Completed Questionnaires From Candidates Running For Mayor of Pittsburgh In The November 3rd, 2009 General Election

Office Sought:     MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

 

Campaign Contact name:    Mike DeVanney

Phone Number: 412.481.3150 Fax:   412.481.3153

Email address:   kacklin@acklinforpittsburgh.com

 

Please list any receptions, events, parades or other functions that you have attended that were sponsored by an LGBT group or organization:

I attended the 2009 Pittsburgh Pride Fest and spoke on the stage in full support of the Allegheny County Anti-Discrimination Bill and in support of full recognition of marriage equality.  I also attended the signing of the Anti-Discrimination Bill at the Warhol Museum.

In 2008, I met with a group of GLCC board members to discuss volunteerism opportunities with my non-profit community organization, RenewPittsburgh.  I’ve also learned about and encouraged people to attend GLCC youth events and programs.

 

When I lived in Washington D.C. and attended Georgetown University Law School, I attended and supported events sponsored by the Log Cabin Republicans.

 

 

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

I am aware of, and also a supporter of, Pittsburgh’s LGBT community. I’ve attended political meetings and rallies, including the rally at Schenley Plaza to support the County Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.  I’ve met with and spoken to many members of the LGBT community, and I’m aware of the work of many of its community groups, especially the GLCC (including the problems they’ve had with their building) and the Steel City Stonewall Democrats (including the lack of full support from the Mayor’s office).

On that last note, I want to say that when I’m Mayor, I’ll announce that I’m forming an LGBT Advisory Council – and then I’ll actually fill it.  And use it.  And engage it.  And value it.  It won’t be an empty gesture, and it won’t just be one announcement of an initiative with no meaningful follow-through.

What is your position on hiring LGBT people?  Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector?

Because I strongly favor and value diversity in government, and because I believe that a good government reflects the good people it serves, an Acklin Administration would have a strong commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.  We would not discriminate against any qualified candidate, we would most certainly hire LGBT people to work for the city, and we would both respect and value the LGBT people who already do work for the city.  

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

Absolutely.

 

The Federal Government, the State nor the County Government have laws that offer protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in employment, housing or public accommodations. Would you support legislation against such discrimination?

Absolutely.  And I’ve already done so. 

As I noted above, I attended the Schenley Plaza Rally in support of LGBT Rights, I signed up and spoke before County Council in support of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, I spoke in favor of the ordinance at PrideFest, and I attended the signing of the ordinance into law at the Warhol Museum. 

 

As Mayor, I would continue to be an outspoken advocate for the rights of the LGBT community, and I would do everything in my power to make certain that neither it, nor any other community in the city of Pittsburgh, faced discrimination.

 

Please discuss your views on amending the law to include such protections on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and gender expression.

As a strong believer in the rights of the individual, I believe that government should do everything it can to prevent all kinds of discrimination, including any against the LGBT community. Preventing such discrimination should not just be left to the federal government, nor to the state; it’s imperative to show leadership at all levels of government, and I believe we should lead in this issue at the city level.  In my administration, we will. 

 

 

LGBT citizens are also discriminated against by the government.  "Don't Ask Don't Tell" not only stops LGBT citizens from serving openly in the military, it also encourages anti-gay harassment in stopping victims from reporting harassment by labeling it as "telling" under the policy.  Would you vote to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy”?

As Mayor, I would, of course, have no direct impact on ending or continuing that policy.  But if I did, I would vote to end it.  “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is bad policy, doesn’t make our country safer, and should be eliminated.

 

In addition, Hospitals often refuse to discuss end-of-life issues with same-sex partners and GLBT senior citizens are often discriminated against by health providers who fail to recognize their relationships. Would you support government regulations that would stop this discrimination?

Yes. 

The easiest way to stop this discrimination is to recognize domestic partnerships and marriage equality.

 

Victims of same-sex domestic violence face a fear that police and emergency responders will not respond appropriately when the couple is the same sex and LGBT people face discrimination by emergency services personnel.  For example, preoperative transgender people may be afraid to call emergency services for fear of being ridiculed.  If elected, what would you do to help eliminate this problem?

