Erie County HRC update

by Michael Mahler

On Tuesday, July 27, Erie County Council unanimously voted for a pair of changes that will reestablish the dormant Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC), and also make it eligible for a grant from HUD of $115,000 per year for the next 3 years. This will also make the ECHRC more independent. In 2003, although there was funding for the agency in the county's budget, County Executive Rick Schenker eliminated all staff, except for a secretary, who forwarded all complaints to the State Human Relations Commission. The State HRC doesn't cover sexual orientation and gender identity, so a case involving an area gay person couldn't be investigated.

On August 4, 2004, Rick Schenker signed the ordinances. He also offered some amendments to the ordinance concerning qualifications for staff. The current director, William McCarthy, did not oppose the amendments. There will be 9 members appointed to the commission (1 by each of the 7 County Council members, 1 by the County Executive, and 1 by the City of Erie.)

This is a great victory for our community and we thank everyone who made this possible.

About the Author

Michael Mahler Michael Kenton Mahler (He/Him) has been the editor of Erie Gay News since it was founded in December 1992. He is also a founding member of NWPA Pride Alliance. He serves on the Governor's Commission for LGBTQ Affairs and is active with Aging with Pride and the Erie County HIV Task Force. He became the first LGBTQ person to be fully out in May 1992 when appearing on local TV coverage. Michael currently works as a software developer for Erie Custom Computer Applications.