Northern Kentucky Fairness Alliance Candidate Survey Results

Jerry Rex Peluso

Did not respond

Jan Knepshield

Did not respond

Brian M. Williams

Would you support a Human Rights Ordinance, similar to the one Covington passed in April 2003,  that prohibits Employment and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics?

Yes. I would support a Human Rights Ordinance similar to the one in Covington. This type of legislation is consistent with the basic constitutional guarantee of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." I think it is appalling to see civil rights eroded and constitutional rights being stripped in any manner.

Would you support offering partner benefits to city employees with same gender partners?

I personally would support measures that provide benefits to same-sex partners. The Kentucky Constitution contains a referendum passed in 2004 that forbids same-sex marriage. There are difficulties in determining the legal basis for a partnership. I would like to work toward the goal of legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.

Do you support Kentucky's hate crime statute, which calls for enhanced penalties for offenders who target someone because of their sexual orientation (real or perceived), gender identity and other characteristics?

Yes

Will you monitor hate crimes in your city to insure they are investigated and prosecuted under the hate crimes statute?

Yes

Do you value diversity in your city? If so, in what ways do you advocate welcoming people of different races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation and other characteristics?

Yes. I value diversity in my city, but Newport could do far more to work towards these ends. The city needs to work towards employment of minorities in all areas of the city (police, fire departments, clerical, teachers and public works).

In what ways do you actively oppose discrimination and promote acceptance and tolerance in your community?

I consider myself an opinion leader amongst my friends and family and I vigorously opposed the 2004 marriage amendment. I opposed the ban because it not only discriminates against same-sex marriage but also 'common law' marriage for heterosexual couples. This is bad public policy.

Tom Ferrara

Did not respond

Robbie Hall

Did not respond

Mike Dutle

Did not respond

Beth Fennell

Would you support a Human Rights Ordinance, similar to the one Covington passed in April 2003, that prohibits Employment and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics?

Yes

Would you support offering partner benefits to city employees with same gender partners?

If determined we could financially and legally support.

Do you support Kentucky's hate crime statute, which calls for enhanced penalties for offenders who target someone because of their sexual orientation (real or perceived), gender identity and other characteristics?

Yes

Will you monitor hate crimes in your city to insure they are investigated and prosecuted under the hate crimes statute?

Yes

Do you value diversity in your city? If so, in what ways do you advocate welcoming people of different races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation and other characteristics?

Newport is very fortunate being a fairly diverse city with a wide range of types of housing, income and demographics of residents, education of residents, abilities of residents, etc.  I believe our diverse nature attracts similarly diverse residents.

In what ways do you actively oppose discrimination and promote acceptance and tolerance in your community?

I have been very fortunate to live in a variety of communities where I was able to interact with a wide variety of people. I believe it has taught me that people are pretty much the same wherever you go. You cannot pigeon hole or label folks based on gender, religion, culture, ethnic background, preferences, etc. I hope that the way I conduct my job as a commissioner shows this acceptance.

Frank Peluso

Did not respond