Steel City Stonewall Democrats - Questionnaires From Thomas R. Michalow & Jim Burn Who are Running For Allegheny County Council In District 1 & 3

Thom Michalow will be running in the November 3rd, 2009 general election against the current incumbent in District 1: Republican Matt Drodz.  

 

Matt Drodz is one of the County Council members who dropped out from co-sponsoring the Allegheny County Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

Name of Candidate: Thomas R. Michalow

Office Sought: County Council District 1 - Allegheny County Council District 1 includes the comunities of: Aleppo, Avalon, Bellevue, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights. Coraopolis, Crecent, Edgeworth, Kilbuck, Leet, Leetsdale, Moon, Ross, Sewickley, & West View

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

While living in Virginia, I attended several events sponsored by the LGBT community.  More recently, I attended a Democratic Dinner to specifically hear Congressman Frank speak and I look forward to personally meeting Bruce Kraus.

 

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

I have never had opportunity on the local level to work directly with the Stonewall Democrats.  I know from political and personal circles Janis Williams.  

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

Sexual orientation should be moot in consideration for any employment.  

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.

Though one cannot legislate against freedom of speech; one can legislate equality and respect.  I am familiar with Councilperson Green’s legislation and support it 100%.    

 

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 am very familiar with this issue as it was a major source of controversy during my cadetship at Virginia Military Institute.  As part of a class assignment, I gave a presentation defending LGBT rights in the military.  Please see extended response I.   

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?

Domestic violence, regardless of the orientation of the victim, is a matter of grave concern.  I assert that the LGBT community and the straight community must work together on behalf of all victims.  In terms of the specific question, there definitely should be a sensitivity training for all providers that deal with victims of assault.    

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.

Please see attached statement II.  

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 birthcontrol.  

Please see attached statement III.  

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

Please see attached statement IV.  

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.

Please see attached statement V.  

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

Support

 

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

Please see attached statement VI.  

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

Support 

 

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

I support open GLBT members throughout the formal party structure on all levels. I would encourage GLBT constituents if they are interested in running for County or State Committee.

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?

Yes, I attended a couple of events in support of Bruce Kraus. No, I don't believe orientation or identity are relevant to public service.

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

I would advocate for the inclusion of the LGBT business community on various boards that deal with economic and community development policy.

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?

 

Yes.  

 

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?

As with employment, sexual orientation should be moot for access to governmental services and justice. 

 

Both the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ("GLCC") and Persad  (for more information about these organizations, click http://www.glccpgh.org/Home.aspx and  http://www.persadcenter.org/index.htm) 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 their current search for a new location?

 

Support

 

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.

Please see attached statement VII.

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

We are just launching my campaign now. I would be honored to have Steel City Stonewall's endorsement and I am also seeking endorsement from various unions.  

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?

Please see attached statement VIII.  

Signature of candidate and date signed:

 

Thomas R. Michalow  2/10/09

 

Extended Responses

I.  Summary of my advocacy speech while a cadet at VMI.

The core of my thesis was that the reasons LGBT persons are excluded from Military service are inherently hypocritical and are the definition of asinine.  Here are the 4 most common reasons heard in military circles to prevent LGBT from serving.   Italicized words are the typical arguments of those who wish to prevent LGBT persons from serving in the military.  

1.  Homosexuality is a sin.  It makes no sense in an organization designed for the murder of other human beings to invoke the name of God.  Further, the passive tolerance of the US Military for the sexually abusive situations generated by our troops who are stationed over-seas is reprehensible.  

2.  Gay soldiers are effeminate and cannot do the task.  The most ridiculous of the argument easily dispelled by modern reality and historical evidence such as Alexander the Great.  

3.  A relationship within a unit will cause trouble within a unit.  A quasi-valid argument, this too is easily defeated by stating that Espirit de Corps and the close bonding of a unit and the friendships one creates within a unit are stronger than a sexual relationship.  

