The Capital Region Stonewall Democrats held our annual “Meet the Candidates Night” on April 8, 2013 at Stage on Herr in Harrisburg. Twenty one candidates from Dauphin, York, and Lancaster on the ballot in the 2013 Primary Election attended the event.

All Democratic Harrisburg Mayoral candidates were contacted and asked to complete questionnaires to state their positions on issues relevant to LGBT voters. Candidates Lewis Butts, Dan Miller, and Eric Papenfuse attended the event, met with voters, and participated on stage addressing how they envision the office of Mayor to be a positive voice for LGBT civil rights. Current Mayor Linda Thompson did not respond to our invitation to participate.

Carol Hill-Evans was the lone York Mayoral candidate to participate. Brian Kresge, candidate for Mayor in Manheim Borough, Lancaster County, was also in attendance.

Ann Gingrich-Cornick, candidate for Judge, Dauphin County, met with voters and spoke to her previous community, political, and policy involvement in support of the LGBT community.

The Harrisburg City Council Candidates interviewed were Ben Allatt, Ron Chapel, Robert Drum, Camille Erice, Ellis R. Rick Roy, Eugenia Smith, Pat Stringer, Kelly D. Summerford, and Wanda R. D. Williams. Shamaine Daniels was represented by Alex Reber.

Municipal candidates who spoke were candidate for Swatara Township Commissioner ward 2, Tom Connolly; candidate for Derry Township Supervisor, Steve Todd; and Millersburg Borough Council candidate for reelection, Chris Dietz.

Representing Susquehanna Township were candidates for reelection Commissioner Michael Schubert, ward 2 and candidate for reelection Commissioner Frank Lynch, ward 4. Justin Fleming, the candidate seeking election to Township Commissioner seat in ward 8, also addressed the crowd.