I’ve long been an advocate for victims of domestic violence.  I lead my law firm’s efforts to represent, on a pro bono basis, clients in Protection from Abuse cases.  In that pro bono work, I’ve represented several clients in same-sex domestic violence issues.

As Mayor, I would institute a training program for our police officers and other public safety employees to raise awareness of and sensitivity to these kinds of issues, to ensure that all victims of domestic violence, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, receive not just the full protection of the law, but also the respect and compassion they deserve.

 

Do you support domestic partner benefits for government and governmental agency employees?

Yes.

 

Discuss your thoughts on marriage equality for same-sex couples; while the position you seek may not directly affect this issue, it is important for us to understand your perspective.

I fully support it.  I have openly and publicly supported marriage equality in the city and in the county – including, as I already noted, at the 2009 Pittsburgh PrideFest.

 

 

 

Over the past decade, government money has been used to promote “abstinence-only-until-marriage” programs  in schools.  Even though same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania, to qualify for government support, schools must teach that any sexual relationships outside of  marriage is “likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects.” Do you support or oppose abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula?

Oppose.

 

 

Discuss your thoughts on government's role in shaping school curricula for sex education, including comprehensive education that advocates for safe sex and the use of condoms and birth control. 

Our schools have the responsibility to educate our children and prepare them to succeed in every possible way.  One of the most important ways is in health education.  I fully support comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

   

Do you have any thoughts on the formation of gay-straight student alliances within the public school systems?

Gay-straight student alliances are wonderful ways to promote diversity and tolerance and inclusiveness. Just as importantly, they provide a genuine, powerful support network that can foster much-needed comfort and confidence and self-esteem for the children involved.

 

Please discuss your views on protection from real, or perceived, discrimination in the schools  and in school extra-curricula activities regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and gender identification, including bullying.

Bullying and discrimination of anyone for any reason, especially in our schools, must be taken seriously and addressed swiftly. I believe our schools need to be especially sensitive to this type of bullying and discrimination, especially in light of the high depression and suicide rates among LGBT teenagers.  Thus, I would both support and encourage training for staff and teachers that would help them recognize and respond to it.

 

Do you support needle exchange as a way of reducing new HIV infections in IV drug users?

I support all sorts of education and treatment initiatives to reduce new HIV infections, and also to reduce drug abuse, but I do not support needle exchange programs.  I don’t believe we should enable one destructive health problem in the hopes of preventing another.  I do believe that the best way to reduce new HIV infections in IV drug users is to provide comprehensive treatment and education to addicts and support for their families.

 

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I would do everything I could, through public health education and awareness programs, to prevent HIV infections, and also to treat and prevent drug use.

 

Do you support inclusion of LGBT people within the official Democratic Party structure, including official representation on the county, state and national levels?

Absolutely.  I support LGBT inclusion in the structure and leadership of ALL political parties.  I also believe that locally, both the Democratic and Republican parties have fallen short of inclusion within their party structures.

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

As an Independent, and thus a Mayor without his own party structure, I would have no immediate impact on the structure of the Democratic Party or any other.  But I could – and surely would – lead by example, including LGBT people within the structure of my administration and in all the rest of city government.


Have you ever supported an openly LGBT person running for public office?

Yes.  (Including several local candidates.)

Do you believe a person's sexuality or gender identity and expression should stop them from running for public office?

Absolutely not.

If elected, what outreach would you do to the LGBT business community to encourage their participation in community planning and economic development?

I’ve already begun that process.  Even here in the early stages of my campaign, I’ve had meetings with leaders in the LGBT business community.  They’re a key stakeholder in this city, and they’re key to the growth and success of the whole region.  Community input, interaction, and participation will be hallmarks of my administration, and I’ll seek ties to the LGBT business community as a core part of that process.

 
Currently, both locally and statewide, GLBT citizens are underrepresented on Boards and Commissions. Would you advocate on behalf of qualified GLBT citizens who are interested in appointments?

Absolutely.

