STONEWALL DFL
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Friends Caucus of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota
(February 2005)
Candidate Questionnaire
What experience do you have with GLBT issues and the GLBT community?
I was founding producing artistic director of Pillsbury House Theatre in south Minneapolis. Our core mission was to provide a platform for marginalized people (women, gays and lesbians, people of color and the economically disenfranchised) to have their muted voices heard. For years I executive produced Backstreet Theatre, a GLBT late night cabaret at Pillsbury under the direction of Wendy Sawvel. I also directed and produced “Breaking Ice” a socio-political improv theater company that toured to schools and other institutions, dealing primarily with racism, sexism, homophobia and violence issues. I hosted gay cabarets and events around town and I produced several gay themed plays over the years at Pillsbury House Theatre.
I worked with HIV/AIDS education in the schools during the 80’s touring the boroughs of New York City with Irondale Ensemble. I was also active around HIV/AIDS education in the community where I lived in Greenwich Village. I also collaborated with ACT-UP around AIDS education.
While I was employed at Pillsbury Neighborhood Services, I spearheaded HIV/AIDS education and preventative services. I engineered the first condom distribution program in that organization.
1) How do you think GLBT people in committed relationships should be granted equal legal protection as heterosexual couples? Why do you prefer that method to others?
I personally feel that gay marriage should be legal. I’m also in favor of civil unions between GLBT people. I prefer gay marriage because I feel that anything else isn’t fair and accurate. It is absolutely horrible and despicable that gay marriage is being vilified. As a progressive African-American man I can’t abide by that.
2) What are your priorities for the office you are running for?
I think that affordable housing is huge! Long-time residents are being displaced from their homes because property taxes are going through the roof. The developers are courting the affluent suburban dweller. Renters also need to be respected. Too many apartments are being turned over into condos and subsequently driving rents up.
We need more police who are trained to be culturally sensitive. It would help if the force considered hiring larger numbers from marginalized communities.
Commercial developers need to be more respectful of existing residential communities. Communities should be partners in the commercial development process from inception through completion.
There should be a light rail hub through Uptown. This will provide greater foot traffic during the day so that businesses will flourish and subsequently create more job growth.
3) Are there any GLBT issues that you have questions about or need assistance with?
I would like to be more educated about the proliferation of club drugs. Also where would the GLBT community most like me to focus my attention as a councilmember?
4) If endorsed by Stonewall DFL will you actively list that endorsement in campaign materials? If not, why?
YES! ABSOLUTELY!!!
5) Do you plan on abiding by the DFL endorsement if there is one for your race?
Yes, I am actively seeking the DFL party endorsement! Also after much careful thought and consideration, I've reconsidered my position on not abiding by the DFL endorsement. I think that it is important to respect the integrity of the process and therefore I will abide by the DFL endorsement.
6) Would you be willing to work with other elected officials in surrounding communities to establish a metro-wide or multi-city domestic partnership registry?
Yes.
7) Are you in favor of providing domestic partner health care benefits for city employees similar to what has occurred in the private sector in most of the Fortune 500 companies? If your city does not currently offer such benefits, would you introduce/support legislation to bring about such benefits?
Yes.
8) How do you propose to address the current drug crisis (PNP or so-called “party and play” drugs) in the GLBT community?
I need to get more educated around this issue as it affects the GLBT community. But like with all chemical dependency issues, healing begins with education.
What would you do in your office, if elected, to bring attention back to those people living with HIV or AIDS?
I would hammer the point home that AIDS/HIV is still with us. We are not out of the woods. I would promote city seminars and programs that would target HIV/AIDS education and try to get basic health care provided for people living with the disease.
9) What would you do to improve community relations and encourage diversity in the Police and Fire Departments with respect to better understanding of the GLBT community?
There should be an effort to recruit more out gay and lesbian officers. Diversity and sensitivity training should be required of ALL city employees at least quarterly.
10) What would you do to combat hate crimes against members of the GLBT community?
There should be Diversity training at neighborhood meetings. I would hold periodic town hall meetings at places of worship so that people would learn to correlate sacred values with everyday reality.
11) How would you reach out to members of the GLBT business community to encourage their participation in city planning and economic development?
I could do this by using organizations like Stonewall as a resource. Arts organizations, foundations and GLBT publications also would be great resources to solicit participation.
Share your ideas & concerns with Ralph at 612-821-3819 or email rembuz@aol.com |
