Voters Guide

Candidates for Erie County Council and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues.

These were the questions asked for all races:

How would you assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies?

To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? What types of training would you recommend for 1.) staff & 2.) council members?

What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations and community members in developing policy and legislation?

Share a time/moment when you influenced or were positively influenced by LGBTQIA+ community?

Erie County Council District 1

Not Responding: Lou Aliota (R)

How would you assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies?

Terry Scutella (D-Inc)

Erie County Council oversees the Human Relations Commission which works to eliminate discrimination housing, employment and public accommodations. Now under new leadership, the Human Relations Commission will be making sure Erie County residents are aware of the services they provide including investigation and legal services. The Human Relations Commission enforces the Erie County Human Relations Commission ordinance which protects the civil rights of individuals.

Cody Foust (R)

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955 allows for cities, townships, boroughs, and counties to pass ordinances creating local human relations commissions that can enforce policies on nondiscrimination. The Erie County Human Relations Commission works to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Ordinance 82,2021 voted on by county council lays out the ground work for employment in Erie County shall not be discriminated against, more information can be found at https://eriecountypa.gov/departments/human-relations-commission/.

 

To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? What types of training would you recommend for 1.) staff & 2.) council members?

Terry Scutella (D-Inc)

Most of the training I have involved on-the-job cultural literacy training. However, the Human Resources department continues to offer cultural training for the Erie County Employees.

Cody Foust (R)

I have and presently do participate in annual LGBTQIA+ cultural training through my current employment in the healthcare field. If elected I will follow the policies pertaining to all training that the staff and council members currently follow.

What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations and community members in developing policy and legislation?

Terry Scutella (D-Inc)

A strategy that Erie County Council members could implement informal meet-&-greet discussions to discuss issues with various groups in the County. This would allow all County Council members to engage with various groups about what policies and legislation could benefit residents.

 

Cody Foust (R)

I look to include everyone in Erie County to make our community better for the future. I'm running to represent all citizens of District 1

Share a time/moment when you influenced or were positively influenced by LGBTQIA+ community?

Terry Scutella (D-Inc)

I have had many positive moments that have been influenced by the LGBTQI+ community. One of them was the marriage of two friends, a same-sex couple who were married. Their devotion to each other and the love they share are what all people deserve to have.

 

Cody Foust (R)

I'm influenced by every citizen of Erie County specifically West Millcreek District 1 equally. I'm a voice for District 1 that may vote to elect me on May 16th 2023 for the primary and then onto November 7th 2023 for the general election.

Erie County Council District 3

How would you assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies?

Mary Rennie (D-Inc)

Erie County has always embraced non-discrimination policies within the adopted codes and ordinances. While protections exist within the Administrative code however, the language should be updated to adequately apply to the diverse populations of Erie County. I plan on introducing legislation in the next update of the code that will accomplish this goal.

Kimberly Hunter (R)

Through periodic audits

 

To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? What types of training would you recommend for 1.) staff & 2.) council members?

Mary Rennie (D-Inc)

I have participated in non-discrimination training, however not the Cultural competency training. County Council can work with the County administration to ensure that exactly this type of training is made a part of the new hire process within Erie County government.

Kimberly Hunter (R)

Kim participated in Diversity training while employed at the Erie School District

 

What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations and community members in developing policy and legislation?

Mary Rennie (D-Inc)

I have always believed in an open-door policy, whether with staff or with the public. I do not shy away from open discussions and welcome every opportunity for interaction.

Kimberly Hunter (R)

It is for any government entity to collaborate with community organizations for their input and expertise on any given subject when considering policy changes or new legislation

 

Share a time/moment when you influenced or were positively influenced by LGBTQIA+ community?

Mary Rennie (D-Inc)

There have been many such moments, some deeply personal with people who taught me that love is love in many small but extraordinarily meaningful ways. Most recently, I was honored and exhilarated to participate with my family in the 2022 Gay Pride parade. The attendance of the event keeps increasing, and it's a great reflection on our community as a whole.

