Steel City Stonewall Democrats

Candidate Surveys

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE APRIL 22ND, 2008 PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
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Name of Candidate: Jennifer L. Mann
Office Sought: State Treasurer
Email address: paulgage@comcast.net

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

As a State Representative serving in my tenth year, I have consistently attended and supported and spoken at the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Pride Festival and parade. I am proud of my support for our regional LGBT organization and look forward to working with people across PA regardless of their sexual orientations and gender identity. My district in the City of Allentown has a very active LGBT community and I encourage you to contact them.

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

While not familiar with your organization or LGBT issues specific to the Great Pittsburgh region, I have no doubt that you face many of the same challenges that the Lehigh Valley LGBT community confronts including bigotry, intolerance and outright discrimination in jobs, housing, etc.

Just recently, I spoke with a gay man in my legislative district whose house was vandalized with tar by a neighbor and his teenage son. Prior to the incident, the victim was repeatedly referred to in the strongest homophobic hate language that this man and son could spew. After the vandalism occurred (which totaled more than $10,000), the Allentown Police Department made the arrest and a trial is pending. The bottom line is that this sort of indefensible behavior is all too familiar in Pennsylvania and the State must do all it can to stamp it out.

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

I believe very strongly in the in strength of a diverse workforce. Not only should members of the LGBT community NEVER be discriminated against in the workforce, hiring gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered people can help better serve all Pennsylvanians.

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 explain:

Throughout my entire legislative career, I have supported a number of anti-discrimination including House Bill 1400 (2007-2008) which would outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. I have also supported Senate Bill 912 (2005-2006) and efforts by Rep. Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh to amend the Human Relations Act to further prohibit discrimination.

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

Again, throughout my legislative career, I have been 100% supportive of laws that would protect people in the workforce from discrimination based on the perception of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

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”?

Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell is fundamentally a federal issue, and therefore the office of the State Treasurer has no say on this policy. However, I assure you that there will be no such endorsement of discrimination or encouragement of anti-gay harassment in the office of State Treasurer if I am elected.

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 and without reservation.

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 be more than happy to offer whatever leadership I could provide as State Treasurer to address this issue.

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 support same-sex partnerships in the form of Civil Unions and have constituently voted AGAINST constitutional amendments banning gay marriage including those sponsored by Reps. Boyd and Metcalf.
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?

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 birthcontrol.

I strongly support teaching comprehensive sex education in our public schools that acknowledges the pros and cons of every type of birth control.

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

This is an idea that I am not familiar with, as I don’t know of any in my region of the state. I am certainly quite interested in this concept and welcome a further conversation about it.

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.

My opposition to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender identification is not limited to adults. Therefore I strongly support protections against this awful practice in our schools.

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

Support

Throughout my tenure as a State Representative, I have offered my support for a policy of needle exchange. However I have some concerns about this policy and believe that we must examine conditions for such a plan.

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

The State Treasurer is essentially the Commonwealth’s chief banker and investment officer. I fundamentally believe that the best investment strategies are not only ones that have the greatest impact on the State’s bottom line, but also deliver the greatest impact on our community. As such, if I choose to invest in a certain health insurance company, I will take into consideration their community health care efforts. This would certainly be part of the conversation.

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?

As a statewide elected office holder, I will advocate to TJ Rooney and other party leaders for the inclusion of LGBT Pennsylvanians to be included in all party activities on every level (from local to national). Furthermore, I will help recruit and cultivate people from the LGBT community to join our party and seek leadership opportunities.

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?

In 2003, the City of Allentown (where I both live and represent in the PA General Assembly) elected our first openly gay member of City Council. I am proud to call Gail Hoover not only a pioneer in Allentown, but a great friend.

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?

We cannot begin to call Pennsylvania open and inclusive without the Government taking the lead. That is why I support the policies listed above and will continue to do all that I can to advocate for the State Government to become more tolerant and inclusive.

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

As a former successful small business woman and one of the very few female state elected officials in Pennsylvania, I have a unique perspective. I understand the challenges faced by people who are routinely underrepresented in the State. As such, I will make it a priority to seek qualified LGBT small businesses to work with across the State.

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?

As I have consistently stated, I will continue to recruit and cultivate GLBT citizens for positions of leadership. State Boards and Commissions are no different, and I will do all that I can to fill my board appointments with people that represent a diverse cross-section of Pennsylvania’s residents.

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 proud of my complete and unwavering support for a woman’s right to choose. I will always support the basic tenants of Roe v. Wade, will never support a restriction of abortion services and will continue to support funding for organizations that provide full reproductive health services. I am proud to have had the support of Planned Parenthood, EMILY’s List, NARAL and other pro-choice organizations throughout my legislative career.

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

For this election cycle, I have to date been endorsed by a number of elected officials across the State including several from the Pittsburgh region. I have received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association and am actively seeking the endorsement of organized labor, environmental groups, Democratic Party organizations, certain business organizations, civil rights groups and other organizations.

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

Yes, I would be proud of the endorsement, would post it on my website along with a link to your website (if you approve), would work with your organization on a press release and/or event, and would include it on all appropriate literature.

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?

Throughout my legislative career, I have been consistent on my support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Pennsylvanians. Fighting the bigotry and hatred that is all-too-prevalent in PA is not an easy task, but I truly applaud your efforts. Win or lose, you have an ally in me.

