S. Congress (PA-18)
February 17, 2008
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Name of Candidate: Steve O'Donnell
Office Sought: U.S. House of Representatives, 18th District
Email address: friends@electodonnell.com

Please list any receptions, events, parades or other functions that you have attended that were sponsored by an LGBT group or organization:

I really haven't to my knowlege attended an event sponsored by a LGBT group or oranization.

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

It is limited at this time.

What is your position on hiring LGBT people? Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector?

I would have no problem hiring someone from the LGBT community and I do think LGBT people should be hired in the public sector. Further I see the descrimination against hiring LGBT people as a violation of civil liberties.

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

Yes

The Federal Government, the State nor the County Government have laws that offer protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations. Would you support legislation against such discrimination?

Yes

Please discuss your views on amending the law to include such protections on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

The passage of laws at the federal level should derive at a minimum from the constitutional right of equal protection underthe laws. Additionally, the Declaration of Independence which must be read in conjunction with the consitution makes clear that values of this country (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) must necessarily be opperationalized with in the body of the constitution.

LGBT citizens are also discriminated against by the government. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" not only stops LGBT citizens from serving openly in the military, it also encourages anti-gay harassment in stopping victims from reporting harassment by labeling it as "telling" under the policy. Would you vote to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy”?

Yes

In addition, Hospitals often refuse to discuss end-of-life issues with same-sex partners and GLBT senior citizens are often discriminated against by health providers who fail to recognize their relationships. Would you support government regulations that would stop this discrimination?

Yes

Victims of same-sex domestic violence face a fear that police and emergency responders will not respond appropriately when the couple is the same sex and LGBT people face discrimination by emergency services personnel. For example, preoperative transgender people may be afraid to call emergency services for fear of being ridiculed. If elected, what would you do to help eliminate this problem?

I would support programs that are designed to reach out and educate people regarding this issue and others that affect people in the LGBT community

Do you support domestic partner benefits for government and governmental agency employees?

Yes

Discuss your thoughts on marriage equality for same-sex couples; while the position you seek may not directly affect this issue, it is important for us to understand your perspective.

I would refer the reader to my position relative to equal protection under the laws

Over the past decade, government money has been used to promote “abstinence-only-until-marriage” programs in schools. Even though same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania, to qualify for government support, schools must teach that any sexual relationships outside of marriage are “likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects." Do you support or oppose abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula?

I believe tht states have the right to set their own standards with respect to the education of their children as long as such standards do not violate the constitution or federal statues.

Discuss your thoughts on government's role in shaping school curricula for sex education, including comprehensive education that advocates for safe sex and the use of condoms and birth control.

Please look to my answer of the previous question

Do you have any thoughts on the formation of gay-straight student alliances within the public school systems?

Again, my position with respect to this matter turns on my belief that states and local communities must set such standards or policies. Again, my only proviso in this regard is that such plicies or pratices can not violate constitution rights or federal legislative guarantees.

Please discuss your views on protection from real, or perceived, discrimination in the schools and in school extra-curricula activities regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender identification, including bullying.

Protecting children from bullying must be on of our highest priorties regardless of why a the child is being targeted. Schools must be places seen by all children as sanctuaries where difference is embraced and where learning is job one.

Do you support needle exchange as a way of reducing new HIV infections in IV drug users?

Yes

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I don't know what I would do. I would have to study the issue and determine what role if any the federal government would take regarding this matter

Do you support inclusion of LGBT people within the official Democratic Party structure, including official representation on the county, state and national levels, including increasing the number of GLBT delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver?

Yes

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

Promote the inclusion of LGBT groups within the Democratic Party

Have you ever supported an openly LGBT person running for public office? Do you believe a person's sexuality or gender identity should stop them from running for public office?

I never pay attention to a persons sexual orientation therefore I cannot recall if I have supported a LGBT person running for public office. I do not believe that a pesons sexuality or gender identity should preclude them from running for office.

In his book, The Rise of the Creative Class, University of Pittsburgh Professor Richard Florida argues that communities that are open to diversity and to LGBT people prospered better than those that were not as open. What would you do to make the region and the state more welcoming to its LGBT citizens?

If the positions that I have laid out above are adopted, followed, or adhered to then our country would be more welcoming to LGBT citizens

If elected, what outreach would you do to the LGBT business community to encourage their participation in community planning and economic development?

In general, actively participating in outreach programs of this sort would not be seen by me as a responsibility of United States Congressman.

Currently, both locally and statewide, GLBT citizens are underrepresented on Boards and Commissions. Would you advocate on behalf of qualified GLBT citizens who are interested in appointments?

I would advocate for the inclusion of qualified individuals regardless of their gender or sexual orientation or for that matter their race, color, creed, or the existence of a disability

Another divisive issue confronting our country is the issue of abortion. Please discuss your position on abortion and any thoughts you have on the current abortion debate.

The decision in Roe v. Wade derives in part from the constitutional prohibition against depriving any person of their life, liberty, or property without the due process of the law. Implicit with persons right to liberty is a persons right to privacy. The courts concluded that individuals have a constitutional right to privacy and therfore under certain limiting conditions had a right to make such choices without goverment interference. I believe that there exists a constitutional right to privacy and therefore I believe a person has the right to choose their course of action in this regard subject to certain restrictions.

What other endorsements have you received? Are you supported by any unions?

I have received the Allegheny County Democratic Endorsement and the endorsements of six state house representatives in the 18th Congressional district.

If you are endorsed by Steel City Stonewall Democrats, will you display it on your campaign literature, when possible and appropriate?

Yes

As a candidate, some of the issues raised in this questionnaire may be new to you. If elected, would you be willing to work with Steel City Stonewall Democrats and other representatives of the LGBT community to create a better understanding of the needs and issues confronting us?

Yes

Are there particular areas of concern that you have that we have not addressed?

I noted that the questionnaire did not raise the issue of adoptions by gay or lesbian individuals.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No

Signature of candidate and date signed
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Posted on February 23, 2008 03:08 PM

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