a profile of candidates! positions on issues affecting gay men and lesbians LEHIGH COUNTY General Information Election ELECTION DAY Tuesday, November 2 VOTER INFORMATION The Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Alliance for Political Action (PA-GALA) is a voter education and grassroots lobbying organization. PA-GALA is committed to electing candidates who support equality for gay men and lesbians and who support the fight against AIDS. PA-GALA supports passage of legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the federal, state and local levels of government. CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT PA-GALA endorses the candidate who will be the best advocate for the gay and lesbian community in the district. Endorsed candidates are identified by: • Endorsed by PA-GALA. In some cases a Democrat and a Republican have been endorsed because voters may only vote within their party in a Primary. Please note that some races have not been covered because they are uncontested. INFORMATION SOURCES PA-GALA obtains information on candidates from various sources. The primary sources are our candidate questionnaires which are mailed to candidates running in the area covered by this guide and the candidate's record if he or she has held office prior to this election. We also obtain information from the mass media, meetings with candidates, Project Vote Smart, and candidate forums. Other civil rights organizations have also supplied PA-GALA with information on candidates including: The Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force and the Pennsylvania Civil Rights Initiative, the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition, the Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club, the Log Cabin Republican Club, and the Centerfor Lesbian and Gay Law and Public Policy. Due to the nature and complexities of data collection, PA-GALA cannot be held responsiblef or errors or inaccuracies in this booklet. HOW TO GET INVOLVED The most important thing you can do to make your voice heard is become a "super voter"1 by voting in every election. As a "super voter" candidates will seek you out to solicityour vote, allowingyou a chance to tell them your views. Please become a member of PA-GALA, and a member of the Rainbow team. Your contribution will help produce "Gay and Lesbian Vote". To volunteer with PA- GALA, please contactthe office nearestyou. PA-GALA PA-GALA PA-GALA Bucks/Montgomery Chester/Delaware Harrisburg P.O. Box 764 P.O. Box 3212 Lancaster/York Hatboro, PA 19040 West Chester, PA 19381 P.O. Box 349 (215) 957-1407 (610) 565-8979 Harrisburg, PA 17108 Fax (215) 957-5319 Fax (215) 735-0852 PA-GALA PA-GALA Lehigh Valley PA-GALA Philadelphia Berks, Lehigh, NEPA P.O. Box 30612 Monroe, Northampton P.O. Box 1453 Philadelphia. PA 19103 P.O. Box 20825 Wilkes-Barre, PA (215) 735-0852 Lehigh Valley, PA 18002 18703 Fax (215) 735-0852 (610) 432-5449 Fax (610) 820-8362 "Gay and Lesbian Vote" is paid for by PA-GALA, Steve Black: Acting Treasurer Karl K. Kercher D Rossi * 4 4 Associated with anti-gay rights group "Citizens for Aitieri * Traditional Values" which was established in opposition to the passage of the amendment of sexual orienta RECORDER OF DEEDS tion to Allentown's anti-discrimination ordinance. No data: Marie Dean R. 4 4 Wrote an article titled* "Two Favorite Myths Promoted REGISTER OF WILLS by the Gay/Lesbian Community" in an anti-gay rights newsletter circulated to Allentown City Council Norma A. Cusick D members and candidates. * "Everyone is welcome in this office. I do not discriminate No Data: Grayson E. McNair R, Dennis J. Cramsey D, on the basis of race, gender* religion* or sexual orientation." Joe Pascuzzo R. Sandra L Schantz R > "I feel my staff treats ail people the same." NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS AIDS FUNDING •Ervin * * * * NAME EQUALITY •McHugh * > • * Cusick * Cooney > 4 * > Schantz * Howells > > 0 * Kercher 44 0 0 0 CORONER LEHIGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 Scott M. Grim D Joseph P. Maher R * When asked will you institute sensitivity training for your * Would support a non-discrimination policy that includes employees in dealing with lesbians and gay men sexual orientation for county employment. answered: "Yes* we discuss sensitivity and emotional feelings of others on a regular basis." * "Discrimination on any basis shall not be tolerated." No Data: Mark Calafati D. Kevin E. Hunsicker R * With regard to sensitivity training in dealing with gay men and lesbians said:"Sensitivity training will be instituted." NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS AIDS FUNDING Maher • * > * NAME EQUALITY LEHIGH COUNTY CONTROLLER Grim * No Data: Peter Shaffer R. Hunsicker * • Endorsed; • • excellent; • good; >• neutral; * poor; f \ unacceptable; 0 no basis; X RADICAL RIGHT and compassionate. NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING AIDS Tom Burke R •Velazquez • > * • * >- In a Morning Call article about candidate support of the Burke > 0 0 0 0 