2008 Candidates Survey

We sent a survey to every Dauphin and Cumberland County Democratic candidate for state House and state Senate. The following three candidates completed the survey:

• Ron Buxton is running for reelection in the 103rd state House District (Harrisburg, Steelton, Highspire, and part of Swatara Township). He is a co-sponsor of HB 1400, which bans workplace, housing and financial discrimination against LGBT individuals. www.ronbuxton.com
• Judy Hirsh is a candidate for the 15th state Senate District (most of Dauphin county and part of York county). This seat is currently held by Republican Jeff Piccola, a "Marriage Protection" Amendment co-sponsor. www.judyhirsh.com
• Susan Kiskis is a candidate for the 31st state Senate District (all of Cumberland county and part of York county). This seat is currently held by Republican Pat Vance. www.susankiskis.com

1. If (re)elected, will your office human relations policy ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh: Yes.
   Susan Kiskis: Yes
   
   
2. Would you support providing domestic-partner benefits to state employees?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh: Yes.
   
   
3. On January 17, 2008, Pennsylvania State Senators started working to pass a so-called Marriage Protection Amendment that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to define marriage as solely between one man and one woman and prohibit civil unions. If (re)elected, will you oppose amending the state constitution to ban recognition of same-sex marriage and/or civil unions?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh: Yes
   
   
4. (a) Would you support providing same-sex couples with access to civil marriage that carries the name "marriage"?
   Ron Buxton: NOT SURE
   Judy Hirsh: Probably, I might need some more information on this, Do you mean able to obtain a marriage certificate from the County?
   
   (b) If you oppose use of the tern "marriage", would you support providing same-sex couples with access to civil unions that provide all the legal rights and responsibilities of civil marriage?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh: Yes.
   
   
5. If (re)elected, will you support legislation to ban workplace, housing and financial discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression (HB1400 and SB761)?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh Yes.
   Susan Kiskis Yes
   
   
6. Would you oppose restrictions on the adoption rights of LGBT individuals and same-sex couples?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh: Yes.
   
   
7. Would you support passage of Senate Bill 71 to amend the Public School Code to require schools to develop a Bullying Prevention Program Policy?
   Ron Buxton: YES
   Judy Hirsh: Absolutely.
   
   
8. What will be your top priority during the next legislative session?
   Ron Buxton: ONE OF MY PRIORITIES IS THE PASSAGE OF HB 1400.
   Judy Hirsh: Improving Education and the helping to build a stronger economy.
   Susan Kiskis: Universal health care for Pennsylvanians and Clean Air.
   
   Additional comment by Susan Kiskis: To your questions above, the state should focus what it is designed for like infrastructure and education. The state has no business in legislating relationships or emotions of the heart.