October 22, 1999 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE
communitygroups
Stonewall Democrats endorse ten for Columbus offices
Columbus-On September 7, the Stonewall Democratic Club of Central Ohio (formerly the Central Ohio Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club) voted on endorsements for the November 2 election.
The Stonewall Democrats based their endorsements on candidates' responses to the club's questionnaire as well as candidates' records on issues of concern to the GLBT community. The Stonewall Democratic Club endorses the following candidates:
Michael Coleman Mayor Angela Bosworth Columbus City Council
·
Matt Habash Columbus City Council Michael Mentel Columbus City Council Charletta Tavares Columbus City Council
Robin Chris Smith Municipal Clerk of Courts
Hannah Dillard Columbus School Board Andrew Ginther-Columbus School Board Stephanie Hightower Columbus School Board
Karen Schwarzwalder Columbus School Board
The Stonewall Democratic Club urges the community to oppose the candidacy of Bill Moss for the Columbus School Board. Moss has been an outspoken opponent of the gay community in the past, and recently he led the opposition to the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Columbus School Board's anti-harassment policy.
The Stonewall Democratic Club also urges the community to support the following is-
sues:
COTA Levy (Issues 20 and 21): For, a yes vote on the ballot.
Columbus City Charter Amendment limiting the police and fire chiefs to two five-
year terms (Issue 32): For, a yes vote on the ballot.
Club president Brian Shinn was enthusiastic about the Democratic candidates seeking office this year.
"We have an excellent slate of Democrats running for mayor and city council this year. Both mayoral candidate Michael Coleman and city council member Matt Habash have demonstrated their commitment to equality for all residents of Columbus by sponsoring and supporting the passage of the domestic partnership ordinance last year."
Shinn added that, “City council members Charletta Tavares and Michael Mentel as well as city council candidate Angela Bosworth also have publicly stated their commitment to issues of importance to the GLBT community and are worthy of your support."
The endorsed school board candidates also deserve the support of the GLBT commu-
nity. According to Shinn, "Current school board member Karen Schwarzwalder came under heavy criticism from religious conservatives for her support of protecting students from harassment based on their sexual orientation. However, Ms. Schwarzwalder understands the harassment and discrimination faced by GLBT students and voted her conscience. The GLBT community must reward her courage with their support."
Shinn also noted that "school board candidates Andrew Ginther, Hannah Dillard, and Stephanie Hightower have pledged to continue to protect students from harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation. They also deserve the support of the GLBT community."
For more information, contact Brian Shinn at 614-224-0753 (evenings) or 614462-7312 (days).
PAC gives the nod to nine for Cincinnati seats
by Doreen Cudnik
Cincinnati Over the past few months, the Greater Cincinnati Stonewall Political Action Committee, or PAC, has been busy collecting information from candidates running for Cincinnati City Council and Board of Education in order to make endorsements.
A questionnaire sent to candidates in August served as the first step of the PAC endorsement process. The questionnaire covered a wide range of issues, including the repeal of Article XII of the Cincinnati City Charter, the end result of the anti-gay Issue 3. This was an amendment to the city charter, passed by the voters in 1993, that prohibits the city from enacting or enforcing any legislation that would give protected class status to gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
The questionnaire also asked the candidates if they supported inclusive AIDS and HIV education in Cincinnati public schools, and their position on the adoption of hate crime laws that include crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Candidates who returned a signed and completed questionnaire were then scheduled for a follow-up interview with the PAC endorsement committee, which took place in mid-September. On the basis of information gleaned during those interviews and from the questionnaires, the Greater Cincinnati Stonewall PAC has endorsed the following candi-
dates:
Cincinnati City Council Jane Anderson Kaye Britton
Forrest Buckley Diane Goldsmith Todd Portune Scott Seidewitz
Cincinnati Board of Education
Louis Buschle John Gilligan
Florence Newell
The PAC also voted to endorse the Cincinnati City Schools tax levy, which is Issue 11 on the November 2 ballot.
Wallet-sized palm cards listing the names of PAC-endorsed candidates have been printed and are available at several establishments and service organizations throughout Cincinnati.
The Greater Cincinnati Stonewall PAC strongly recommends voting only for PACendorsed candidates. Votes for candidates not endorsed by the PAC may put them ahead of those who have demonstrated their clear and unequivocal support for GLBT issues. Meet the Candidates night
GLBT voters had an opportunity to hear and ask questions of the candidates at a Meet the Candidates Night, held October 13 at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church.
All but one PAC-endorsed candidate, former Ohio governor John Gilligan, attended the successful event. Gilligan was not able to attend because of a scheduling conflict with a League of Women Voters event on the same evening. He did, however, send a statement expressing his gratitude for the Stonewall PAC endorsement, and reiterating his support for
October 22 at the home of former Cincinnati mayor Bobbie Sterne, giving GLBT voters
yet another opportunity to meet the PAC-endorsed candidates and support Stonewall PAC's election outreach efforts.
The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community is losing two strong allies in Mayor Roxanne Qualls and council member Tyrone Yates. There is much work to be done which
will require the courageous lead-
the GLBT community. STONEWALL ership of council members who
Each candidate ad-
dressed the crowd of about CINCINNATI
60 people about their campaign and their willingness, if elected, to work with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
Greater Cincinnati Stonewall Politcal Action Committee
When they were through speaking, the audience was given an opportunity to ask questions. Many of those questions dealt with the way past PAC-endorsed candidates have waffled on issues important to the GLBT community, such as inclusion in hate crime protections.
Each candidate fielded the questions with honest, forthright answers that clearly demonstrated why they had earned the Stonewall PAC endorsement.
A Stonewall PAC reception was held on
understand the needs and concerns of their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender constituents. And as GLBT youth begin to come out at earlier ages, and GLBT teachers and administrators become more visible, it is critical that individuals serving on school boards understand these issues, and are prepared to take a stand against any potential backlash.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 2. Encourage your friends and family members to do the same. Pick up some palm cards and share Stonewall PAC's endorsed candidates list with as many people as possible. Our future as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Cincinnatians depends on it.
Doreen Cudnik is executive director of Stonewall Cincinnati.
Endorsed by the
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
for Council Ward 4
John
Farina
For A Better Lakewood
Paid for by Friends of Jaku fariza, Mike Flickinger, Transuror, 1616 Hapkias Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
A Better Lakewood:
• A responsive government that works hard for you.
•
•
Safety a top priority in all neighborhoods.
Equal Rights and Equal Protections for all Lakewood citizens
Well-paved and repaired streets and
safe sidewalks a priority.
• City government working together
•
with residents to improve and maintain their neighborhoods.
Holding the line on taxes.
• Creative new ideas for economic
development.
Committed-Experienced
• Lakewood Hospital Project HEAL
• Lakewood Schools
Financial Advisory Committee
• President, Board of Trustees Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center
• Active member and supporter of HRC, GLSEN, Log Cabin, & AIDS Task Force
• Active in many social service, arts, political, and community organizations
• Over three years in Banking; over 10 years sales & management experience.
•
Hopkins Avenue Homeowner
with partner of 5 years, John King
On November 2,
Elect the One Candidate in Ward 4 Committed to a Better Lakewood for All Citizens.
Elect John Farina