 

 

What are your views on the rights of LGBT people to competently and professionally deliver governmental and government-fund services and the need for culturally competent training for government employees? For example, requiring drug and alcohol agencies to not discriminate against LGBT clients?

My administration would have a strict, zero-tolerance policy – and I assure you that, unlike in the current administration, zero tolerance would actually mean zero tolerance – for discrimination of any kind or against any one.  When I’m Mayor, city government will afford LGBT people the same rights and protections, the same respects and courtesies, as every other person in the city.

 

Another divisive issue confronting our country is the issue of abortion.  Please discuss your position on abortion and any thoughts you have on the current abortion debate.

As a lawyer, I have read and studied the Roe v. Wade decision.  I believe it strikes a balance between protecting the interest of the state and ensuring the safeties and freedoms of its citizens.  Though I am personally opposed to abortion, as Mayor I would not work to undermine the law as it stands today.  

This, I believe, puts me in the company of most Pittsburghers and most Americans: wanting to reduce the number of abortions.  Unlike Luke Ravenstahl, who voted against them when he was a member of Pittsburgh City Council, I fully support the creation of “bubble zones” around health clinics and doctor’s offices.  While protesters have a right to have their voices heard, public safety should always take precedence.  

 

What other endorsements have you received?  Are you supported by any unions?

Today marks the start of the seventh week of my campaign for Mayor, and we’re still almost four months from Election Day, so the process of seeking endorsements has only just begun.  I’m proud to say that yours is the first endorsement process in which I have taken part.  It surely will not be the last.

If you are endorsed by Steel City Stonewall Democrats, will you display it on your campaign literature, when possible and appropriate?

Yes.  Proudly.

 

If you answered no, why not?

As a candidate, some of the issues raised in this questionnaire may be new to you.  If elected, would you be willing to work with Steel City Stonewall Democrats and other representatives of the LGBT community to create a better understanding of the needs and issues confronting us?

Absolutely.

 

 

Are there particular areas of concern that you have that we have not addressed?

No.

 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

When I officially kicked off my campaign for Mayor, I invoked the spirit of former Mayor Pete Flaherty, who once promised to be “Nobody’s Boy.” I told the 400+ people who’d come out to support me on that rainy June night that I would take Mayor Flaherty’s defiant, independent spirit one better.  That night, I promised to be EVERYBODY’S Boy.

I promised to make decisions based not on what’s best for my for my administration, but on what’s best for all of our neighborhoods.  I’ll promised to make policy based not on what’s best for a few donors and dignitaries, but on what’s best for all of our citizens.  I promised to support legislation that helps not just the powerful and the politically connected, but the powerless and the politically forgotten.

I promised to be a tireless advocate, an uplifted voice, and an unwavering champion for every single person living in Pittsburgh – no matter who they are, how they were born, or what they believe.  

For too long, this city has been played for the benefit of the few.  For too long, this administration has ignored or downplayed or just simply dismissed the concerns of whole communities.  

When I’m Mayor, that sort of nonsense will stop.  I’ll grow the city, give a voice to the voiceless, and make Pittsburgh the kind of place we all know it can be -- one worthy of our rich heritage, and dedicated to our boundless potential.

Your endorsement will help me deliver those changes to Pittsburgh.  I would be thrilled and honored to have it.

 

Thank you.

 

Signature of candidate and date signed:

     KEVIN ACKLIN 

   7/15/09

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Candidate: Franco Dok Harris

Office Sought:    _________Mayor____________________________________________

Campaign Contact name:  Emily Brungo

Phone Number: 412-620-8823 Fax:

Email address: forgeahead@harrisforpittsburgh.com

 

Please list any receptions, events, parades or other functions that you have attended that were sponsored by an LGBT group or organization:  Pridefest, Delta Happy hour at 5801, Ellsworth Avenue Drag Show

 

 

 

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

I am familiar with the Pittsburgh area's GLBT community in a number of ways, from supporting GLBT owned, operated, and friendly businesses, attending GLBT organized events

 

What is your position on hiring LGBT people?  Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector?

