Voters Guide
Candidates for Erie County Council and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues. The Pennsylvania Municipal Election will be held on November 7, 2023.
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
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?
Rock Copeland (D)
We need leadership with good intentions. We need compliance and enforcement of nondiscrimination policies to be pursued in good faith.
On August 29th, the County Council voted on a resolution to ban censorship at the library in compliance with state and county standards. Many people came to speak about this issue, out of concern for the censorship of the pride display at the library. Yet, one council person requested an interesting clarification. "All the reading material is still there, still available?" Another said, "Just to expand on that point, I just want to make sure when we talk about censorship and this issue…my understanding was that the material was present the entire time…I don't feel that there was any censorship on the part of the library." After these points were made, the Council felt comfortable voting unanimously to approve the resolution, knowing that their interpretation stripped the resolution of meaning.
We need leadership willing to give due respect to these issues, give their legislation the teeth to enforce policy, and to make sure the full intent of policy is immune to creative interpretation.
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?
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+ community's needs has already been a concern for me. However, 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.
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?
Rock Copeland (D)
The current leadership style of our County Executive is to tell others what they need, not to listen in good faith. There is no attempt to learn about the viewpoints of others. They do not build partnerships with people of different perspectives. He uses phrases like "non-negotiable courage and political will", meaning he wishes to push his agenda regardless of the opinions of others. This is not the model of leadership that we need.
Real leadership requires having an open ear and being accessible to the entire community, regardless of their political leanings or background. This is especially true for any disenfranchised, marginalized, or minority group. It is vital that their perspectives and unique needs are heard and considered. Including and engaging the LGBTQIA+ community is a natural extension of this philosophy. I want people to know that my door is open. I want to hear from you. I will always be approachable if anyone wishes to advocate. Please, feel free to call my cell phone, 814-460-2889 or email me at rock@rockcopeland.com.
Moreover, I am fully committed to the concept of advisory councils. It is so important to gather information from communities in an organized way. Lastly, I am committed to ensuring that the diversity in our community is reflected in the appointments made to our government and authorities. Equitable inclusion is achieved through intentional decision-making.
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?
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 religious and conservative home and had a sheltered childhood. This is a background that many in the LGBTQ community would consider less than inviting. Beyond that, societal systems were built to indoctrinate many of us with bigoted and intolerant views. I was not immune to those influences.
In college, I had my first friendship with an "out" gay man. Around that time, one of my friends came out as bisexual. These friendships 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. Today, I am thankful for my deep friendships with many in the LGBTQ community. They teach me a lot about privilege and open my mind to new perspectives, as I continue to learn from their lived experience.
These relationships transformed the bedrock of my entire belief structure. They began my journey from being a conservative to the progressive person I am today. I believe in empathy, love, and respect for all people. We must find value in everyone as human beings, knowing that everyone deserves love and equal protection under the law. These are the beliefs these friendships passed on to me..
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)
How would you assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies?
Lorraine Dolan (D)
At the county level, it's crucial that our contracting processes prioritize fairness and equality. I would push for regular audits of our county contractors to ensure they're compliant with nondiscrimination policies. Additionally, it's crucial to provide consistent training and awareness programs for those in charge of county contracting to ensure that LGBTQIA+ rights are always front and center.
To what extent have you participated in LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training? What types of training would you recommend for 1.) staff & 2.) council members?
Lorraine Dolan (D)
Interacting with diverse communities within our county has been an enlightening experience. While I value these interactions, I believe formalized training is essential. For county staff, I'd recommend a foundational course on LGBTQIA+ rights and issues. For council members, a more in-depth training, perhaps featuring stories and experiences from our own LGBTQAI+ residents, would be valuable to inform our policymaking. I have participated in opportunities for equity training through my tenure with the League of Women Voters.
What strategies would you use to include and engage LGBTQIA+ organizations and community members in developing policy and legislation?
Lorraine Dolan (D)
For our county to thrive, it is vital that all voices be heard. I'd propose a regular liaison or committee to bridge county government with LGBTQIA+ organizations. Through town halls, focus groups and even digital forums, we could ensure the community is continually engaged, addressing needs and concerns to directly influence county policy. I am approachable, listen and respond.
Share a time/moment when you influenced or were positively influenced by LGBTQIA+ community?
Lorraine Dolan (D)
In my journey to represent District 7, I met an LGBTQIA+ couple advocating for more inclusive county policies. Their story of both struggle and triumph in our county underscored the need for representation and sensitivity in our policies. It was a poignant reminder of the difference inclusive governance can make at the county level. There have been other encounters, as well, the basic desires-to be heard, to be accepted and to experience equity within our community.
Erie City Council
Not Responding: Ed Brzezinski (D-Inc)
How would you assure that Erie implements and enforces contractor nondiscrimination policies?
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?
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?
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?
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.