Kimberly Hunter (R)

Kim cannot pin-point one specific moment because she believes every moment and new opportunity to meet new people is unique and special to her

 

Erie County Council District 5

Not Responding: Chris Drexel (D), Brian Shank (R-Inc)

Erie County Council District 7

Not Responding: Ellen Schauerman (R-Inc)

Erie City Council

Not Responding: Ed Brzezinski (D-Inc)

How would you assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies?

Rock Copeland (D)

I believe there should be a two-prong approach to a non-discrimination policy- both in its implementation and enforcement.

First, contracts with the city should include a provision that prohibits all discrimination with specific language for the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community. These provisions should also include specific sets of consequences from impactful fines up to contract termination. I also believe that the city should consider including such provisions in any agreement with any organization that enjoys its existence due to said agreement with the city. Landlords who are discriminatory in housing should be fined or even lose the ability to rent in the future. Businesses whose licenses are granted by the city should face similar consequences.

The single largest impact the city council can provide is the allocation of funds to enable the city to enforce any such policy. Many contract provisions such as prevailing wage requirements are already routinely violated. Giving the city the resources to receive tips, investigate and recommend repercussions for the violation of these provisions is paramount for their success.

Cory Diloreto (D)

To "assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies," it is elementary to first implement a city-contractor nondiscrimination policy. The city is better off and benefits by doing business with contractors who see the innate value in everyone and with those who do not discriminate against anyone. Additionally, there are other important ways to achieve a "nondiscrimination policy". For example: a diverse citizen review board, cultural competency training for city employees and city administration, embracing an administrative city culture of candor (currently lacking) and being open to everyone's thoughts and suggestions, and, finally, open and honest communication - the key to building positive relationships and an inclusive community.

Susannah Faulkner (D-Inc)

Coordinate with the Human Relations Commission at the County level and review any breaches of the non-discrimination Ordinance in the City. Further follow up would occur with the Mayor's Office, the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, and the Solicitor's Office. I am grateful Erie has strong protections of our civil rights, especially the non-discrimination clause for gender identity and sexual orientation. It is our responsibility as elected officials to coordinate with the County on these issues. Additionally, greater public awareness on the Human Relations Commission and Ordinance are needed.

Michael Keys (D-Inc)

City contracts over a certain dollar amount must go to the lowest responsible bidder. It is the law. I would institute a more robust communication process with the community to ensure that we a get diverse pool of applicants.

Elspeth Katrine Koehle (D)

I would uphold and ensure Article 127 of the City of Erie's Administrative Code which states that all public contractors shall incorporate an Equal Employment Opportunity Clause.

Rob Mahrt (D)

The different city employee groups/unions (Police, Fire, Teamsters, AFSCME, etc) would each have a different negotiated contract where a nondiscrimination policy should be negotiated and included. It is my current understanding that each of these groups already has a nondiscrimination policy within their contract in place. I would ensure these stay in-tact and are enforced to the letter of the policy and intent, so all employees, no matter their background, color, orientation, religion, etc. are all treated exactly equal.

Armand Rocco, Jr (D)

As an educator, I am faced with the task of constantly working to change behaviors. I know there are two keys to encouraging desirable behaviors: incentivizing the desired behavior and removing incentives for the behaviors we don't want to see.

As a City Councilman, I will employ a zero-tolerance policy for contractors who engage in discrimination of any form and will cast my votes accordingly. I will state unequivocally here and now that I support 100% the right of a free people to love who they love as consenting adults, and I prefer to support governmental policies that keeps government out of the personal lives of its constituents. Where business is concerned, however, I believe governmental entities should play a role in supporting traditionally marginalized communities and businesses. Incentivizing behaviors that treat human beings as human beings regardless of how one gender-identifies will encourage businesses who wish to do business with the city to reject discriminatory practices and policies. Rejecting out of hand any firm, client, or company that knowingly discriminates against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity will be a deal breaker for me and I will vote accordingly in public. In private, I will explicitly verbalize my position on this issue and I will work to encourage potential colleagues to embrace such a position themselves.