I am committed to merit based hiring in my campaign and during my administration.  People will be hired based on their skill set, their passion for this city, and their commitment to providing excellent service to the people of Pittsburgh.  I believe that a culture of respect and acceptance is crucial in forging the best team for this campaign and for this city.

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

_x__ Yes     ____ No       ____ No comment / no answer 

 

The Federal Government, the State nor the County Government have laws that offer protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in employment, housing or public accommodations. Would you support legislation against such discrimination?

__x__ Yes     ____ No       Please explain:  Discrimination in any form is violence.  60 years ago we watched as discrimination based on race in terms of housing, employment, and public accommodations was legal and often times lauded in certain areas of this country.  Through the blood and sweat of committed individuals we were able to move past that, yet those who retain the desire to hate remain, and continue to find ways to discriminate against minority populations in this country.  Discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation is part of that legacy of hate, and shows how much further we have to go.  I fully support anti-discrimination legislation. 

Many conservative groups believe that this issue should not be legislated, but should remain a matter for the private sphere to resolve on their own.  I disagree - where law has created disparate treatments of people, the law must then work to solve that discrepancy.  Equal protection under our laws means equal protection no matter who you are. 

 

Please discuss your views on amending the law to include such protections on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and gender expression.

It's a testament to how our legal system works that we must expand out equal protection and anti-discrimination laws in a piecemeal fashion.  Rights which should be universal are expanded bit by bit - to racial minorities, to women, to people of different national origin, etc.  That we still have yet to expand them out to protect all manners of sexual orientation is absurd - the process should have been complete years ago.  As mayor of Pittsburgh, I will guarantee that we will not practice discrimination in employment, and furthermore will create an atmosphere of respect within city government.

 

 

LGBT citizens are also discriminated against by the government.  "Don't Ask Don't Tell" not only stops LGBT citizens from serving openly in the military, it also encourages anti-gay harassment in stopping victims from reporting harassment by labeling it as "telling" under the policy.  Would you vote to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy”?

I believe that we need to legislate anti-discrimination policies on a Federal level that cover all aspects of the Federal government.  We cannot tolerate discrimination in any form within our armed services.  On the mayoral level, I will enforce anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies within our public services and focus on creating an atmosphere of respect.

 

In addition, Hospitals often refuse to discuss end-of-life issues with same-sex partners and GLBT senior citizens are often discriminated against by health providers who fail to recognize their relationships. Would you support government regulations that would stop this discrimination?

I find this to be not only heartless but against the basic tenant of medicine itself - "Do No Harm."  Hospitals that fail to recognize a choice of partnership are committing harm directly to those that are most in need of compassion.  End-of-life decisions are such an incredibly painful part of life that denying the counsel and comfort of a patient's partner in the decision making process is inhumane.  I fully support government regulations that allow a patient to designate a state-recognized partner in such situations, and that partner should be recognized with the same rights as a spouse.

 

 

Victims of same-sex domestic violence face a fear that police and emergency responders will not respond appropriately when the couple is the same sex and LGBT people face discrimination by emergency services personnel.  For example, preoperative transgender people may be afraid to call emergency services for fear of being ridiculed.  If elected, what would you do to help eliminate this problem?

I am committed to creating an atmosphere of respect in City government, and will see to it that the atmosphere permeates our entire civil organization.  I will not tolerate ridicule, abuse, nor discrimination from city employees, and will communicate that, from day 1, those found violating that standard will be held accountable by me. 

 

Do you support domestic partner benefits for government and governmental agency employees?

__x__ Yes     ____ No       ____ No comment / no answer

 

Discuss your thoughts on marriage equality for same-sex couples; while the position you seek may not directly affect this issue, it is important for us to understand your perspective.

I believe that in the eyes of the state that every partnership between two consenting adults should have equal rights and full protection of the law.  I will fight to guarantee those rights and that protection while in office. 

Over the past decade, government money has been used to promote “abstinence-only-until-marriage” programs  in schools.  Even though same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania, to qualify for government support, schools must teach that any sexual relationships outside of  marriage is “likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects.” Do you support or oppose abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula?