Signature of candidate and date signed

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Name of Candidate: Rob McCord
Office Sought:: State Treasurer
Email address: jlisko@mccord2008.com

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

Congressman Barney Frank (an old friend!) Meet & Greet at Judge Christine Donohue’s home in November 2007. Attended numerous New York City Gay Pride Parades.

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

I have long been a supporter of civil rights for the LGBT community and in the past year, I have become more familiar with Pittsburgh’s LGBT community through Tara Reynolds and Judge Christine Donohue.

What is your position on hiring LGBT people?

Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector? I absolutely believe that LGBT people should be hired in the public sector and I look forward to having a talented workforce, which is inclusive of many groups. I do oppose all forms of discrimination.

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

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 support State Representative Dan Frankel’s legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians against discrimination.

Yes.

I believe there is a need for increased education and sensitivity training for emergency services personnel. I recognize the importance of this issue and I would look to the LGBT community for guidance and recommendations in forming a set of best practices.

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 believe this is a civil rights issue and should be treated as such. As a partner in an interracial marriage, I’m acutely conscious that my own marriage would have been illegal in many states when I was born.

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?

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 birthcontrol.

I support sex education that reflects the reality of adolescents today. In my opinion, this should include discussions about both abstinence and about contraception and safe sex measures.

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

I believe that education on this topic is crucial and just recently, I have learned about the great work being carried out by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN). While I have not yet had any personal experience with this group, I look forward to becoming further educated on the ways I could help to raise awareness on this issue.

I believe that LGBT sensitivity should be included in anti-bullying talks. Bullying should be discouraged on all fronts, but especially when it is motivated by bigotry.

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 unsure how the treasurer can affect this issue, but I support needle exchange as one of the many ways of reducing HIV infection.

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

As Treasurer, I expect to be active in the Democratic Party and hope to find ways to ensure increased diversity in Democratic leadership, including the delegate selection process.

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?

Congressman Barney Frank is an old friend, and I am proud to have supported him for almost thirty years (he was also a friend of my father’s…from their civil rights work together in the 1960s). More recently, I have been a big fan of Judge Dan Anders (Philadelphia) and Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus.

First, I would remind people of Florida’s work and strive to disseminate it. I would also support educational programs that openly refer to the existence of the LGBT community. Having lived in five major urban areas in my lifetime, I have seen for myself that Florida is correct about the many benefits of LGBT communities.

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

I would work especially closely with Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus and other LGBT community leaders to make sure that the LGBT community has a “seat at the table.”

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 ardently pro-choice, and I believe one of the most important reasons we have to elect a Democratic president is to help appoint judges who will protect our reproductive rights.

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

Greater PA Regional Council of Carpenters, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local # 5, Amalgamated Transit Union Local #85, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers #154, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council #57, Utility Workers Local #102, United Steel Workers District 10, Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll , Former State Treasurer Barbara Hafer, Congressman Jason Altmire, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Congressman Barney Frank, PA House of Representatives Former Speaker Bob O'Donnell, PA House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, State Rep. Dan Frankel D-23, State Rep. Tim Solobay D-48, State Rep. Pat Harkins D-1, State Rep. Flo Fabrizio D-2, State Rep. Frank Dermody D-33, State Rep. Dan Surra D-75, State Rep. Mark Longietti D-7, State Rep. Vince Biancucci D-15, State Rep. Sean Ramaley D-16, State Rep. Matt Smith D-42, State Rep Tim Mahoney D-41, State Rep Daylin Leach D-149, State Rep Mike Gerber D-148, State Rep Tony Payton D-179PA, State Senator Connie Williams D-17, State Senator Wayne Fontana D-42

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

Yes

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

No. Just hope to learn more.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I look forward to attending your endorsement meeting and having an open-ended conversation. Pensions and healthcare are especially acute issues for members of the LGBT community, and I’d like to work with leaders in the LGBT community to help increase consciousness of those issues and do good work in those areas.

Signature of candidate and date signed
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Name of Candidate: Dennis Morrison-Wesley
OfficeSought: State Treasurer
Email address: contact@wesleyforpa.com

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

NONE

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

Not at all familiar

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

The Treasurer’s Office should reflect the make up of the state

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

Yes

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

My position is a citzen is a citizen and may have all the protections as any other citizen. I would support amending the law.

Yes, it’s foolish.

Yes I would support such regulations.

This is a issue where the I feel a individual must stand up and fight for their own rights. Such ridicule is wrong but one must stand up!

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 am for all the rights but not marriage.

No comment / no answer

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.

I am for it but only with the parents consent.

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

If the students themselves form them it would be a good thing. But must not be forced by outsiders.

All student must be protected from bullying.

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

It depends how its done.

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

To be frank I don’t know.

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I would fight hard for full status for LGBT’S.

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?

.Yes! No one should be bared from running for office.

I would sit down with LGBT leaders to find way to make that happen.

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

My main goal after seeking a good return on state investments, is to grow job in Pa.. And the LGBT community must be part of that.

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 will make sure GLBT’s are appointed.

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 Pro-Life that is my moral position but I am not a one issue candidate.

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

I am speaking in front major unions in March.

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

Yes

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

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Signature of candidate and date signed

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CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES CONTINUED IN THE NEXT BLOG ENTRY
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Posted on April 23, 2008 10:22 PM

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