Voters Guide for Erie County Council & Erie City Council Races for November 5 Municipal Election
Candidates for Erie County Council and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
These questions were asked for all races:
1.The Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI) at https://www.hrc.org/mei/search/pennsylvania/eriescored Erie at 0 points for 1) transgender-inclusive benefits & 2) domestic partner benefits for city/county employees. What strategies would you use to address these two items?
2.How would you assure that Erie implements city/county contractor non-discrimination policies?
3.To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? (For the purposes of this question, such training is defined as follows: "Training in the preferred language & terminology, group-specific concerns, opportunities for inclusion & engagement, & general aspirations of LGBTQIA+ community.") What types of training would you recommend for 1) city staff & 2) council members?
4.What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations & community members in developing policy and legislation?
COUNTY COUNCIL District 1
1.The Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI) at https://www.hrc.org/mei/search/pennsylvania/eriescored Erie at 0 points for 1) transgender-inclusive benefits & 2) domestic partner benefits for city/county employees. What strategies would you use to address these two items?
Kim Clear (D)
As an ally, I have worked as the advisor of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at McDowell High School working to educate students and create awareness of the LGBTQ+ community needs and rights. We advocate and advertise a school-wide education effort for GLSEN's National Day of Silence. To address the items of transgender inclusive benefits and domestic partner benefits I would work with the Human Resources Department of Erie County to reassess their benefit policies. I would provide information and education on how to create a gender affirming environment and the benefits to inclusive LGBTQ+ policies.
2.How would you assure that Erie implements city/county contractor non-discrimination policies?
Kim Clear (D)
The Erie County Council, being the Legislative body of Erie County, works to ensure that Ordinance 45, 2018 is upheld throughout Erie County. To better educate constituents on the non-discriminatitory policies in Ordinance 45, 2018, a Town Hall could be arranged which would further explain the rights of citizens in Erie County.
3.To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? (For the purposes of this question, such training is defined as follows: "Training in the preferred language & terminology, group-specific concerns, opportunities for inclusion & engagement, & general aspirations of LGBTQIA+ community.") What types of training would you recommend for 1) city staff & 2) council members?
Kim Clear (D)
If elected to Erie County Council, I would work to educate both businesses and the community on creating workplace equality, supportive LGBTQ+ environments, and non-discriminatory policies. Training and education sessions could be instituted as in-service training hours on cultural awareness, tolerance expectations, and acceptance procedures. Education is key to breaking down the walls of discrimination.
4.What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations & community members in developing policy and legislation?
Kim Clear (D)
There are two places where the LGBTQIA+ community members and organizations could be included in policy and legislation:
1.) Ordinances 2.) Human Services money allocation.
It would be in these two places that policy and legislation suggestions could be made to benefit the LGBTQIA+ community. How to include and engage these people and organizations is the challenge. However, I believe that through an active social media campaign as well as utilizing the media releases to local papers and television stations, there could be opportunities for regular Town Hall meetings where constituents could have a say in the issues they would like to see tackled in Erie County. With the input from others, long-term plans could be developed by subcommittees on how to implement policy and legislation.
Although he did not respond directly to the questions, we received the following:
Robert Yates (R)
Thank you for respectfully asking my input on these issues. If elected to Erie County Council, I would certainly be open and accessible to all citizens of Erie county and all points of view. In my organizational experience over the years, I have worked well with people of all ages. I certainly do not favor discrimination of any kind by our local governments and would not vote for any legislation that contained discriminatory language or restricted individual rights and liberties for anyone. I would advocate for the elimination of bias in all forms. Anyone would be welcome to contact me and I would have an open mind and an open heart for anyone who wants to speak with me on serious matters, whether they voted for me or not.
COUNTY COUNCIL District 3
1.The Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI) at https://www.hrc.org/mei/search/pennsylvania/eriescored Erie at 0 points for 1) transgender-inclusive benefits & 2) domestic partner benefits for city/county employees. What strategies would you use to address these two items?
Mary Rennie (D)
Both of these items in the MEI look to be specifically directed to the City of Erie, which is outside the jurisdiction of Erie County Council. Moreoever, the County rates quite well on the overall MEI, with broad legislation for nondiscrimination regarding Housing, Employment and Public Accommodations.
2.How would you assure that Erie implements city/county contractor non-discrimination policies?
Mary Rennie (D)
Again, I believe the County legislation against non-discrimination already covers this for the entire County. It seems to me that compliance with laws would be handled on a case by case basis, on an as-needed basis.
3.To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? (For the purposes of this question, such training is defined as follows: "Training in the preferred language & terminology, group-specific concerns, opportunities for inclusion & engagement, & general aspirations of LGBTQIA+ community.") What types of training would you recommend for 1) city staff & 2) council members?
Mary Rennie (D)
I have not participated in specific LGBTQIA training. CE credit hours were required by the PA Dept of Education as part of my previous job with the County, (Library) and I did take sensitivity training covering other groups. Training would be fall under HR, and I would be willing to discuss it with the Erie County HR Director and the County Executive, if I am elected to this position. Annual CE requirements however, vary by department according to PA State guidelines and/or mandates, and are again not applicable in this case.
4.What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations & community members in developing policy and legislation?