Kathleen Schaaf (D)

That's a bit of a challenging question how would I assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies... I think that first of all I would have a meeting of the licensing board, Kristy Williams from the code enforcement, fourth floor of City Hall manages all the trade licenses/ contractors in Erie. Once a month or so they meet in council chambers. I would discuss this issue and invite them to share with me how this could be attained. I would also bring this question up at the Human Relations Commission meeting too. After these two things have been addressed I would talk to the solicitors at Erie City Hall and Erie County to advise me on what we could put in writing as an agreement that would be legally binding. Right now I have noticed that we are having a type of crisis in not having enough contractors to do jobs on houses. The Erie Redevelopment Authority is looking to hire more contractors. There is a long wait-list of housing request projects to be finished. Perhaps the code enforcement people that go out now visiting sites unannounced etc could add this to their checklist or hire someone specifically to travel around.

Tyler Titus (D)

As the only candidate who is openly identifying as queer, and someone who continues to work at a local, state, and federal level on nondiscrimination policy development and implementation, I am equipped and prepared to ensure contractors utilized at a city level have an active and enforced an inclusive nondiscrimination policy.

 

To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? What types of training would you recommend for 1.) staff & 2.) council members?

Rock Copeland (D)

Having empathy and respect for all people is a core value in my life, so to some extent, being culturally sensitive to the LGBTQIA+ communities needs has already been a concern for me. But I had not taken competency training prior. This question inspired me to seek out what such training looks like and I have since taken a few courses online.

After taking such training, I can see a lot of value in requiring it for public sector jobs. Even for those having personal exposure to friends or family with different expressions of gender or sexuality, I think it would be illuminating. Any role in our government is about serving people. Having an understanding and empathy for those that you serve is essential to ensuring they are all served according to their needs.

Cory Diloreto (D)

My participation in "LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training" can be summed up in six (6) words: I am a student of life. We are all one. What affects one of us affects all of us, and I'm confident in my ability to include all of us within the decision making of our city.

Susannah Faulkner (D-Inc)

While working in a variety of roles in public affairs in San Francisco and Oakland, California, I actively participated in both required and optional workplace LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Trainings. Such trainings would be beneficial for everyone in City Hall, especially on understanding the needs of LGBTQIA+ community members and the impacts on mental health for queer youth. The Trevor Project's 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health reported that 45% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. My mission for serving on City Council is to empower Erie's youth and families, especially our at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth.

Michael Keys (D-Inc)

I have not. I would recommend implicit bias training for council and employees that have regular contact with the public.

Elspeth Katrine Koehle (D)

I don't believe I have participated in such training, but I'd be more than willing to do so and welcome any recommendations.

Rob Mahrt (D)

I have not previously participated in a LGBTQIA+ focused cultural competency training. I would recommend such training for council or city employees if at any time it is known that there are continuous issues/complaints/grievances within the city of individuals being targeted for their sexual orientation or other protected status.

Armand Rocco, Jr (D)

Roughly thirty years of teaching has seen me attend district-provided professional development sessions for a wide variety of cultural competencies, including those for the LGBTQIA+ community. As a public school teacher-a job I willingly pursued and kept for my entire career-I've explicitly chosen to work in a classroom where I will see students of every culture, creed, and identity there is, and I've reveled in it. I've lived through the sea change in attitudes towards marginalized communities from my own days as a student in Erie's Public Schools through today. I am proud to say I've never needed to reexamine my thinking or adjust my approach in any radical way since the day I started teaching.

