I think most would agree that the most important function of any government is the protection of the citizens it represents. Key among those protections is equal protection under the law.
The South Bend Common Council had an opportunity for true leadership when it considered a Human Rights Ordinance.
Right now, it is illegal to discriminate against me because I'm male, or married, or a father, or over 50. It would not be illegal to discriminate against me if I were gay or transgendered. That doesn't seem like equal protection, does it? The HRO would have changed that.
But the ordinance failed by one vote, and among those voting against it was First District incumbent Derek Dieter.
Mr. Dieter seemed a bit surprised at the outrage expressed by significant number of his constituents over his decision. I came to this conclusion due to the fact he sent out a mass mailing explaining his action. I received this letter interestingly, even though I don't live in his district.
In the letter, Mr. Dieter explained that while he favored the concept of the ordinance, there were technical problems. He claimed these problems would lead to the law being unenforceable and/or unconstitutional. But many months have passed since that vote and we've yet to see Mr. Dieter propose what he sees as a suitable alternative. This tends to lead one to doubt his claims.
Mr. Dieter (a Democrat) is opposed by the Green Party nominee, Kathleen Petitjean. (There is no Republican on the ballot). Ms. Petitjean is clear in her support of equal protection for our LGBT citizens. She also favors a closer look at some of the tax abatements granted to businesses in our community. These abatements are normally granted in exchange for certain commitments by these businesses - often having to do with job creation. She's not the first, nor the only person who charges that often these commitments are not honored.
Ms. Petitjean (as do all Greens) pledges efforts to include her constituents in her decision making process as their Councilperson. These efforts would include regular meetings available to citizens.
Mr. Dieter should be honored and appreciated for his service on the Council and in law enforcement. These jobs are not easy and are often thankless. Anyone willing to do them earnestly deserves our respect. But there are some issues which transcend steady service.
There are three posts from this week regarding Ms. Petitjean's positions on the issues. I urge you to read them. As for me...
Progressives, South Bend endorses Kathleen Petitjean for the South Bend Common Council - 1st District
And remember:
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Don Wheeler
Friday, October 26, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I wish I lived in District 1 cause Ms. Petijean would definately have my vote. Derek is one of the "good ole boys" and he needs to move on. His vote on the HRO doesn't surprise me. SBPD does not provide any GLBT related diversity training to it's officers that I am aware of. Do you recall a letter in the Voice of the People recently where a gentleman in a restaraunt overheard a SBPD officer allegedly say "I f..ing hate faggots"? GLBT diversity training is something that Ms. Petijean could push for if elected.
What are your thoughts on her chances of getting elected? Has she been actively campaigning door to door? It is my understanding that a voter has to write in the green party candidates name on the ballot which doesn't much help her chances of getting elected.
I don't know what her chances are. She seems to hit a lot of forums, etc. - but I don't know how much of a door-to-door effort she has going.
One advantage she has over the other Greens is that her name will appear on the ballot. That means she could get some votes from people who don't know of her, but just don't like Dieter.
Still, there's no denying the advantage an incumbent Democrat (or as a friend recently put it "nominal Democrat") has in this district.
Thanks for writing, Don
In response to "Donna's" question re: canvassing, I would like to answer:
Thank you for your support. We are canvassing parts of the 1st district.
However, anything you can do to get the word out about all four Green Party
candidates and encouraging family, friends and acquaintances to vote on
November 6th is greatly appreciated. The write-in candidates are: Dave
Vollrath, Mishawaka Common Council, At-large, Tom Brown, South Bend Mayor,
Karl Hardy, South Bend Common Council, At-large. My name, Kathleen
Petitjean, will appear on the ballot for South Bend's 1st District Common
Council seat.
Thanks,
kp
--
"I know of no safe repository of the ultimate power of society but the
people, and if we think them not enlightened enough, the remedy is not
to take the power from them." --Thomas Jefferson
Previous comment is from Kathleen Petitjean.
Kathlene,
I do have one couple I know that resides in District 1. They were at my son't Halloween party on Saturday and I believe they will now be voting for you. If you want I can get their address so you can canvass them and surrounding houses?
By the way the Tribune had a nice write up in the paper about you on Sunday. My partner is an Occupational Therapist. Too bad you don't live in our district.
Hope you are elected!
Post a Comment