Mary Rennie (D)
My opinion is that legislation guaranteeing rights/ non-discrimination are better enacted as broadly as possible, i.e. on a federal or state level wherever possible. In the absence of that, local or regional legislation should be broad inclusive in guaranteeing human rights while prohibiting discriminatory behaviors. I woiuld insitute an open door policy, in terms of my own accessibility to the LGBTQIA organizational members, however I have no specific agenda for developing additional specific policies and/or legislation at this time.
COUNTY COUNCIL District 5
Not responding: Brian Shank (R)
1.The Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI) at https://www.hrc.org/mei/search/pennsylvania/eriescored Erie at 0 points for 1) transgender-inclusive benefits & 2) domestic partner benefits for city/county employees. What strategies would you use to address these two items?
Kyle Foust (D-Incumbent)
I will encourage the County's Human Resource Office and the Human Relations Commission to pursue, implement, and recommend labor practices that are free of discrimination
2.How would you assure that Erie implements city/county contractor non-discrimination policies?
Kyle Foust (D-Incumbent)
I will demand that non-discrimination policies are followed by contractors and would support efforts to ensure the policies are followed. I will support the Human Relations Commission's efforts to educate the community on these policies as well.
3.To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? (For the purposes of this question, such training is defined as follows: "Training in the preferred language & terminology, group-specific concerns, opportunities for inclusion & engagement, & general aspirations of LGBTQIA+ community.") What types of training would you recommend for 1) city staff & 2) council members?
Kyle Foust (D-Incumbent)
I have participated in these types of training while working in higher education and would recommend any employer implement them for their company's and employees benefit.
4.What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations & community members in developing policy and legislation?
Kyle Foust (D-Incumbent)
As I have done in the past, I will continue to insist that the LGBTQIA and supporting organizations be part of the discussion to make our community more receptive to the benefits that a diverse society brings. This is in line with my Presbyterian faith which teaches me to love they neighbor and to treat others as I wish to be treated.
COUNTY COUNCIL District 7
Not respondiong: Rita Bishop (D), Ellen Schauerman (R)
Erie City Council
Not Responding: Melvin Witherspoon (D-Incumbent),
1.The Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI) at https://www.hrc.org/mei/search/pennsylvania/eriescored Erie at 0 points for 1) transgender-inclusive benefits & 2) domestic partner benefits for city/county employees. What strategies would you use to address these two items?
Ed Brzezinski (D)
I thought the supreme court had decided that with the Grego suit. Making the public fully aware of the obstacles faced could go a long way to better cures.
Michael Keys (D)
I would need to know more about the why. Erie County has passed anti-discrimination legislation. The city should do the same. It sounds like the fight is with the insurance companies that cover the government worker
Lewis Prest (Ind)
I believe all these issues should be addressed. Some policies need to be dealt with at the State level but we can set the tone at local levels.
2.How would you assure that Erie implements city/county contractor non-discrimination policies?
Ed Brzezinski (D)
The rules are on the books. We should be on the alert for any apparent situations that don't pass the test. My line will always be open.
Michael Keys (D)
The city should resurrect it 's EEOC office and start policing it self on a variety of issues surrounding diversity and inclusion
Lewis Prest (Ind)
All City employees should be required to engage in some form of sensitivity training. Especially EPD. Understanding is the Key to Cooperation.
3.To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? (For the purposes of this question, such training is defined as follows: "Training in the preferred language & terminology, group-specific concerns, opportunities for inclusion & engagement, & general aspirations of LGBTQIA+ community.") What types of training would you recommend for 1) city staff & 2) council members?
Ed Brzezinski (D)
Years of experience as teacher, coach, counselor and school board director(12 yrs.) have given me quite an advantage in understanding the platform needed. I would stress positive involvement as a critical component for success.
Michael Keys (D)
I have a degree in humanities (B.A.) which included classes in social work, psychology, and diversity. I recommend comprehensive diversity and inclusion training for law enforcement. Social service workers, and school teachers
Lewis Prest (Ind)
As a person with many LDGTQ friends, I have not. I know how to talk to people. See previous answer.
4.What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations & community members in developing policy and legislation?
Ed Brzezinski (D)
The door will always be open for positive involvement. The city is only a stepping stone. State and federal folks must be involved and positively activated.
Michael Keys (D)
I believe that you have to meet any group where they are. Focused groups can be set up so that the LGBTQIA community can bring forth their issues in a protected setting.
Lewis Prest (Ind)
I feel as though Mayor Schember has built a good step forward. As a City Councilperson, I would be happy to act as a liasion to the LBGTQ community to help bring their issues to the forefront.
Although he did not respond directly to the questions, we received the following:
Shawn Lyons (R)
I appreciate you reaching out to me again regarding Equality with the LGBTQIA+ Community. Although I am not fully knowledgeable and informed on this matter I do believe in equal rights among all people and this e-mail response is not meant as answers to your questions. It is important to have all required information prior to making any statements to your attached questions. These 4 questions do appear to be very open ended that could be answered many different ways and perceived differently by anyone.
Please understand that I myself do not and would not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
I myself do have several friends both male and female who are in fact a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community. My long time friend and a member of my Campaign Committee is in fact a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community. I would like to attend some of your upcoming events to show my support for the LGBTQ Community. Please let me know about your upcoming events. Thank You
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