Anti-discrimination Ordinance responded: "(I'm) Bausch 4 4 > 4 4 Undecided, neutral, open-minded. I don't buy the moral Hershman 4 >• >• >• • argument (against the amendment). We're a secular Hect 4 0 0 0 0 Cramsey 44 4 0 0 0 society. I need to da more homework on it." CITY COUNCIL 2 year term David K. Bausch R Did not answer this election's City Council questionnaire. •Julio A. Guridy D Endorsed by PA-GALA Information taken from other sources and previous ** Would introduce or cosponsor an amendment of sexual questionnaires. orientation to the city's Anti-discrimination Ordinance. > In a Morning Call article about candidate support of the ** Co-founder of AIDS NET also founded Latino AIDS Anti-discrimination Ordinance: No response. Outreach Program, and expanded the program to 4 4 As a candidate for Mayor indicated he would not Harrisburg, Reading, and Lancaster. support an anti-discrimination ordinance which included * Would support domestic partner benefits for city employees. sexual orientation. Refused to attend or issue a * Spoke in favor of the Anti-discrimination Amendment at proclamation for the Pride Festival. the 1998 Allentown City Council Meeting. 4 As a candidate for a variety of public offices in the past * In a Morning Call article about candidate support of the Anti 3 112 years, has flip-flopped 6 times on the issue of discrimination Ordinance indicated: Yes. May cosponsor anti-discrimination. Pam Varkony R 4 As an Allentown City Council member refused to > In a Morning Call article about candidate support of the cosponsor the amendment of sexual orientation to the Anti-discrimination Ordinance responded: Undecided. city's Anti-discrimination Ordinance. Tm not familiar with it. Everyone should be protected against having their civil rights violated." If the gay con stituency tells her there's a problem, she will listen and do "whatever's right for the city." > Responded to a poll in an anti-gay rights newspaper that she would not introduce or cosponsor the anti discrimination ordinance, but responded "maybe" to would you vote for it. NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING AIDS •Guridy ** * * * *• Varkony > 0 0 0 0 • Endorsed; excellent; • good; > neutral; 4 poor; * * unacceptable; 0 no basis; X RADICAL RIGHT No Data: Robert J. Donchez D, James S. Gregory D, SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER Magdolena F. Szobo D, Robert Scott Glenn R. •Gary R. Search R Endorsed by PA-GALA ** Would introduce or cosponsor an anti-discrimination NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING AIDS ordinance which includes sexual orientation. Cornish 0 0 0 0 0 * With regard to anti-discrimination ordinance: "Every person should be viewed/hired/treated based on their BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DIRECTOR integrity - sexual preference should not be an issue." Margaret Williams R/D * Would support domestic partner benefits "depending > Rather than answering the questionnaire made several on the legality and definition of 'partner'." broad statements that indicated a neutral response. No Data: Renee Cohn R, Martha P. Nolan R. No Data: Rosie Amato D, Joe Craig R/D, Tony A. Dimenichi R/D, Ed Gallagher R/D, Loretta Leeson R/D. NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING •Search ** * * * NAME EQUALITY SUPPORT CURRICULUM AIDS ED SEXUALITY ED Williams > > > > > WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP EXECUTIVE CATASAUQUA BOROUGH COUNCIL Glenn Solt D Did not answer this year's questionnaire. Information Steven Baluh R taken from other sources and previous questionnaire. * Would introduce or cosponsor and work actively for an anti * As Whitehall Township Commissioner added "sexual discrimination ordinance which includes sexual orientation. orientation" to the Non-discrimination Policy for Wade J. Reinhard R Whitehall Township employees. * Would introduce or cosponsor and work actively for an anti * As a candidate for State Senate supported the con discrimination ordinance which includes sexual orientation. cept of the Hate Crimes Bill, but would not cosponsor. 4 Would support domestic partner benefits for city > "I support your rights to enjoy life the same as any employees, "if they were legally married." other individual." Paul Zimbar D No Data: Karen S. Hanna R. 4 4 In response to: Would you work actively to secure passage of an anti-discrimination policy which included sexual NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING orientation? said, "No - never support-speak out against." * * Solt > > No Data: Addie S. M. Bechtel D, Gregory C. Hoch D, Barbara A. Schlegel R. [ • Endorsed; excellent; • good; >- neutral; * poor; * * unacceptable; 0 no basis; X RADICAL RIGHT No Data: Maury Robert R/D, Charles H. Ballard R/D, Elaine D. Gannon R/D, Ann L Thompson R/D. NAME EQUALITY CI IDD/^DT 1 DDIi^l II 1 IK/I AIDS ED CCVI1 A 1 ITV cn bUrrOKT CURRICULUM oEaUALIIY ED •Richwine * * * > * Stiles > > 4 > 4 NORTHERN LEHIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT •Jane J. Escott R/D