4.  The source of the majority of infantry is from the rural south where the common outlook on homosexuality is severely negative.  Thus, regardless of the ideal desires of those who want LGBT equality, the reality of LGBT persons serving in the military would be the collapse of morale within our infantry units.   The most legitimate argument against the LGBT person because it is sadly true.  The vast majority of soldiers and marines carrying rifles for our nation are rural southerners or poor urbanites and from personal experience I know many harbor not only homophobia but are often closet racists.  I do not have a solution to this problem but I do have two profound statements.  A.  One has to call into question the system we have that depends on the economically disadvantaged and undereducated to fill the ranks of our military.  B.  Though it is unpopular because of the Vietnam War and the in-equitable way it was applied, I am a proponent of a universal draft with the caveat that there is no way to buy your way out of it.

In conclusion, “Don’t ask don’t tell,” though well intentioned, had the opposite result.  Instead of allowing increased access to military service, it actually has caused more persons to be ejected from the military.  I emphatically believe it is your duty to serve not a privilege.  I re-assert that sexual orientation should be moot in any employment consideration.  

II. Extended response to equality for same-sex couples…

The government needs extend equal rights to all domestic partnerships or get out of the business all together.  Though a bit radical, I feel that the modern reality of marriage has become substantially different from the laws that govern it.  To incentivize only heterosexual marriage via tax breaks and healthcare is certainly out of date.  During the Kerry campaign I read an article in a LGBT periodical that stated that healthcare and marriages are really 2 separate issues connected only by our outdated laws and I agree.  The real issue is how to help people create a family.  Civil unions regardless of the orientation of the people involved, as a legal arrangement, should be equal under the law.  

III. Extended answer to the government’s role in sex education…

As a public school teacher, I am hyper aware of the incredible amount of damage done to this nation by “abstinence only” sex education.  I use a simple metaphor and reference the rest of the industrialized world when discussing what I believe the government’s role should be.  Pragmatically, sex is like a river.  To try and stop it is folly and will create more problems.  This simple statement is very apropos.  Surely, as adults, we wish to help our teens make the transition to adulthood with wisely chosen advice and assistance but to pretend that one can halt via fear a natural force is ridiculous.  As previously stated, one needs only to look at the other developed nations to see how misguided sex education has been in the United States.  In Europe and Japan, where one has access to reality based sex-education and birth-control (provided in many instances by their universal healthcare systems), the rates of stds and unwanted pregnancies are significantly lower than an in US.  (The last time I checked the rate of abortion in Germany was 1/10 of the United States.)  I find it the height of hypocrisy that an insurance company will pay 10k for a vasectomy but will not cover the “pill.”  I find it tragic that in 1989 during my STD orientation at VMI the factoid was that 1/4 of people have a STD.  A former student who just joined the Navy told me the new standard is 1/3.  

IV. Extended answer to gay-straight student alliance….

I believe the time is right for the Steel City Democrats to begin an initiative to create gay-straight student alliances at the high school level.  I suggest that the group use the existing college groups to begin a regional outreach program.  It is unrealistic to create a chapter for every school, but there definitely should be a regional program.  

V.  Extended answer to protection from discrimination in schools…

Bullying is a reality for many students for many realities.  Many schools have begun to address the issue with varying degrees of success.  And from personal experience, I am happy to report that I have had many openly gay students in my classes.  As to the specific incidences concerning orientation, I assert the NEA’s position is correct, that every child is entitled to a safe environment.  

VI. New HIV infections…

I am glad to answer this question as it is the first which, if elected, I can have direct impact upon.  As part of the body that governs the Allegheny County Health Board, I hope to make a positive impact on the fight against the HIV epidemic by influencing local policy and advocating on behalf of the victims of HIV in higher circles of power.  