To most fully answer your question, I would have to sort through decades of records to fully list here for you all the trainings in which I've participated and gained valuable insights. I can tell you that, as a City Councilman, I would endeavor to create and strengthen partnerships with GEAE, I would seek the advice of the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council for quality cultural and competency training, and I would happily serve as a leader for such an effort and an intermediary to those who are openly hostile or obstructionist in the effort to foster a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in the city of Erie. Perhaps my skills as a teacher would serve as a bridge to begin closing the ignorance gap we seem to have in certain sectors of our town.

Kathleen Schaaf (D)

Another challenging one, to what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ cultural competency training what types of training would you recommend for staff and council members. The last year I was on city council I attempted to bring the council together for informal type of training/assessment from a certified person in Pittsburgh to assist us. I ended up unfortunately faltering in this endeavor, I had gotten the council to have it voted that we would but not all of council wanted to participate even though it had passed that we would work on it. It is a challenge to get seven people on council committed to one specific issue whether it be fulfilling and beneficial. There are virtual and online workshops and training which is helpful in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. The Greater Erie Area Alliance on Equality would be helpful as well as a nonprofit organization too. I could look into some of the programs that our new city police hires have participated in that were helpful.

My forty years of being an educator has lead me to various life experiences in and out of our city and state. I am presently on the Human Relations Advisory Board and was the liaison to the HRC and HRCA when I was on council previously.

My highschool, St Benedict Academy and Villa Maria College guided and inspired my philosophy of treating all people with respect. While on council I was the first to sponsor that a person should not be forced into conversion therapy.

 

Tyler Titus (D)

Over the past decade, not only have I participated in training, but I continue to have the honor of conducting queer competency trainings across the country. I recognize training as a step in the right direction; however, we must move the momentum and focus to action. We need policy updates, by-law amendments, procedural adjustments, and proactive steps to protect all community members, especially those most at risk of systemic harm.

 

What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations and community members in developing policy and legislation?

Rock Copeland (D)

This is one area where I am particularly proud of our city. The LQBTQ+ Advisory Council has been given a prominent seat at the table in the governance of our city. I think this has been a largely successful venture and I applaud Mayor Schember's efforts in this area.

I believe the core function of government is the betterment and protection of, and advocacy for, the community they serve. This community will always be better served when decisions are made with the input of its constituents. There is a particular need to seek the input of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups to make sure that we are improving the lives of all our citizens. The advisory council serves as a road map. Inclusion in decision-making should be done with intention, both at city hall and on the council.

Cory Diloreto (D)

Here are some "strategies" "to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations and community members in developing policy and legislation": vote for individuals (like myself) who are passionate about hearing from and including everyone within our community. You want to hear my campaign slogan? Wait for it . . . "Right Time, Right Choice; Your Vote, Your Voice". It's the right time to vote Cory DiLoreto because if you vote Cory DiLoreto you're voting for yourself. Here's my logic: Although it would be Cory DiLoreto on city council, I don't look at it as "my" position; I look at it as "the community's" position. And that's how it would remain for the duration of my tenure on city council. I'm not shy to say it - I'm the best choice for city council. The other candidates are just "other" candidates; many are narcissistic sociopaths who put themselves first. (How's that for candor?) What's the difference between them and me? I put you first. I'm running for city council for you, for all of us. Make the right choice while you still have the opportunity. Vote Cory DiLoreto on May 16.

Susannah Faulkner (D-Inc)

Being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I feel connected to folks both active and more distant from civic engagement and public life. This is helpful as it offers me a greater perspective on challenges facing our neighbors. I look forward to working more closely with the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, and I encourage any resident to contact me via sfaulkner@erie.pa.us to discuss issues and possible solutions. I have a collaborative spirit and I am a diligent policy researcher. With the support of residents and our thriving LGBTQIA+ organizations, I am willing to champion ordinances to improve the quality of life of our community.

Michael Keys (D-Inc)

The city has advisory committees in place already. I would use this established organization to help cultivate the desired outcome.

Elspeth Katrine Koehle (D)

I would reach out to local activists and organizations such as this publication to glean the issues that City Council has the ability to affect. The best strategy is to develop trust through your actions as a city council member.