Endorsed by PA-GALA * Would support a policy prohibiting discrimination against school employees based on sexual orientation. * "I would like all residents in any district to be able to be assured a quality, safe, non-discriminatory education." •Sherry Giles R/D Endorsed by PA-GALA * Would support a policy prohibiting discrimination against school employees based on sexual orientation. * "I would most certainly support a curriculum in which acceptance of others, all others, was incorporated into the normal school schedule." No Doto: Gory S. Fedorcho R/D, Jason M. Newhard R, Matt Green R/D, William Hazzord R/D. NAME EQUALITY SUPPORT CURRICULUM AIDS ED SEXUALITY ED * * •Escott * • • •Giles * * * * * • Endorsed; excellent; • good; > neutral; * poor; 4* unacceptable; 0 no basis; X RADICAL RIGHT Lehigh County General '99—Voter Information from PA-GALA WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER PARKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT Thomas Slonaker D •Bob Bold R/D Endorsed by PA-GALA * Would support an anti -discrimination ordinance that * Would support a policy prohibiting discrimination includes sexual orientation, but rather than working against school employees based on sexual orientation. activily for its passage said, "I would seek advice and David M. Kennedy R/D help from experienced personnel to address this or any * Would support a policy prohibiting discrimination "special interest group." against school employees based on sexual orientation. Michael T. Holubowsky D No Data: Dennis W. Foster R/D, Valerie Lane R/D, Roberta > Though stated he would support an anti-discrimination Marcus R/D. ordinance, expressed reservations. 4 "Lead your lives as normal as possible and do not try to force your lifestyles onto others." NAME EQUALITY SUPPORT CURRICULUM AIDS ED SEXUALITY ED No Data: Bruce Brinker D, Kenneth S. Snyder D, Steven A. •Bold * * • * Ament R. Kennedy * * > 0 > NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING WHITEHALL-COPLAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR Slonaker * 0 * > ^Andy Roman R/D Holubosky > > > 0 X Finance reports from past campaigns indicate ties to the EAST PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT radical right. •Terry E. Richwine R/D Endorsed by PA-GALA No Data: Josef A. Fragnito R/D, John S. Klusarits R/D, Mary * Would support a policy prohibiting discrimination Catherine Sotak R/D, Colleen Webster R/D, John C. against school employees based on sexual orientation. Wieand R/D. * In response to what message would you like to send gay and lesbian residents of your district: "That they are safe in our schools, that they will not be discriminated against, and that they have someone with whom to discuss their problems." Patti Stiles R/D > Though willing to support a policy prohibiting discrimi nation against school employees, is not willing to sup port equality in other areas. Lehigh County General '99—Voter Information from PA-GALA ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DIRECTOR 4yr TERM NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING Janice L Williams R/D Baluh ** * • * Did not answer this election's questionnaire. Information Reinhard ** 4 * > taken from other sources and previous questionnaires. Zimbar 44 * 4 4 > "I support equal rights for all people as defined in the Constitution and laws of our country." EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL No Data: Patricia D. Hoffman R/D, James R. LeVan R/D, John F. Belin, Jr. D C. Collins Brawn D. ** Would introduce or cosponsor an anti-discrimination ordinance which includes sexual orientation. NAME EQUALITY SUPPORT CURRICULUM AIDS ED SEXUALITY ED > Would only support bereavement benefits for domestic Williams > > > > > partners of city employees. Brent Labenberg D ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DIRECTOR 2yr TERM ** Would introduce or cosponsor an anti-discrimination No data: Jeannette Eichenwald D, Bob Pinschmidt R. ordinance which includes sexual orientation. BETHLEHEM CITY TREASURER Joyce K. Marin R 4 Would not introduce or cosponsor an anti-discrimination •Kaija Siftar D Endorsed by PA-GALA ordinance which includes sexual orientation. * "I know no difference between heterosexual homo > With regard to anti-discrimination ordinance "I would sexual, or bisexual citizens; they're simply citizens." be open to learning more about this, the pros and cons of such a policy or ordinance." NAME EQUALITY No Data: Brian Haltzhafer D, Lee Ann Gilbert R, Bill Reichard •Siftar * R, Susan L Schmidt R, Raymond S. Wetherhold R. BETHLEHEM CITY COUNC~ John B. Cornish R NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING Did not answer this election's questionnaire. Belin • * > * • Information taken from other sources and previous Lubenberg > > 0 questionnaires. Marin 0 4 • > 4 Would not support an anti-discrimination ordinance which included sexual orientation. * "I have not formed an opinion on the unanswered auestions of this auestionnaire!" Lehigh County General '99—Voter Information from