Summer Summary

Local Stonewall Democrats View Presidential Forum, Host Mayoral Candidates

The Stonewall Democrats of Summit County hosted a viewing party of the much anticipated Democratic Presidential Candidates Forum on GLBT Issues, broadcast on the Logo television channel on August 9th. Seven of the Democratic candidates vying for the party's top nomination in 2008 answered questions individually, in a talk-show style format. The viewing party drew over 50 members and guests, including Summit County Executive Russ Pry.

The group hosted forums with both mayoral candidates.

Akron mayoral candidate Joe Finley addressed the group on June 19th. Mr. Finley emphasized his role as a dissenting voice in local politics and noted his willingness to speak up when others do not. When told of the City of Cleveland Heights Domestic Partnership Registry, Mr. Finley stated that he was not familiar with it, but he "believes in equality" and would be willing to institute a similar policy in Akron. (The Cleveland Heights registry extends no legal benefits to couples. However, it can assist couples in providing documentation of their partnership to private entities, such as employee benefit plans and insurance companies).

Don Plusquellic, current Mayor of Akron, held a question and answer session with the organization on August 21st. Mayor Plusquellic highlighted his aggressive stance against State Issue 1 in 2004, (the passage of which banned any legal recognition of unmarried couples, gay or straight), and his early leadership on AIDS policies. The mayor also made a committment to re-visit the city's lack of a comprehensive GLBT non-discrimination policy, stating "I will do what I can to get it passed" and "I will not be a wallflower, I'll be out front." Mayor Plusquellic was also unfamilar with the Cleveland Heights registry, but stated he would be glad to review it. Mayor Plusquellic defeated Mr. Finley in the Democratic Primary.

Stonewall Democrats of Summit County formed in March 2007. The organization seeks to advance equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and to educate Democratic candidates and office holders, the Democratic Party in general, and the community at large, on the issues and concerns of the GLBT community.