____ Support     __x__ Oppose       ____ No comment / no answer

 

I feel that abstinence-only educational policies are a disservice to our children and our communities.  The teaching of marriage-centered, hetero-normative curricula is greatly exclusionary at a period in most children's lives when inclusion must be taught - not just in terms of sexual identity, but in the myriad other aspects of a child's identity which may make them the target of social stigma.  This includes physical and mental challenges, inability to play sports, bookishness, national origin and race, obesity, and every other trait that has been used to bully and stigmatize kids.  Education is the bedrock of our next generation; it has to face real world issues with real world answers, not politics-driven myopia. 

 

Discuss your thoughts on government's role in shaping school curricula for sex education, including comprehensive education that advocates for safe sex and the use of condoms and birth control. 

The Mayor's office has little direct control over shaping curricula in our schools, but it does provide the opportunity to help raise public awareness and support for curriculum choices.  I advocate real-world education that teaches how to deal with real life situations.  That means teaching students of the appropriate age about safe sex, birth control, STI's, and the seriousness of the decision that they are making if they decide to become sexually active.  The duty of the schools is to serve their students and give them the most information so that the students may make educated decisions in their life.   

Do you have any thoughts on the formation of gay-straight student alliances within the public school systems?

I'm in favor of allowing students to form their own groups in a free and unencumbered manner, and would support the formation student groups that advocate gay-straight interactions, activities, sports and games, and any other manner of encouraging students to interact. 

Please discuss your views on protection from real, or perceived, discrimination in the schools  and in school extra-curricula activities regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and gender identification, including bullying.

As I stated above, bullying is a violent problem in our schools that transcends sexual orientation and gender identity.  Bullying and the creation of social stigma is an issue that schools have faced for years, often unsuccessfully, as the insecurity of being a child and a teenager often turns into the desire to cause anguish in others.  While the mayor's office doesn't have any control over how the schools enforce anti-bullying policy, I will push for the culture of respect I create within city government to be the standard to which our other organizations are held, and work to building public support towards that end.

Do you support needle exchange as a way of reducing new HIV infections in IV drug users?

_x___ Support     ____ Oppose       ____ No comment / no answer

 

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I support realistic solutions like needle exchanges.  We will work with existing NFP and health care organizations to provide clean needles in an effort to not only combat HIV but also Hepatitis and other blood-borne infections

Do you support inclusion of LGBT people within the official Democratic Party structure, including official representation on the county, state and national levels?

__x__ Support     ____ Oppose       ____ No comment / no answer

 

I am, however, not part of the Democratic Party structure just to clarify.

 

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

There is not much direct action I could take when elected to improve inclusion within the official structure of either party, but I do hope to lead towards creating more inclusive atmospheres by practicing inclusion within my own administration.

Have you ever supported an openly LGBT person running for public office?  Do you believe a person's sexuality or gender identity and expression should stop them from running for public office?

I supported Hugh McGough for judge, but under Pennsylvania's archaic voting system was unable to vote for him since I am a non-party affiliated voter and could not vote in the primary.

If elected, what outreach would you do to the LGBT business community to encourage their participation in community planning and economic development?

I believe that economic revitalization is best created by empowering entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources to succeed.  This includes creating an atmosphere of "YES" on Grant Street, where we will actively help businesses meet code, receive the permits they need, and create jobs, all without playing politics.  This city has a significant number of GLBT owned and operated businesses that serve as examples of entrepreneurial success.  I look forward to reaching out to these business leaders and others from across our diverse city to help maintain our city's spirit of entrepreneurship and continue our economic development. 

Currently, both locally and statewide, GLBT citizens are underrepresented on Boards and Commissions. Would you advocate on behalf of qualified GLBT citizens who are interested in appointments?

 

I am an advocate of putting qualified individuals on boards, commissions and authorities, and look toward doing it without the political games that have plagued the process for years.  This commitment includes supporting qualified GLBT candidates to such positions. 

 

What are your views on the rights of LGBT people to competently and professionally delivered governmental and government-fund services and the need for culturally competent training for government employees? For example, requiring drug and alcohol agencies to not discriminate against LGBT clients?

