Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality » Political Action

KAFE Endorsements for November 2012 General Election!

Bill Jefferson — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:29:46 +0000

CONTACT
Amy Hunter
info@kalamazooalliance.org
(269)720-9329
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 October, 2012

Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality Releases Endorsements for November 6 General Election

Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE), has released their endorsements for Michigan’s November 6 General Election. Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE) was formed in 2006 to work towards obtaining equal rights for the LGBT community in the Kalamazoo region and beyond. The group is composed of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, allies, and questioning individuals interested in promoting and obtaining equal rights for all persons.

In a statement issued today, KAFE Chairperson, Amy Hunter said, “We are proud to release our list of endorsed candidates for the 2012 general election and are certain that they will represent the residents of our area and the state with distinction. Along with our statewide partner, Equality Michigan Pride PAC, we have sought to build support for a wider progressive coalition across Michigan. These candidates have demonstrated the commitment to those progressive ideals necessary to restore balance to elected office in our state.”
This will be Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality’s final round of endorsements prior to the November 6 general election. However, KAFE may add individual candidates at a later date.

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KAFE’s mission is to influence political change that improves equality for the LGBT community through political activities, visibility in the mainstream community and coalition building across communities.

To contribute to KAFE visit: www.kalamazooalliance.org

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Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality / Endorsements / General Election – November 6, 2012

President of the United States

Barack Obama

Senate of the United States (US Senate)

Debbie Stabenow

Congress of the United States (US House of Representatives)

Steve Pestka MI-3rd Congressional District
Mike O’Brien MI-6th Congressional District

Michigan Supreme Court

Judge Shelia Johnson
Judge Connie Marie Kelley
Professor Bridget Mary McCormack

Judiciary

Stephen Borrello, 4th District Court of Appeals
Brian Morrow, 3rd Circuit Court Non-Incumbent (Wayne County)
Carol Kuhnke, 22nd Circuit Court (Washtenaw County)
Ken Ross, 30th Circuit Court (Ingham County)
Linda Bernard 36th District Court
Bill Seikaly, 46th District Court
Judge Jodi Debbrecht, 51st District Court (Retain)
Mark Meadows, 54B District Court (East Lansing)

Michigan House of Representatives

Sean McCann (HD 60)
Michael Martin (HD 61)
Kate Segal (HD 62)
Bill Farmer (HD 63)
Richard Rajkovich (HD 66)

Countywide/ Local Candidates

Dave Morgan, Calhoun County Commission, District 4
Bret Padgett, Comstock Township Treasurer
Brian McGrain, Ingham County Commission, District 10
Brian Johnson, Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds
Grace Borgfjord, Kalamazoo County Treasurer
Carolyn Alford, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 1
David Buskirk, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 2
John Taylor, Kalamazoo County Commission District 3
Michael Seals, Kalamazoo County Commission, District4
Julie Rogers, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 5
Tom Novak, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 6
Leroy Crabtree, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 7
Connor Farrell, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 10
Jamie Jager, Kalamazoo County Commission, District 11
Ronald E. Reid, Kalamazoo Township Supervisor
Richard Carrillo, Kent County Clerk
Jeff Parsons, Oshtemo Township Clerk
Grant Taylor, Oshtemo Township Treasurer
Dusty Farmer, Oshtemo Township Trustee

KAFE’s Letter to the Editor

Bill Jefferson — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:21:29 +0000

CONTACT

Amy Hunter

info@kalamazooalliance.org

(269)720-9329

Dear Editor:

Michigan needs balance restored to our state and local government.

It is clear from the legislation and rhetoric coming out of Lansing since 2010 that our elected government has become dominated by individuals with an agenda which serves a narrow constituency.

In the America of 2012, this is unacceptable, particularly in a state with as diverse an electorate as ours. Michigan history is storied and rich with ideals which enable an ever diversifying population to contribute to and share in the promise of safe, secure and productive lives for themselves and their families – And yet, some lawmakers appear bent on limiting the promise of a better future for Michigan’s citizens and residents. Indeed, to some in whom we have entrusted our futures, that promise is seemingly reserved for a narrowly defined and largely fictional majority equating roughly to those “like us”.

Michigan needs balance restored to its representative government in a manner which brings the promise of a better tomorrow back within reach for us all.

Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE) was formed in 2006 to work towards obtaining equality for all residents of the Kalamazoo area and beyond. We are a diverse group of individuals whose common interest is promoting and obtaining equal rights for all persons, including gay and transgender people and their families. We are proud to offer our endorsements for the upcoming November 6, 2012 general election and are certain that these candidates will represent the residents of our area and the state with distinction. Along with our statewide partner, Equality Michigan Pride PAC, we have sought to build support for a wider progressive coalition across Michigan. The candidates we endorse have demonstrated the commitment to those progressive ideals necessary to restore balance to elected office in our state.

