More candidates answer questions on Domestic Partner benefits

So far I’ve posted four stories highlighting answers to a question on domestic partner benefits included in a candidate questionnaire distributed by conservative Greensboro blogger Joe Guarino. So far, I’ve reported on nine of the candidates’ responses.

Two more, Sandy Carmany and T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, both incumbents, have responded.

Sandy Carmany (full responses):

7. Do you support same-sex domestic partner benefits for city employees?

No, and I do not support the provision of benefits to city employees’ domestic partners of the OPPOSITE gender either. The continued yearly growth in the cost to provide health insurance and other benefits for employees is one of the main factors forcing continued increases in the city budget. Those expensive benefits should be available only to those persons who have a legally recognized relationship with the employee in an effort to limit expenditures of city tax dollars.

T. Dianne Bellamy-Small (full responses):

7. Do you support same-sex domestic partner benefits for City employees? Yes, if it is offered to others who have dependent needs like siblings, child with elderly parent, etc.

Carmany has agreed to take a look at my LGBT Issues questionnaire. I hope that her answers in my questionnaire will be more telling of her stance on LGBT equality and other issues important to LGBT citizens in Greensboro.

I’m disappointed in Carmany’s answer and have a sense that perhaps she doesn’t understand the full situation as it regards same-sex couples and the current legal state in which they find their relationships, families and lives. Opposite-sex couples always have the option of getting married and receiving important benefits in order to take care of their families and children. Same-sex couples never have this option in North Carolina. In order for these couples to receive these important health and economic benefits to take care of themselves and their children, the City of Greensboro needs to offer the domestic partner benefits.

This is a simple issue, really… One about building a community that is strong and healthy and allowing all Greensboro families to take care of each other, their children and the health and future well-being of their lives and, in turn, the greater community. When families are strong, communities are strong.

Previous Posts: Greensboro 2007 Elections & the Domestic Partner Issue

• Greensboro ‘not ready’ for domestic partner benefits, says Council candidate August 24 2007
• Council candidate Blanks’ answer to DP benefits issue lacking August 22 2007
• Update: Greensboro candidates & Domestic Partner benefits August 21 2007
• Greensboro ‘07 - The LGBT Vote; candidates respond to domestic partner benefits issue August 17 2007

Technorati Tags: Sandy Carmany, T Dianne Bellamy-Small, Greensboro, City Council, election, 2007, North Carolina

Posted in Greensboro LGBT Vote 07 |