Mayoral Candidates

Rick Downes — info@rickdownes.ca

I have been in municipal politics for 23 years and I strongly believe that

one citizen is equal to the other. My voting record and public statements

over the years reinforce this point. The Ontario Human Rights Code, The

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nations Universal

Declaration of Universal Rights are all documents that I have been

motivated by over my political career. I consider Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual

and Transgender people as my fellow citizens and would treat them with the

respect and dignity that I treat all my fellow citizens with. Any

application by the LGBT community for funding through any of the city’s

community funding sources would be treated in the same way as an

application from any other group. Thank you for your interest in my

campaign.

Scott Foster — scottfoster@kingston.net

What are the issues facing LGBT residents of your community?

Kingston has become, (during the forty years that I’ve been here), a much more tolerant community with regards to its LGBT people. As homosexuality is not viewed favourably by some prominent religious groups, conflicting beliefs will continue to stir controversy in the community; and, a few overzealous advocates will cause problems, but, fortunately, this has become an exception, rather than the norm, here. Most people are aware of the Pride parades, the devastating effect of HIV and AIDS, and the Reelout film festival; and, some businesses have come to realize that Kingston has become a LGBT tourism destination, (where LGBT flags are sometimes flown by the City, and same-sex marriages are performed).

What would you do in your district to support LGBT people as a member of Kingston City Council?

I do not actively advocate LGBT people any differently than any other member of the public in municipal affairs. Long ago, I supported Keith Norton as a candidate of MPP but was not aware of his LGBT connections, (nor would it have mattered to me). My liberal views have sometimes led some people to question if I might belong to the LGBT community, (I don’t); but, I simply consider that unfriendly prying into other people’s private lives for gossip’s sake.

Would you commit to fixed funding and support for LGBT community events and resources?

No. If elected, I would need to consider the merits of any municipal funding to any group. Does a project benefit the community and is there a need for it? At the same time, I would be looking to a large number of organizations to advance their suggestions for ways to improve Kingston, and that could involve the participation of members identified with the LGBT community on City committees. I would indicate that I will be criticizing the Reelout film festival for one of its films, (which I think showed very poor judgment [sic] with its selection). I do not think that municipal funding for the arts should be used to promote any type of pornography. I am also going to be similarly critical of some of the films shown by the Slimebone City and the Kingston Canadian Film festivals. I am not pleased to see films that depict child abuse, torture, excessive profanity, and pornography in arts festivals that are supported with municipal funding. It’s not a matter of censorship; it’s ethics. I’d point out that, in producing my own film, (based largely on the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), I purposely removed the scene where Mr. Hyde tramples a child, (obvious child abuse to inspire horror and loathing). I am more conservative in my views on arts funding and the display of art to the public. And, just a bit of FYI, last night, City Council did approve the motion for the flying of a Transgender flag in Confederation Park, on November 20th, as requested by Michelle Hamelin.

Dorothy Hector — @DorothyAHector

What are the issues facing LGBT residents of your community?

I believe that the issues facing our LGBT community are ones of discrimination, racism, harassment and violence. This is mainly due to a lack of tolerance and understanding. I think it is appalling that these challenges still exist and we all need to work to teach, mentor and coach our community to become more accepting of the differences that make us a stronger city.

What would you do in your district to support LGBT people as a member of Kingston City Council?

As Mayor, I will ensure that I take every opportunity to speak with inclusiveness, understanding, and compassion. I will not tolerate bullying, harassment or discriminating behaviours and will work tirelessly to teach, mentor and coach as is necessary to make our city a place where diversity is embraced.

Would you commit to fixed funding and support for LGBT community events and resources?

It is important for every group and agency in our community to work together to create an open, diverse and compassionate city. I encourage the LGBT community to apply to grants and funding opportunities that already exist within our community for support and events.

Michael J. M. Owen — mo4mayor@hotmail.com

I have many friends in the LGBT community and have for years. I have worked at places that have a no discrimination policy on every level which I have upheld and advocated for from the Kingston AIDS Project in the 90's (5 years — now HIV/AIDS Regional Services) to the Sleepless Goat which is about welcoming and providing a safe atmosphere for all. And although I am straight I have marched in Pride (I remember the 1st) and have always supported the LGBT community. I have seen the struggle over the years that my friends have gone through personally and collectively and have supported individuals as well as the whole community and have spoken out. The issues facing LGBT have changed over the years — and at the same time they haven’t. Individuals and the whole community still face stigma in Government, Business and in the neighbourhood. Yes things have improved in many ways but we haven’t ‘arrived’ yet. As someone in the community I would openly support events in the city and would vocally advocate for concerns and brought to me. I would gladly raise the flag during Pride and would love to create a more involved City Celebration that showcased the diverse artist talent and beauty of the community! I guess that encapsulates the first two questions — for the third — an enthusiastic YES! The time is past due that on a municipal level we acknowledge the contributions and diversity that the community brings to Kingston. Additionally, I would advocate for more support services for youth and although I know there are some ‘unofficial’ youth groups I would like to see the city offer up more in the way of support and resources. I am happy to elaborate more if you have any questions you would like to follow up on and look forward to further dialogue!

Bryan Paterson — @bpatersonygk

What are the issues facing LGBT residents of your community?

I’m working as hard as I can to connect with as many people as possible across our city, and to reach out to group within our diverse community. I have spoken with a number of individuals in the LGBT community about a variety of city issues and am certainly open to hearing any further input regarding issues that are of specific concern to the LGBT community.

What would you do in your district to support LGBT people as a member of Kingston City Council?

I would consider it a privilege to represent all LGBT residents, in the same way as I would represent residents from other groups and communities within our city. I am a strong proponent of equality for all Kingstonians.

Would you commit to fixed funding and support for LGBT community events and resources?

I would certainly consider any particular funding/support requests, in the context of trying to support all groups and communities within our city. Again, I am a strong proponent of equality for all Kingstonians, and so my approach would be to try to promote equal access and treatment for all groups in regards to application for city funding, support etc.

Brenda Slomka — @brenda_slomka

What are the issues facing LGBT residents of your community?

Safety. Acceptance. Lack of access to information and support groups. As Mayor I would work to make resources readily available to community members: to increase safety and acceptance: from sensitivity training for police and fire personnel, to inclusivity training with residents and city staff, and championing a culture of cooperation and compassion. There are many studies on how to facilitate safe, accepting and accessible communities. We need to utilize this research and connect it meaningfully to our community so Kingston exemplifies these characteristics for LGBT residents. LGBT youth issues are a major area that we need to give attention to. As a Director of the Kingston Youth Shelter, I see the correlation between coming out younger ages and youth homelessness and the connection between bullying and mental health.

What would you do in your district to support LGBT people as a member of Kingston City Council?

My values and my experience building safe and inclusive communities will come with me to City Hall if I am elected Mayor. For the last 15+ years as a Student Affairs professional (in post-secondary education institutions) I have worked to foster space where all people feel comfortable — and are able — to be themselves. I am committed to educating and deconstructing assumptions and sharing personal stories to move us forward and also working with partnerships such as Egale Training (http://egale.ca/) to coordinate sessions accordingly. I went to McBurney Park in solidarity with a small group of other concerned community members when a hate letter was written to other members of our community. I spoke during this occasion to share why I was present: to help build a community in which no one fears. As Mayor I will continue to lead from the values of cooperation, creativity and compassion which inspire my work today.

Would you commit to fixed funding and support for LGBT community events and resources?