thePULSEChoose wisely
With civil rights in the balance, GLBT citizens have difficult decisions to make this election
October 2004 – When it comes to choosing the right candidates for public office, many of us will have some difficult choices to make in next month’s election. This year is particularly delicate for the gay community, because many candidates, locally and nationally, are using same-sex marriage as a wedge issue.
Key issues are usually healthcare, education, taxes — issues that affect all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. But this year, candidates who are more interested in numbers than the people they will represent are playing on prejudice to win the election. The civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens are being threatened in order to distract people from the issues that affect everyone.
Should the issue of same-sex marriage override all other issues when choosing a candidate? It is difficult for people whose civil rights aren’t on the line to understand why a GLBT person might vote for one candidate over another, simply because they support same-sex marriage. However, GLBT citizens know who is on their side when they vote, because the right of marriage is precious and not to be messed with.
Some districts will have a much harder time choosing a candidate than others. In the 16th Worcester, an unfortunate situation occurred on September 14. Incumbent John Fresolo won the primary over Melissa Murgo to become the Democratic candidate running against Republican candidate Scott Cashman for State Representative. Both are anti-gay, “pro-marriage” candidates.
Fresolo’s voting record proves this. He has voted in favor of amending the constitution to discriminate against GLBT citizens. He is also not approachable on the matter and is outspoken about being anti-gay marriage. Cashman’s intentions will no doubt be the same, as he is a Republican who believes that marriage is “between one man and one woman.” No matter who wins, GLBT citizens will not be fairly represented in the 16th Worcester.
Bob Spellane of the 13th Worcester has no challenger. He has served his district well over the past four years as State Representative. No GLBT citizen should be disappointed that Spellane defeated anti-gay candidate Bill Coleman in the primary. Spellane has done his job with the full district in mind. He has not discarded the rights and wishes of minority constituents. No one in the 13th Worcester will feel unrepresented since their rights are hanging in the balance.
Also a supporter of same-sex marriage, State Senator Harriette Chandler has had a 100-percent voting record for the GLBT community. Senator Chandler is always accessible, while several calls to Steve Paige, her Republican opponent, went unanswered.
Another interesting race is for the 2nd Worcester State Senate seat vacated by Senator Guy Glodis. Democratic candidate Ed Augustus has been an outspoken supporter of same-sex marriage. His political experience more than qualifies him to represent the district. His opponents are Republican candidate Roberta Blute and Jane Burdzel, an Independent. Blute, wife of former Congressman Peter Blute, is for civil unions but not same-sex marriage. Burdzel is against both civil unions and gay marriage.
In any election, candidates for office should be accessible to the people who are or will become their constituents. Even if a candidate feels a certain way about an important issue such as same-sex marriage, it is always worth speaking to them about it.
Massachusetts is the only state in the country where all of its citizens have equal rights under the law. The GLBT community is grateful to those who have fought to help them obtain their rights and those who will continue to fight on their behalf.
Choose wisely on November 2nd.
