Gay and Lesbian Vote ‘99 - General

12 Pages·1999·2.6 MB·English

by  Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Political Action

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
[phone] [phone] Harrisburg, PA 17108
Fax [phone] Fax [phone]
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 [phone]
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002 18703 Fax [phone]
[phone]
Fax [phone]
"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