Voters Guide
Candidates for Erie County Executive, Erie County Council , Erie City Mayor and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
These were the questions for all races:
Anti-Discrimination
Do you support legislation, such as the previous PA HB 300, which would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations statute to include as protected categories real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression?
If you do support legislation such as HB 300, what would you be willing to do as an office-holder to promote its passage?
Marriage Equality
Would you support lobbying Erie's mayor to sign onto Freedom to Marry's Mayors for Equality (http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/mayors-for-the-freedom-to-marry), which currently has over 300 US mayors, including 7 from Pennsylvania.
Anti-Bullying
What is your position on comprehensive local legislation for students concerning bullying in schools? If other categories are enumerated, do you support also including sexual orientation and gender identity/expression?
LGBT Support
If elected, would you pledge to speak about LGBT equality issues to not only the LGBT community, but at public meetings that are not LGBT-specific audiences?
Other
What else would you like to let gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) voters, and their families, friends and supporter concerned about GLBT issues know about you?
Erie County Executive
Not Responding: Don Tucci (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Kathleen Dahlkemper (D)
Yes, I have a proven public record of protecting citizen's rights when it comes to their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. While serving in Congress, I proudly voted in favor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded existing federal hate crime law to include crimes provoked by someone's real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. When elected as Erie County Executive, I will ensure that our local government will not discriminate against any person based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. I will continue to support equality for every citizen of Erie County and will correspond with any level of government on the issue of equality.
Marriage Equality
Kathleen Dahlkemper (D)
Yes, I would support lobbying Erie's mayor to sign onto the Freedom to Marry Mayors for Equality.
Anti-Bullying
Kathleen Dahlkemper (D)
I would support comprehensive local legislation for bullying not only in schools but in business and our local government offices. I believe there should be a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying and the intimidation of others. I would support categories that included sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
LGBT Support
Kathleen Dahlkemper (D)
As your County Executive I would represent all citizens of Erie County in public hearings including those in the LGBT community.
Other
Kathleen Dahlkemper (D)
I am the proud mother of a gay son and have a personal understanding of the issues that the LGBT community faces each day. As a legislator, I proudly cosponsored and voted in favor of legislation that repealed Don't Ask - Don't Tell, so that every person can serve our nation proudly and as your County Executive I will continue to push for equality for every citizen.
County Council District 2
Anti Discrimination
Andre Horton (D)
My whole life has been shaped, molded and centered on service. I learned at a very early age that all people are created and should be treated equal. I learned the Golden Rule. My parents were activist and Freedom Fighters. I've been discriminated against in ways one shouldn't have to be subjected to. I know the sting of being stereotyped solely on the color of my skin. Ouch, still to this day in 2013.
With all of those things in mind, I say not yes but HELL YEAH to the question on anti-discrimination.....
Ned Smith (R)
Yes. I would encourage our legislative delegation to introduce and/or support such legislation through resolution and other appropriate means.
Marriage Equality
Andre Horton (D)
I have no problem supporting Marriage Equality myself because that is what I believe, but I have to say NO; I would not try to legislate what the City of Erie's Mayor's position on signing his signature to such a document or not. I would share with the mayor my personal thoughts and beliefs on the matter. I see nothing wrong with EGN asking the mayor to clarify his position.
Ned Smith (R)
No. I do not think it is Council's place to tell an elected official of a jurisdiction that has no influence on legislative outcomes what to do, think or say. This is the mayor's decision to make.
Anti-Bullying
Andre Horton (D)
At present I don't have a position on comprehensive local legislation. In fact I'm not even sure what the question is. (Too broad for interpretation. Willing to look at it though). My views on bullying and violence are widely known. My record and the work that I do in the community speaks for itself. One would be hardpressed to find any Public Servant (Elected Official) that is more hands on in that area. Of course I support this.
Ned Smith (R)
Since 2008, Pennsylvania law mandates that all school districts have an anti-bullying policy and program in place, and that policy be updated every three years. Many of the school districts include sexual orientation as one category of bullying; by all means, those that do not include such wording should do so. I support House Bill 156, recently introduced and referred to committee, as an improved anti-bullying bill.
