Ten day tickler

Soon after Dyngus Day, I sent the following to both the Jill Long-Thompson and Jim Schellinger campaigns. Neither has answered to this point. I sent a second request earlier today. I'll keep you posted.

To Jim:

Hi Jim,

It was a pleasure to meet you and Judy in South Bend on Monday. Although you folks indicated your publicity director would make contact with me, that didn't happen. So I decided to email you to follow up.

To Jill:

Hi Jill,

It was a pleasure to meet you last Monday. I was the guy who mentioned that I had tried to contact your campaign to verify (and publicize) your presence at the South Bend Dyngus Day events.

To Both:

Just a bit about me... I was a volunteer, blogger, and contributor for the John Edwards campaign for a bit over a year. The Campaign To Change America led me to a new kind of activism, and part of that had to do with the founding of the blog Progressives, South Bend http://progressivessouthbend.org/

You had indicated a willingness to answer some questions for our readers. I'd like to start out with one in particular. After that, I can send one every now and then - or if you'd prefer - a short list you can deal with all at once. It makes no difference to me.

There is an effort to amend South Bend's Human Rights ordinance to provide protection from housing and work discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity - protections most of us already enjoy. Indianapolis adopted this policy around two years ago and our local proposal duplicates that language. Here is a summary we're offering potential endorsers:

Statement in Support of Amending South Bend's Human Rights Ordinance

I am signing this statement to encourage South Bend’s Common Council to amend the Human Rights Ordinance to extend to all individuals protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (heterosexual/ bisexual/lesbian/gay) or gender identity in the areas of housing, employment, education and public accommodations. Amending the Human Rights Ordinance would give individuals who believe they have been discriminated against on this basis the opportunity to turn to the South Bend Human Rights Commission for assistance.

Note: I understand that churches and religious organizations would be exempt from such an amendment if it conflicts with their beliefs.


So there are a couple of questions here.

1. Do you support our local effort?

2. Do you believe the state should have a similar policy?


Thank you in advance for your attention to this. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely, Don Wheeler