GLBT people have the same rights as all Pittsburghers and will receive the same treatment in a professional and respectful manner.  As I've stated, I will forge a culture of respect within City government, and will require professionalism in all aspects of city services. 

 

 

Another divisive issue confronting our country is the issue of abortion.  Please discuss your position on abortion and any thoughts you have on the current abortion debate.

While I hope that I never have to weigh in on this issue on a personal level, I am pro-choice, and feel that the state has no right to try and impede a women's right to choose.  It's a personal question that the woman and her partner must make themselves in accordance with their personal, religious, and philosophical beliefs.

That said, I will act to protect women who are seeking abortions from violence and intimidation.  I will not tolerate those individuals who seek to attack women in what may be the most vulnerable moment of their lives. 

What other endorsements have you received?  Are you supported by any unions?

We have not yet received any other endorsements. 

If you are endorsed by Steel City Stonewall Democrats, will you display it on your campaign literature, when possible and appropriate?

__x__ Yes     ____ No       ____ No comment / no answer   

 

If you answered no, why not?

As a candidate, some of the issues raised in this questionnaire may be new to you.  If elected, would you be willing to work with Steel City Stonewall Democrats and other representatives of the LGBT community to create a better understanding of the needs and issues confronting us?

___x_ Yes     ____ No       ____ No comment / no answer

 

Are there particular areas of concern that you have that we have not addressed?

 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a thorough questionnaire, and I thank you for the opportunity to share my beliefs.  If you have any additional questions please let me know.

Signature of candidate and date signed:

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name of Candidate:   Luke Ravenstahl  

Office Sought:   Mayor – City of Pittsburgh    

Campaign Contact name:   Paul McKrell 

Phone Number:   (412) 288-6086      Fax:

Email address:   info@lukeformayor.com  

Please list any receptions, events, parades or other functions that you have attended that were sponsored by an LGBT group or organization: 

PrideFest (June 2008), Closing party for the Holiday Bar (April 2007) 

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community. 

Pittsburgh has a large, active and diverse LGBT community and I have personally been to LGBT events and am proud to know and to have worked with many folks in the community. The Pride March and PrideFest celebration last year impressed me by the large turnout and diverse group that it attracted, including crossover and support from the non-LGBT community. I also have heard the concerns of the community for protections against discrimination, greater visibility, access and inclusion, among other issues.  The voice of the LGBT community is important to me and the City which is why I am forming Pittsburgh's LGBT Advisory Council. 

What is your position on hiring LGBT people?  Should LGBT people be hired in the public sector? 

LGBT people should be considered for employment without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  
 

Would you hire an openly LGBT person on your staff?

Yes 

The Federal Government, the State nor the County Government have laws that offer protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in employment, housing or public accommodations. Would you support legislation against such discrimination? 

Yes 

Please discuss your views on amending the law to include such protections on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and gender expression. 

I believe that LGBT people should be considered for employment without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. 

LGBT citizens are also discriminated against by the government.  "Don't Ask Don't Tell" not only stops LGBT citizens from serving openly in the military, it also encourages anti-gay harassment in stopping victims from reporting harassment by labeling it as "telling" under the policy.  Would you vote to end "Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy"? 

Yes 

In addition, Hospitals often refuse to discuss end-of-life issues with same-sex partners and GLBT senior citizens are often discriminated against by health providers who fail to recognize their relationships. Would you support government regulations that would stop this discrimination? 

Yes 

Victims of same-sex domestic violence face a fear that police and emergency responders will not respond appropriately when the couple is the same sex and LGBT people face discrimination by emergency services personnel.  For example, preoperative transgender people may be afraid to call emergency services for fear of being ridiculed.  If elected, what would you do to help eliminate this problem? 

Presently the City of Pittsburgh prohibits such discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.  I would work with the Public Safety department to ensure that training is provided to ensure that all citizens are treated equally. 

Do you support domestic partner benefits for government and governmental agency employees?  

