from Mark Segal, Philadelphia Gay News: Recently, Jason and I were on vacation and met a delightful gay couple from Australia. In their professional roles, they frequently travel to the U.S. for government and corporate business. Naturally, we said that if they found themselves in the States, we'd love to meet up for dinner.

Since I took office in 2018, my team and I have been on a Mission to Build Opportunity, Restore Hope, and Transform Erie. We have also been working hard to achieve our Vision. One element of that Vision is that we celebrate our rich cultural diversity. An important piece of that is ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued. Imagine what an incredible community we would have if everyone felt celebrated for the unique skills, talents, and perspectives that each one of us possesses regardless of who we love or how we identify or express ourselves.

From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: Like many of you, I'm feeling a bit of whiplash from the sheer speed and scale of the changes President Donald Trump is trying to force through via executive order. Some of you have told me you've stopped watching the news altogether. You've tuned out, shut down, and chosen not to engage. Please don't. Because if you do, he wins. Protest is at the heart of this country. It's in our DNA and when done right, it leads to real change.