Equality Florida Voter's Guide for St Petersburg City Commission
District 3 Primary Sept 23, 2003

Candidates:
David W. Bill Foster
William H. Dudley
John Thomas McQueen


Voting History:
Foster is the incumbent. In 2001, he voted against the St Petersburg human rights ordinance. The ordinance, which passed, bans discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accomodations.


Questionaire:
All candidates were sent the following questionaire. The responses below each question are verbatim from the candidate.

Personal Non-Discrimination Pledge

1. During my campaign, I will refrain from making any appeals to prejudice based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Foster: Did not respond.
Dudley: Did not respond.
McQueen: Yes.


2. If elected, I would pledge to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression within my office.


Foster: Did not respond.
Dudley: Did not respond.
McQueen: I do not believe in discrimination nor do I condone it. I would definitely pledge to prohibit discrimination on sexual orientation. However, I need to learn more on the gender identity/expression issue to provide a complete response.

Dignity for All Students

3. The Dignity for All Students bill would ban bias-based harassment in schools statewide. If elected, would you support a resolution encouraging your legislative delegation to vote for this bill? For more information, please see: http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&Year=2003&billnum=1498

Foster: Did not respond.
Dudley: Did not respond.
McQueen: Yes. I believe our children should be provided a safe environment to learn, free from discrimination. I understand that Pinellas County Schools already have such legislation. I need to learn more on the "Dignity for All Students" proposal, but would support legislation to prevent discrimination in schools.


Domestic Partnership

4. Domestic partner benefits would allow unmarried public employees to designate a beneficiary for programs including pension, health, and life insurance benefits. Do you support providing domestic partnership benefits to unmarried public employees?

Foster: Did not respond.
Dudley: Did not respond.
McQueen: Yes.



Training

5. Do you favor including specific training regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in diversity training programs for public employees?

Foster: Did not respond.
Dudley: Did not respond.
McQueen: Yes.

Non-Discrimination Policy

6. Would you support an ordinance banning discrimination against individuals based on gender identity and expression in housing, employment, public accommodations and other vital areas?

Foster: Did not respond.
Dudley: Did not respond.
McQueen: Currently I am undecided on this issue. I do not believe in discrimination based on sexual orientation, but I need to learn more with respect to gender identity and expression. I would welcome your comments or assistance in learning more so that I could make an educated decision.