PA-GALA CLERK OF COURTS Louis Hershman D Would not commit to support an anti-discrimination ordi Andrea Naugle D nance which included sexual orientation. Responded * Would offer her staff members the opportunity to attend to many questions: "This is an issue that requires discus sensitivity training for county employees on lesbian / gay sion before City Council." issues and HIV. Quoted in a May Morning Call article about candidate support of the Anti-discrimination Ordinance responded: No Data: Forrest Rahn R. "Maybe. But if you're tellling me there is no state or fed eral law, I will re-evaluate my position. I believe there NAME EQUALITY should be no discrimination." Naugle • 4 Responded to a poll in a September anti-gay rights newsletter that he would not introduce, co-sponsor, or ALLENTOWN CITY CONTROLLER vote for the amendment of sexual orientation to the Human Relations Ordinance. •Frank J. Concannon D Endorsed by PA-GALA ** As City Councilman agreed to introduce amendment of Tim Hecht R sexual orientation to city's Anti-discrimination Ordinance. 4 In a Morning Call article about candidate support of the ** Has lobbied strongly for this legislation. Anti-discrimination Ordinance responded: "No. I don't ** Was first Allentown Official to open and speak at the have a problem with gay people, but other people da. Lehigh Valley Pride Festival. I don't want to put any more restraints on private busi ness. I don't think (the amendment) is necessary." No Data: Bab G. Smith R. Mary Cramsey D NAME EQUALITY 4 4 Although she said she supported the amendment of sexual orientation to the Anti-discrimination Ordinance, •Concannon ** in the primary questionnaire, in a May Morning Call article, and at a public forum, she indicated later she ALLENTOWN CITY COUNCIL 4 year term was completely against the amendment in a narrowly •Martin Velazquez III D Endorsed by PA-GALA circulated poll by an anti-gay rights organization. ** Would introduce or cosponsor the amendment of sexual 4 Made no attempt to alert voters that she had drastically orientation to the city's Anti-discrimination Ordinance. altered her view, though asked to do so by PA-CALA. * In a Morning Call article about candidate support of the 4 Other information from this candidate no longer Anti-discrimination Ordinance indicated: Yes. May intro deemed reliable. duce the amendment. 4 4 Suspected ties to anti-gay rights group: "Citizens for > "Throughout all my relationships, both personally and with Traditional Values." members of our community, I have endeavored to be fair NAME EQUALITY BENEFITS ANTI-VIOLENCE FUNDING Lehigh County General '99—Voter Information from PA-GALA JUDGE-PENNSYLVANIA SUPERIOR COURT DISTRICT ATTORNEY •Berle Schiller D Endorsed by PA-GALA and endorsed by •Glenn Clark D Endorsed by PA-GALA Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club in the Primary * Would establish a policy of non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and institute sensitivity training for LEHIGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER AT LARGE staff and employees. •Jane R. Ervln R Endorsed by PA-GALA * Supports hate crimes and hate crimes statistics bills. * Would support a non-discrimination policy that includes * "I will prosecute all hate crimes to the fullest extent of sexual orientation for county employment and contracts. the law. In addition, I will work with other law enforce * "Many gays and lesbians have contributed to the revi- ment officials to heighten their awareness of and talization of downtown Allentown by buying homes response to such crimes." and improving them. This brings stability to the region James B. Martin R and raises property values as well as the quality of life > Rather than answering the questionnaire submitted a for downtown residents." broad statement. •John F. McHugh R Endorsed by PA-GALA * Opposed to discrimination based upon any factor not * Has contacted PA-GALA to request a meeting to gather related to merit. more information about the issue of benefits for partners > Did not commit to establish a policy of non-discrimination. of county employees. * "I support Senate Bill 554 and House Bill 45." (Hate * Would not specifically commit to supporting a non Crimes Legislation) discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation for county employment and contracts but expressed NAME ANTI VIOLENCE EQUALITY support of the concept. •Clark * * John V. Cooney D Martin * * * Would support a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation for county employment and contracts. SHERIFF * "I strongly believe in educating people on how to value difference." Ronald W. Rossi D Benjamin F. Howells Jr. D * "Selections of Deputies are based strictly upon qualifications." > "Probably" would support a non-discrimination policy Chris Altieri R that includes sexual orientation.for county employment * "I believe it is important to the community that every and contracts. one's civil and Constitutional rights are respected." > "Tolerance, love, compassion." MAMC CO\l I A I ITV