LGBT Support
Andre Horton (D)
No I will not make this Pledge. Not necessary that I do so. I just resigned from the Presidency of the Local NAACP Branch. I vow to always speak out against any form of discrimination, Regardless of one's race, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sexual identity, whatever. and not because you're asking because I want to serve. That's not what I do, that's who I am.
Ned Smith (R)
Yes.
Other
Andre Horton (D)
Thank you again for this opportunity to engage on such very important matters. Keep up the good work and I look forward to serving as your Representative in the 2nd Legislative District of County Council.
Ned Smith (R)
I am a lifelong Erie resident and have lived on the west bayfront for the last 26 years, My career has been spent in educational technology, I have served on the Erie School Board (2003-2007) and am a Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Erie, appointed by the mayor. I am honest, fair and dedicated to efficient and effective government on all levels.
County Council District 4
Anti-Discrimination
Jay Breneman (D)
Yes I do. I will do everything within my power to demonstrate to the Commonwealth that justice cannot wait, and that their inaction or failure to act justly is not acceptable.
Marriage Equality
Jay Breneman (D)
I believe all public servants have an obligation to actively work for equality. I will do more than call on the mayor to do the right thing and stand for equality (as I have already done), I will call on all public servants to be accountable to justice and the greater good of all our citizens.
Anti-Bullying
Jay Breneman (D)
I have actively worked on localized anti-bullying, safe-zone, and GSA recognition campaigns across the country, and on larger equality campaigns across the world. Lives are truly at risk until we afford the protections that all people--particularly our children--deserve. All levels of our community must work proactively on this matter, and I will continue to pursue this by every means possible.
LGBT Support
Jay Breneman (D)
Absolutely. I will do more than attend GLBT events and declare my support; I will continue to serve as a true Ally by pursuing and achieving victories for justice and equality through true and earnest action, because equality has been--and will continue to be--a top priority for my life's work.
Other
Jay Breneman (D)
I believe Erie County should follow the example set by Pittsburgh and Philadelphia by providing a Domestic Partner Registry and extending health care benefits to the partners of Erie County employees.
Furthermore, as a member of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, Erie County must push for equality to be included in their organizational platform.
But this is not enough. Erie can no longer stay idle on the matter of equality. We must break our self-imposed shackles and make our Erie Region a true leader for justice and equality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our great nation.
County Council District 6
Not Responding: Edward DiMattio (R-Incumbent)
Erie City Mayor
Anti-Discrimination
Joe Sinnott (D-Incumbent)
I do not object to legislation amending the PA Human Relations statue to protect from discrimination against those with real sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. I do not support a category for perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression because the definition of perception has been problematic in other discrimination areas such as Title VII and the American with Disabilities Act. This is to say that I am against according a right to an individual who in fact does not have a disability or a sexual orientation, but seeks protected class status by charging organizations like the City with an ill motive because of an alleged "perception' of an individual. The intention of such legislation is noble but its practice has been imperfect.
I will make my position known to our local state government delegation.
Marriage Equality
Joe Sinnott (D-Incumbent)
At this time, I am not intending to sign onto the Freedom to Marry's Mayors for Equality.
Anti-Bullying
Joe Sinnott (D-Incumbent)
I am against bullying of any kind. With that said, I do not favor local legislation to address bullying in schools. I do not believe such local legislation will have a deterrent effect. At present, local municipalities have the limited authority to enact penal statutes for summary offenses only. Any greater penalty must be enacted by the State Assembly. Further, our public schools employ their own security force which is better suited to enforce school rules forbidding bullying.
LGBT Support
Joe Sinnott (D-Incumbent)
It has not been my practice nor do I feel it comes within the duties of the Mayor to advocate on behalf of any particular group's rights. As a general matter, I support all individual liberties that are embraced by or enacted into Pennsylvania statutes or derived from court decision construing Pennsylvania law or the constitutions of Pennsylvania and the United States.
Erie City Council
Not Responding: Curtis Jones Jr (D-Incumbent), Jim Winarski (D-Incumbent), Jeff Evans (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
Dave Brennan (D-Incumbent)
As a member of Erie City Council for the past year, I have, and always will, represent and serve all of the citizens of Erie regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, religious beliefs, age, race, or gender. I would be in support of legislation that provides equal protection to all persons regardless of these attributes.