Rob Mahrt (D)

I would take the time to learn more about the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council to better understand the goals and objectives that are currently in place. I would also come to better understand the city's MEI rating for 2022 in order to continue to capitalize on the efforts that have been made. As with all individuals and groups I would listen and seek to understand the issues and goals of the community and do my best to help meet those goals when able.

Armand Rocco, Jr (D)

To include and engage the LGBTQIA+ community in developing policy and legislation I propose a three-pronged approach.

First, we need to find and foster allies. No one can advocate for a marginalized community as well as a member of that community. As a straight ally, I would not feel comfortable presuming to know the depth, breadth, and complexity of hate towards a particular group, and so I would recognize my own need for deeper and broader education. So I would first look to both outspoken and hidden members of the LGBTQIA+ community to advise me.

Second, I would work to do what I mentioned above-serve as a conduit for change through education, my personal forte. I will have the hard conversations and confront those I find to be bigoted. I will commit to laying bare the hypocrisy where I find it and eradicating it. I will partner with all those committed to inclusion.

Finally, we need to recognize and confront those who actively engage in bias against the LGBTQIA+ community and who develop rhetorical nonsense in their efforts to be obstructionist. There is no place for hate in the halls of government at any level. I will commit to rooting out attacks, both blatant and subtle, on the LGBTQIA+ community in Erie. I will hold my colleagues on council to the same standard. I will never forget that my own former students will be watching. I will show them my generation is still capable of doing the right thing.

Kathleen Schaaf (D)

Encourage all people and groups to attend more council meetings, study sessions, and department meetings. Invite the LGBTQ+ spokespersons to attend by invitation council caucuses. Revitalizing the neighborhood watch meetings would be helpful and have council attend and talk at them more than they do at present. Each council person has a cell phone and email which anyone can use to email a council member addressing issues that they would like to see addressed. Council could attend LGBTQ+ meetings as well. The Erie City Hall Communications Director could pass on news/community engagement happenings to Erie Gay News if it doesn't already now.

 

Tyler Titus (D)

I served as the Co-Vice Chair of the Commission of LGBTQIA Affairs for Governor Tom Wolf for four years and this has built a strong network across the Commonwealth. I currently serve on the Democratic State Committee LGBTQ caucus as the secretary which has created an opportunity to collaborate on developing inclusive policy, by-laws, and procedures. I am 100% committed to replicating this while serving as a City Council person.

 

Share a time/moment when you influenced or were positively influenced by LGBTQIA+ community?

Rock Copeland (D)

My journey in life, as it relates to my political and philosophical beliefs has been a long one. I was raised in a very religious and conservative home and had a very sheltered childhood. This is a background that I many in the LGBTQ community would consider less than inviting. I had been indoctrinated with many bigoted and intolerant views.

In college, I had my first friendship with an "out" gay man. Also during this time, one of my best friends came out as bisexual. These friendships truly shattered some of my worldviews. I had heard the abhorrent phrase "hate the sin, not the sinner" a million times, but I soon realized that living as your most authentic self was never a sin.

These relationships transformed the bedrock of my entire belief structure. They literally began my journey from a conservative to the extremely progressive person I am today. Empathy, love, and respect for all people, finding value in everyone as a human being, and that everyone is deserving of love and equal protection under the law- these are the beliefs these friendships passed on to me.

Cory Diloreto (D)

A lot can be learned from the queer community: acceptance, honesty, openness, to name a few. As you may know, I ran for city council two years ago. Another 250 or so votes and I would have made it past the primary. But, hey, out of a total of 4,000 votes, that's not bad. And I accept it. But I don't like to quit and so here I am two years later running for city council once again because I believe what I have to offer - state and local government experience and currently a professor at Gannon - would benefit greatly our community and our beautiful city. As I've mentioned two years ago in my answer to this very same question - "Living in San Diego I had the great opportunity to be amongst an incredibly diverse population with full-spectrum views on many topics. During weekends, while on long bicycle rides through the city, I frequently stopped at a very friendly and inclusive coffee shop in Mission Hills, neighboring Hillcrest, called Meshuggah Shack. Conversation was always colorful and inviting. It was always positive and accepting; a microcosmic community of openness and inclusiveness. This is what I hope to bring to city council and our community." One last final word: Oftentimes second chances don't come around. Do yourself a favor and vote Cory DiLoreto.