VII. Extended answer on abortion…

Forgive me if my response gets too emotional but I have very strong feeling concerning women’s reproductive rights that are based in my study of history and personal experience.  Beginning with history, the wealthy classes have always had access to birth control be it in the form of condoms, abortion, or the sexual abuse of prostitutes by wealthy males.  Next, whenever I see anti-abortion protesters, I envision the ring of people around the “adulteress” who Jesus tells the one without sin to cast the first stone.  Previously, I was mildly pro-choice before I became a teacher.  Like many males, I would say that “I am a guy…I have no say in the matter.”  Now, I accept that stance as ok, but I assert that for a leader in a community it is not enough.  After having spoken to on a personal level many girls whose first sexual experience is abusive, who have been gang-date raped, who have endured the brutality of rape, and blamed themselves, I vocally advocate for a woman’s right to her body.  

VIII.  Anything else..

I agree with the earlier question that there were some issues that I was not familiar with and I welcome input from the Stonewall Democrats.  I am also concerned that I do not want to over-promise to the GLBT community.  As a county council person, my main areas of concern will be wise budgeting, taxes, and infrastructure.  Though much of the county’s budget does involve social service which I hope to positively influence, the reality of county social services is that policies are set at higher levels of power.  

 

 

Thomas R. Michalow will be running in the November 3rd, 2009 general election against the current incumbent in District 1: Republican Matt Drodz.  

 

Matt Drodz is one of the County Council members who dropped out from co-sponsoring the Allegheny County Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

***********************************************************************************************************************************

Name of Candidate: Jim Burn

Office Sought:    County Council District 3 - Allegheny County Council District 3 includes the cities of Blawnox, Brackenridge, East Deer, Etna, Fawn, Fox Chapel, Frazer, Harrison, Indiana, Milvale, O'Hara, Reserve, Shaler, Sharpsburg, Springdale Township, & Tarentum.

Email address: jrb@abesbaumann.com

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

Several events that have been held on 5^th avenue over the last 5 years

Describe your familiarity with Greater Pittsburgh's LGBT Community.

Very familiar

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

I support hiring all qualified candidates for any position. 

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, I have co sponsored such a bill on County Council. However, the bill and this law must not infringe on the rights of religious groups or other organizations  whose beliefs may differ from LGBT, the bill needs amended to protect all groups including the LGBT community.

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.

See above

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?

As Chair of the Public Safety committee for the county, I would welcome discussion of this issue. Please let me know how we can draw attention to it in my committee.

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 support marriage equality, i.e. same benefits and privileges but not marriage of same sex couples.

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, It should be part of a larger curriculum discussing all issues.

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 birthcontrol.  

Government programs that promote education, and awareness are only beneficial to all of society.

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

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.

I support protection where necessary and believe bullying in these instances is tantamount to a hate crime.

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

Support

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

Have and will support any legislation to accomplish this objective.

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

Support, As Party Chairman, I have invited the Stonewall Democrats to sit on the Advisory Board to the Party, which they accepted.

If elected, what would you do about this issue?

See above

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 have supported, will support and do not believe this should not EVER stop ANY candidate from running, we are the party of diversity.

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

Continue to engage in the community and hope to make them aware of opportunities .

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?

Yes, if they are qualified.

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?

Again, LGBT, if qualified should be given the same chance as any other applicant. Again, there are some organizations, religious groups whose beliefs may conflict, and I have referenced this in my comments above.

Both the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ("GLCC") and Persad  (for more information about these organizations, click http://www.glccpgh.org/Home.aspx and  http://www.persadcenter.org/index.htm) 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 their current search for a new location?

 

Support,     I support looking for funding.

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.

Not something my wife and I as practicing catholics would ever choose to do. It is proven that education and government programs teaching safe sex, planned parenthood and adoption options greatly reduce abortions versus regulation.

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

Working on that now.

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?

Thank you for your support when I ran in 2005, thank you for your endorsement when I ran for Party Chair.  I love the passion and enthusiasm for democratic issues that Stonewall exhibits.  I would be honored and humbled to have your support again. I am available to answer any questions or to address any concerns that you may have about my answers.

Signature of candidate and date signed:

/jb/ 2-18-09