Yes 

Discuss your thoughts on marriage equality for same-sex couples; while the position you seek may not directly affect this issue, it is important for us to understand your perspective. 

As a Catholic, I believe that marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman. I do, however, believe that the same legal rights should be available to same sex couples and have promoted the same at the City level. 

Over the past decade, government money has been used to promote "abstinence-only-until-marriage" programs in schools.  Even though same-sex couples still cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania, to qualify for government support, schools must teach that any sexual relationships outside of marriage are "likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects." Do you support or oppose abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula? 

Oppose

Discuss your thoughts on government's role in shaping school curricula for sex education, including comprehensive education that advocates for safe sex and the use of condoms and birth control.   

Secular public schools should present age-appropriate sex education for students which includes all aspects of sex education sanctioned or accepted by scientifically based, non-agenda-driven authorities such as the American Medical Association or American Psychiatric Association. 

Do you have any thoughts on the formation of gay-straight student alliances within the public school systems?  

No comment / no answer 

Please discuss your views on protection from real, or perceived, discrimination in the schools and in school extra-curricular activities regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and gender identification, including bullying. 

Presently the City of Pittsburgh prohibits such discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.   

Do you support needle exchange as a way of reducing new HIV infections in IV drug users?  

No comment / no answer 

If elected, what would you do about this issue? 

Do you support inclusion of LGBT people within the official Democratic Party structure, including official representation on the county, state and national levels?  

I support inclusion of all within the Democratic Party and official representation, including those in the LGBT community

If elected, what would you do about this issue? 

I will continue to support the inclusion of all people, including members of the LGBT community, within the official Democratic Party structure and beyond. 

Have you ever supported an openly LGBT person running for public office?  Do you believe a person's sexuality or gender identity and expression should stop them from running for public office? 

I do not think that a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or expression should stop any citizen from running for public office. 

If elected, what outreach would you do to the LGBT business community to encourage their participation in community planning and economic development? 

LGBT businesses, just as any businesses, are invited to all meetings concerning any business, economic development and planning, within the City of Pittsburgh 

Currently, both locally and statewide, GLBT citizens are underrepresented on Boards and Commissions. Would you advocate on behalf of qualified GLBT citizens who are interested in appointments? 

My office is very interested in having a diverse representation on all City of Pittsburgh Boards & Commissions. 

What are your views on the rights of LGBT people to competently and professionally deliver governmental and government-fund services and the need for culturally competent training for government employees? For example, requiring drug and alcohol agencies to not discriminate against LGBT clients? 

Presently the City of Pittsburgh prohibits such discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. I promote that same philosophy.  

Both the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ("GLCC") and Persad  (for more information about these organizations, go to http://www.glccpgh.org/Home.aspx and  http://www.persadcenter.org/index.htm respectively) are in need of new location. Considering the roles that the GLCC and Persad have as a cultural destinations,  public forums and free public sites open to all, who provide public health education & HIV testing, would you be willing to provide political support and work to find sources of funding from the City, County and/or their subsidiary redevelopment agencies in its current search for a new location? 

My staff and I work with all community organizations that need our assistance.

If elected, would you be willing to meet with representatives of the GLCC, Persad, SCSD and other concerned members of the community to discuss the issue? 

Yes 

Another divisive issue confronting our country is the issue of abortion.  Please discuss your position on abortion and any thoughts you have on the current abortion debate. 

As a Catholic, I am Pro-Life. 

What other endorsements have you received?  Are you supported by any unions? 

I have received numerous endorsements in the past from labor, elected officials, parties and citizens groups.  I hope to have earned their endorsement again this year

If you are endorsed by Steel City Stonewall Democrats, will you display it on your campaign literature, when possible and appropriate?  

Yes 

As a candidate, some of the issues raised in this questionnaire may be new to you.  If elected, would you be willing to work with Steel City Stonewall Democrats and other representatives of the LGBT community to create a better understanding of the needs and issues confronting us?  

Yes 

Are there particular areas of concern that you have that we have not addressed? 

No 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

 

No

 

 

Luke Ravenstahl   02/21/09