Amy Hunter

Chair

Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality

Pride Brunch June 9th @ The Wine Loft

Bill Jefferson — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:32:25 +0000

Join KAFE, the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, and the Equality Michigan Pride PAC on Saturday, June 9th from 9-11AM at the Wine Loft for a very special Pride Brunch!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door or prior at the KGLRC. We’re happy to welcome Emily Dievendorf, Director of Policy for Equality Michigan and Amy Hunter, Chair of KAFE and many other community leaders and elected officals for this special event the morning of Kalamazoo Pride 2012.

What does $25 Dollars get you?

Hands on discussion about the current political environment in Michigan, specifically Kalamazoo. Where are we at, where are we going, and what needs to happen!
Meet and greet with a “Special Guest” and local elected officials/community leaders.
Brunch including beverages and light food.
How can you get involved and keep kalamazoo the best city in Michigan for Equality!

We look forward to seeing next Saturday for this community wide brunch supporting Equality! Check out the FACEBOOK invite too!

Over 65 Elected Officials LEAD for Equality in Michigan

Bill Jefferson — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:09:04 +0000

Over 65 Elected Officials LEAD for Equality in Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Contact: Sarah Kennedy, Unity Michigan,

646-470-9507, sarahkkennedy@gmail.com

Over 65 Elected Officials LEAD for Equality in Michigan

Leaders from across the state sign on to statement of support

LANSING – Today Unity Michigan announced that more than 65 local elected officials have signed on to the LEAD (Local Electeds Against Discrimination) statement, calling for gay and transgender-inclusive non-discrimination protections.

This follows Sen. Rebekah Warren’s announcement on March 22 that she would introduce legislation to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for gay and transgender people.

“It’s unacceptable that in 2012 here in Michigan, hardworking employees can be fired from their jobs just because of who they are,” said Nathan Triplett, East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem. “Forty years ago, East Lansing enacted the country’s first non-discrimination policy protecting gay residents. It’s past time for the rest of the state to catch up. We all have signed on to the LEAD statement because we’re ready for Michigan to be a welcoming, fair state.”

“This isn’t only about fairness and equality,” said Derek Dobies, newly elected Jackson City Council Member. “It’s about attracting and retaining that creative class that will help rebuild our economy. East Lansing blazed a path of protecting fairness and diversity that communities like Jackson can follow. So can Michigan. Until then, LEAD will continue to grow and local communities will continue to do their part in promoting a diverse, vibrant Michigan.”

According to the latest polling, 65% of Michigan voters support protections such as these. (Source:http://dontchangeyourself.com/Quinlan2011.pdf)

“It’s encouraging to see such a large number of our local elected officials, from Saginaw to Ypsilanti, Ingham County to Holland, come together to take a stand for gay and transgender Michiganders,” said Denise Brogan-Kator, executive director of Equality Michigan. “It’s now time for our elected officials in the legislature to step up, acknowledge Michigan’s core values of fairness and equal treatment for all, and move forward on amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.”

A full list of signers, and the statement, is below. Elected officials who would like to join LEAD should visit www.unitymichigan.org/LEAD

The Unity Michigan Coalition works to ensure that all Michiganders are treated fairly by advancing non-discrimination policies. The Unity Michigan Coalition includes the ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations, Equality Michigan, KICK, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Ruth Ellis Center.

STATEMENT

Local Electeds Against Discrimination (LEAD)

“We, the undersigned elected officials from across the State of Michigan, proudly stand together in support of non-discrimination protections for gay and transgender residents.

All hardworking people in our state, including those who are gay or transgender, should have the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. No one should have to live in fear that they could be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance – especially in this uncertain economic climate.

We personally know many gay and transgender people living in our cities who actively contribute to their communities, are model employees, and should be treated fairly and equally just like all other Michigan residents.

We are proud that 18 cities across our state have put non-discrimination protections into law, and we urge our colleagues, not just in other cities, but our colleagues in both houses of the state legislature, to enact similar legislation. Diversity helps to keep our cities strong, and our gay and transgender residents are a part of that diversity.

We know that young, bright, creative-minded professionals are more likely to choose places that foster diversity and inclusion. They are just the kind of workers, thinkers, and doers that Michigan needs to help revitalize our economy.

We are proud to stand for non-discrimination protections, at the municipal, state, and at the federal level. That’s why we’re pushing for the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to be amended to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. That’s why we’re doing all we can to foster diversity and inclusion in our cities. And that’s why we are proud to be Michiganders.”