Susannah Faulkner (D-Inc)

A vivid memory from my freshman year at Ithaca College: my dorm's resident assistant had created a bulletin board defining sexual orientations and gender identities. Growing up in Erie, I felt open minded but that I had a limited understanding of this world. When I read through each description, I felt so seen reading about pansexuality for the first time. I'm grateful for attending a college that wasn't just inclusive, but one that had great pride for its LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty.

Michael Keys (D-Inc)

I have members of my tribe who identify as LGBTQIA+. It is my hope that I have had a positive influence on them

 

Elspeth Katrine Koehle (D)

Everyday I am impressed and proud of people who stand up for themselves and others. The LGBTQIA+ communities have done so much to advance civil rights; those brave people are definitely an inspiration, especially from an activist's point of view.

Rob Mahrt (D)

One specific example would be past benefits hosted at Room 33 - raising thousands of dollars for different organizations tied to the LGBTQIA+ community, and providing a generally fun and welcoming venue for all different groups.

But also, daily, I have positive personal experiences and influences from friends, colleagues, co-workers, etc. of all different backgrounds and orientations. We are all members of the Erie community that we all seek to make a better place.

 

Armand Rocco, Jr (D)

I became a teacher after being an athlete in college. Naturally, I developed an affinity for kids who, like me, were athletes. I believed then, as I believe now, that as outward representatives of their school, athletes should be held to a higher standard. An epiphany came the year I met my first trans student: a trans male in a class full of rowdy football players. I expected bullying and jokes. I thought I'd have to protect this singularly different student against ignorance and machismo. I was wrong. My epiphany was the realization that stereotypes are as useless as they are dangerous. There was no bullying, no off-color jokes, no conflicts. No ignorance. Where I expected a quiet, timid young person struggling with gender, I instead found a brash, confident, and outspoken young man who could skateboard and solve a Rubik's cube at the same time. Instead of jocks who felt the need to prove their manhood, I discovered confident, outspoken student-athletes who were neither threatened by nor angry about nor confused by their classmate's differences. I was forced to realize my first experience with a trans student did not comport with the stereotypes that had been pounded into me for twenty years. I've since taught students in every stripe of the LGBTQIA+ panoply and I've seen them all: the struggling stereotype, the uber-successful outlier, and everything in between. And each reinforced a singular lesson of that epiphany early on in my career: We're all human beings first and foremost.

Kathleen Schaaf (D)

It's exciting that Erie has greatly improved on the rating scale of cities that address LGBTQ+ concerns (Municipal Equality Index Scorecard) We received a perfect score! I know many many people who are LGBTQ+ and are considered my friends. I have so many that inspire me I am not going to single anyone out personally. My cousin's family who lives out of state has inspired me. Their child now into adulthood transitioned earlier on in life. A close friend's son has transitioned as well. People are people. We are all part of the beauty of humanity ??.

Our greatest potential in our city is our people regardless of their race, creed, sexual orientation etc. Let's "corral" the positive energy to get Erie continuously moving in the right direction. Sincerely, Kathy Schaaf

 

Tyler Titus (D)

Right now, our community, specifically transgender and gender-expansive youth, is under attack and are the target of extremist groups across the United States. With more than 400 anti-trans legislative bills brought forward in 2023 alone. Yet, every day queer and transgender people, especially our youth, continue to show up as their authentic self and refuse to be silenced. I draw strength and hope from those who came before me, those who are fighting now, and the belief that our tomorrows will be better.