GLAA rates D.C. candidates in Nov. 6 election


GLAA ratings ad Oct 2018

GLAA: Fighting for LGBTQ equality in D.C. since 1971
P.O. Box 75265, Washington, DC 20013

For Immediate Release
October 10, 2018

Contact: Rick Rosendall
202-328-6278

Bonds, Cheh, Allen lead GLAA ratings for Nov. 6 election;
Silverman, Schwartzman edge Reeder in ratings for 2nd At-Large seat

At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen earned top ratings of +10 from GLAA for the November 6 general election. Strong ratings were also earned by Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson and Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, both with +9.5. In the closely watched At-Large race, Councilmember Elissa Silverman and candidate David Schwartzman, both at +7.5, were rated above candidate Dionne Reeder, who earned +7.

The following are explanations of the individual candidate ratings. Note: Ratings marked with an asterisk (*) indicate a candidate who did not return GLAA’s questionnaire and was therefore rated solely on the candidate’s known record on GLAA’s issues. Ratings for primary winners carry over to the general election.

Mayor

Democratic incumbent Muriel Bowser (+7) agreed with GLAA on most issues and had good substance in her questionnaire, but in some areas lacked concrete plans for improving employment for underrepresented populations and combating pay-to-play practices. Her administration has a record of demonstrated success as an ally in working with LGBTQ constituents, particularly in enforcing transgender healthcare regulations and supporting bodies such as the Office of Human Rights and the LGBT Liaison Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Statehood-Green candidate Ann C. Wilcox (+4.5) agreed with GLAA on all issues and offered some good substance in her questionnaire. Her record includes providing legal representation to GetEqual and Occupy D.C. protesters.

Libertarian candidate Martin Moulton (+2.5) did not support GLAA positions on the need to support legislative initiatives promoting public health resources such as PrEP, ensuring accessible and affirming housing for LGBTQ seniors, and sealing court documents related to legal sex, gender, and name changes, among others. He provided some positive substance in his questionnaire and has a fair record supporting LGBTQ individuals.

Independent candidate Dustin “DC” Canter (0*) did not submit a questionnaire and has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

Chair

Democratic incumbent Phil Mendelson (+9.5) agreed with GLAA on all issues except for the most appropriate approach to reforming regulations surrounding commercial sex. He offered excellent substance in his questionnaire and has a strong record supporting LGBTQ issues.

Libertarian candidate Ethan Bishop-Henchman (0*) did not submit a questionnaire and has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

At-Large (two to be elected)

Democratic incumbent Anita Bonds (+10) agreed with GLAA on all issues and showed outstanding substance in her questionnaire. She has a strong record supporting LGBTQ issues.

Independent incumbent Elissa Silverman (+7.5) agreed with GLAA on all issues except for her non-responsiveness on legislation regarding commercial sex. She provided good substance in her questionnaire, and has been an ally on the Council.

Statehood-Green candidate David Schwartzman (+7.5) agreed with GLAA on all issues and provided good substance in his questionnaire. He has a positive record supporting LGBTQ concerns.

Independent candidate Dionne Reeder (+7) agreed with GLAA on all issues except for a waffling response on legislation regarding commercial sex. She provided good substance in her questionnaire. She is openly lesbian and has been active in and donated to a number of LGBTQ and affirming organizations and participated in LGBTQ community events.

Independent candidate Rustin M. Lewis (+4) agreed with GLAA on all issues and provided some substance in his questionnaire. He has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

Republican candidate Ralph J. Chittams, Sr. (-1) was evasive in several of his questionnaire responses and strongly disagreed on others. He has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

Ward 1

Democratic incumbent Brianne K. Nadeau (+9.5) agreed with GLAA on all issues and offered excellent substance in her questionnaire. She has a strong positive record supporting LGBTQ concerns.

Independent candidate Jamie Sycamore (+6) agreed with GLAA on all issues and provided solid substance in his questionnaire. He said he will be “the only out and proud member of the DC Council.” His record includes working with the homeless community.

Ward 3

Democratic incumbent Mary M. Cheh (+10) agreed with GLAA on all issues. She showed very strong substance in her questionnaire and has an extensive positive record supporting LGBTQ concerns.

Independent candidate Petar A. Dimtchev (+3) agreed with GLAA on all issues and provided some substance in his questionnaire. He has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

Ward 5

Democratic candidate Kenyan McDuffie (+8) agreed with GLAA on most issues but did not demonstrate concrete support for initiatives reforming regulations surrounding commercial sex and sealing court documents related to legal sex, gender, and name changes. He offered good substance in his questionnaire and has a demonstrated record of supporting LGBTQ concerns, particularly in opposing so-called conversion therapy for minors and ensuring access to housing for vulnerable youth.

Statehood-Green candidate Joyce (Chestnut) Robinson-Paul (0*) did not submit a questionnaire and has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

Independent candidate Amone Banks (0*) did not submit a questionnaire and has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

Independent candidate Kathy Henderson (-1*) did not submit a questionnaire. She has a record of opposing gay nightclubs and medical marijuana cultivation centers.

Ward 6

Democratic incumbent Charles Allen (+10) agreed with GLAA on all issues and offered impressive substance in his questionnaire. He has an extensive record
supporting LGBTQ concerns.

Republican candidate Michael Bekesha (+3.5) agreed with GLAA on most issues and provided some substance in his questionnaire. He has no record on LGBTQ issues known to GLAA.

GLAA rates candidates on a scale of -10 to +10, based on their answers to our questionnaire and their record of service on behalf of the LGBTQ community. The questionnaire addresses a variety of issues including public health, public safety, human rights, youth, seniors, non-discrimination, and defending LGBTQ consumers and businesses. The GLAA questionnaire, policy brief (“Building on Victory”) and complete candidate responses are available online at

Elections

Ratings should not be interpreted as endorsements. GLAA does not endorse candidates in partisan elections.

GLAA has rated candidates in every D.C. election since 1971. Independent council candidates will be rated prior to the general election.

Founded in 1971, the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, D.C. (GLAA) is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit political organization that defends the civil rights of LGBTQ people in the Nation’s Capital. We are the nation’s oldest continuously active civil rights organization serving the LGBTQ community.

###

Categories

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.