As a representative of the citizens of Erie, I would contact our State Representatives in order to advocate for the passage of this type of Bill with the end goal of eliminating discrimination.
Casimir J 'Kaz' Kwitowski (D)
Yes I do. I have many friends who are state legislators, and were co-sponsors to this bill. I will contact those and others soliciting their support to pass this bill. Why will I do this? Because it is the right thing to do.
Marriage Equality
Dave Brennan (D-Incumbent)
I believe that local government works best when elected officials can work collaboratively towards common goals. To that end, I will work with the Mayor and my fellow council members to determine the City's most effective role to ensure that all residents have equal protections and opportunities in Pennsylvania.
Casimir J 'Kaz' Kwitowski (D)
Yes I would.
Anti-Bullying
Dave Brennan (D-Incumbent)
I am the father of a two children, one in grade school and one in high school. Bullying has been a subject discussed many times in our household. Bullying can be physical or verbal abuse and can lower a child's self esteem and also cause long term emotional damage. Our community should stand up against bullying in all forms.
Casimir J 'Kaz' Kwitowski (D)
We need legislation at all levels to protect everyone from bullying. Bullying is an all-inclusive problem. No one is safe. And yes sexual orientation and gender Identity/expression should be included. As I taught my kids, People who make fun of people in front of you might be making fun of you in front of other people. All people deserve respect and consideration.
LGBT Support
Dave Brennan (D-Incumbent)
As an elected official and also as a private citizen, I support equality on ANY issue and would be willing to speak out in support of equality regardless of the audience.
Casimir J 'Kaz' Kwitowski (D)
Yes I would. All issues are relevant at all public meetings. As an elected public official I represent all the citizens of the City of Erie. I always have and always will. That is my promise.
Other
Dave Brennan (D-Incumbent)
I am a "hands-on" community leader, a professional architect / planner and I am truly committed my hometown of Erie! As a forward thinking and innovative member of Erie City Council, I am uniquely qualified to creatively tackle the complexity of challenges that currently face our City. My education, skills, and experience has enabled me to define problems, listen to citizen's concerns and needs, and present creative solutions. I am also the Director of Planning & Design for the Economic Development Corporation.
Being a professional architect and planner, I am a trained "consensus builder". I am not a career politician and I will continue to represent, collaborate, and proactively engage the citizens and community groups of Erie who share the same vision to make Erie a prosperous place to live. My vision includes; healthy neighborhoods, a thriving downtown, a strong economy, and a vibrant quality of life! I strongly believe that the future prosperity of our City will be determined by our local leader's ability to build relationships with our community and work as a team to solve our problems and plan for our future. For more information on my EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, and VISION, please visit my website and Facebook pages at the following locations: www.DaveBrennaErie.com and https://www.facebook.com/DavidBrennanforErie
John Evans (R - Incumbent)
These comments were made for the spring primary guide. Mr. Evans did attend the "Meet the Candidates Night" event hosted by NW PA Pride.
I received your letter and questionnaire regarding my views on gay rights issues. As you know, I am running to retain my seat on Erie City Council. While one can never predict the future, it seems unlikely to me that any significant gay rights issue will come before City Council as these issues are most frequently considered at the Federal and state government levels. Therefore, I do not see any rationale for having a position, as a City Councilman, on this issue.
Furthermore, I am concerned that your group would focus on this issue in a local municipal election. By far, the most pressing problem our community faces is the vanishing financial support from the Federal and state governments and all the challenges to maintaining city services that are arising as a result. While I respect the passion your group has for the gay rights issue, it, and any other national issue, has reviewed the context of the most pressing problems facing our local community. That is why I chose not to express an opinion as a local elected official; I think it would detract from our attention to more important local problems.
However, speaking as a private citizen, I have long been an advocate of changing the tax code to recognize gay couples in a more equal manner and am pleased to have several gay couples in my professional practice. I wish you great success pursuing your goals at the state and national levels.
Casimir J 'Kaz' Kwitowski (D)
As an elected official I have always had an open door policy. Anyone can find my phone number in the book. I have taken many oaths both as a soldier and an elected official. I believe in the constitution and the protection of its citizens and the rights bestowed upon them. What makes our country great is its diversity. Sometimes we forget that. I have many friends, from all facets of this world. Know this about me. I'm open minded and will always listen to your concerns.
