Vote for Volan

October 26, 2007 -- It's difficult at times to hold a part-time elected office, because the other work you do for a living intervenes. One of the items that's slipped through the cracks during this re-election campaign was a response from me to the Bloomington Beacon's questionnaire on issues of interest to Bloomington's LGBT community. They were due some days ago. So, belatedly, here is my response.

I recognize that it's not fair that I'm publicizing my responses after everyone else has. Nevertheless, I wanted some record to show my answers to their questions. And since my responses will not be posted on their website, I think that makes the delay a wash.

== Steve Volan

"1. If elected, would you support or oppose continued protections for LGBT citizens, as provided in the current Human Rights Ordinance?"

I would support continued protections.

"2. If elected, would you consider revising the HRO to make it mandatory rather than voluntary to comply with LGBT nondiscrimination protections, following the example of the Indianapolis HRO?"

Yes, I would consider -- and I would vote -- to make LGBT nondiscrimination protections mandatory.

"3. If elected, would you support or oppose the current policy of extending benefits to the domestic partners of Bloomington city employees?"

I would support the current policy.

"4. Because same-sex couples have limited access to legal recognition of their relationship and their families, a domestic partner registry can be used to assist employers who wish to make domestic partner benefits available to their employees. Would you support or oppose creation of a Domestic Partner Registry for Bloomington?"

I would support a Domestic Partner Registry.

"5. An Equal Benefits Ordinance would require certain city contractors who provide health care benefits to spouses to offer the same benefits to the domestic partners of their employees. Such an ordinance would be applicable to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Currently, Bloomington does not have such an ordinance. Would you support or oppose passage of an Equal Benefits Ordinance for Bloomington?"

I would support an Equal Benefits Ordinance.

"Statement about LGBT Rights (optional): If you wish, please write a maximum of 75 words on how you will promote a safe, supportive community in Bloomington and throughout Monroe County for all people, including LGBT people and their families."

I believe that I've already demonstrated my interest in a safe and supportive city through my votes on the Council, such as the one in favor of adding protection for gender identity in Bloomington's Human Rights Ordinance. 'A city for everyone' means a city where everyone's basic rights are acknowledged and protected.

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