Response to Tri State Alliance

Candidate Survey 2007

Dear Friend,

I received a candidate survey from Tri State Alliance which is preparing a voters guide for the upcoming elections. It is to my understanding that the voters guide will be distributed to those interested in civil rights issues. I want you to understand that by me completing the survey does not mean I have Tri State Alliance endorsement in the race. Visit my blogger at http://votedavidjnixonformayor.blogspot.com/

Here is my response on issues regarding the GLBT orientation of Evansville. (Word change from "___ orientation" to "GLBT orientation" was necessary due to Internet users being sensitive to words and meanings that may seem offensive on blogger)

1) If elected will you make a non discrimination pledge that includes GLBT orientation in the areas of city employment and the provision of city services as a candidate for office?

• No, I would not make a personal non discrimination promise, however, if elected your next mayor, I will make every effort to make sure that the GLBT orientation who are city employed will have employment protection, improved promotion on the job, and have an equal opportunity for pay increase.

2) If proposed, would you support an ordinance or law that would add GLBT orientation to the categories on which city employees are not discriminated against?

• Yes, if elected your next mayor, I would support an ordinance or law according to the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA), that would protect city employees. Although "ENDA" does not include the GLBT orientation in its protected class of people, I will make every effort to support an ordinance to included city employees of the GLBT orientation as well.

3) Would you support a change in policy that would allow unmarried persons who are city employees to pay full price for city insurance coverage for their domestic partner?

• There is a current federal law in place called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is controlling health insurance eligibility.
• If elected your next mayor, I would consider seeking improved domestic partnership benefits including Long Term Care Insurance, improved Medicaid policies, and Family Medical Leave Act for persons who are city employees as well as of the GLBT orientation and their domestic partner.

4) Will you support diversity cultural competency training for all city employees that would include GLBT orientation?

• Yes, if elected your next mayor, I would support a diversity cultural fitness alternative training program for all city employees including GLBT orientation. It is very important that city employees are comfortable. I would make the diversity cultural fitness programs an alternative choice, not enforcement.

5) Why should voters concerned about GLBT issues vote for you?

• Being an African American man in this city we have similar issues. I am discriminated against because of the color of my skin, and the GLBT orientation is discriminated against because of their life style choice.
• GLBT orientations are faced with emotional distress, harassment, defamation, and wrongful termination, just like I am faced with wrongful termination because the color of my skin is black. Finally, defamation (saying bad things about you that damage your reputation), I too, face the same issues on a daily basis.
• You are faced with housing discrimination, higher rent, and larger security deposit. I too, face the same issues.
• If elected your next mayor, I seek to improve the relations of diversity, including alternative life style choice acceptance in our city and communities, "Making Sure Evansville Is Not Left Out."

Thank you.

David J. Nixon, Candidate for Mayor

Paid for by the Committee to Vote Nixon for Mayor