LIST OF SIGNERS

A’Lynne Robinson, City Council, Lansing

Andy Helmboldt, City Commission, Battle Creek

Andy Schor, County Commission, Ingham County

Annie Boensch, City Council, Saginaw

Robert Cinabro, City Commission, Kalamazoo

Bobby Hopewell, Mayor, Kalamazoo

Brenda Lawrence, Mayor, Southfield

Brian McGrain, County Commission, Ingham County

Carol Koenig, County Commission, Ingham County

Carol Wood, City Council, Lansing

Chris Swope, City Clerk, Lansing

Craig Covey, County Commission, Oakland County

Curtis Hertel, Register of Deeds, Ingham County

Dan Martin, City Council, Ferndale

David Anderson, City Commission, Kalamazoo

David Buskirk, County Commission, Kalamazoo

David Coulter, Mayor, Ferndale

David Hoekstra, City Council, Holland

Dayne Walling, Mayor, Flint

Deb Nolan, County Commission, Ingham County

Debbie DeLeon, County Commission, Ingham County

Derek Dobies, City Council, Jackson

Diane Goddeeris, Mayor, East Lansing

Don Cooney, City Commission, Kalamazoo

Don Power, City Council, East Lansing

Donna Rich Kaplowitz, Trustee, East Lansing Board of Education

Eric Schertzing, Treasurer, Ingham County

Flo Hayman, City Council, New Baltimore

Fred Miller, County Commission, Macomb County

George Heartwell, Mayor, Grand Rapids

Helaine Zack, County Commission, Oakland County

Jenny Suidan, Trustee, White Lake Library Board

Jeremy Moss, City Council, Southfield

Jessica Yorko, City Council, Lansing

Jim Carruthers, City Council, Traverse City

Jim Ellison, Mayor, Royal Oak

Jim Rasor, City Commission, Royal Oak

Jody Washington, City Council, Lansing

John Hieftje, Mayor, Ann Arbor

Jonathan Byrd, Chairman, Kellogg Community College

Julie Brixie, Township Treasurer, Meridian Township

Karen Majewski, Mayor, Hamtramck

Kathie Dunbar, City Council, Lansing

Ken Siver, City Council, Southfield

Kevin Beard, City Council, East Lansing

Kim Jaquish, City Council, Jackson

Kyle DuBuc, City Commission, Royal Oak

Laura Schlecte, City Council, Jackson

Lynn Ochberg, Trustee, Meridian Township

Marcia Gershenson, County Commission, Oakland County

Mark Grebner, County Commission, Ingham County

Mark Miller, Trustee, Kalamazoo Township

Melanie Piana, Mayor Pro Tem, Ferndale

Mike Lennon, City Council, Ferndale

Nathan Triplett, Mayor Pro Tem, East Lansing

Patrice Johnson, City Council, Muskegon Heights

Paul Schreiber, Mayor, Ypsilanti

Penelope Tsernoglou, County Commission, Ingham County

Rebecca Bahar-Cook, County Commission, Ingham County

Scott Craig, Trustee, Northville Public Schools

Scott Galloway, City Council, Ferndale

Stephanie Bell, City Commission, Kalamazoo

Tina Houghton, City Council, Lansing

Todd Tennis, County Commission, Ingham County

Virg Bernero, Mayor, Lansing

Zack Stanton, City Council, New Baltimore

Are you an elected official wants to sign on to LEAD? Click here: http://unitymichigan.org/LEAD

LGBT Rally in Lansing on Wed Jan. 18th!

Bill Jefferson — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:08:20 +0000

Gay Michiganders are Under Attack!

Recently, Michigan lawmakers passed a law banning public employers from offering domestic partnership benefits, which Governor Snyder then signed into law.

This is not ok and it’s time we fight back! Join your local LGBT community center on the capitol steps in Lansing on Wednesday, January 18, at 12:00 Noon. Let Michigan lawmakers know that gay families matter and deserve to be treated equally!

For more information, contact the local community center nearest you:

Check out the FACEBOOK EVENT & PrideSource Article!

Kalamazoo Residents Protest in Bronson Park

Bill Jefferson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:49:07 +0000

KALAMAZOO — Members of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, KAFE, and the surrounding area holding rainbow-colored cloths in a show of unity, gathered in Kalamazoo on Sunday 1/8/12 to protest a new state law that limits access to domestic partner benefits for government employees.

A state law signed last month blocks the offering of taxpayer-paid health insurance to domestic partners living with some public employees. It mostly affects local governments and public schools and applies to health insurance and other benefits for unmarried partners of the employees, same sex or not.

Many of those who took part in Sunday’s demonstration, spearheaded by the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, said gay and transgendered citizens are unfairly singled out by the law.

”They start with taking away benefits rights, but what’s next?” said Sarah Hoisington, 24. “This is the catalyst for something bigger.” READ MORE

Join KAFE at “Talk Back To Rick” Rally 1/8/12 @2pm in Bronson Park!

Bill Jefferson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:16:37 +0000

JOIN US ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH AT 2:00 PM AT BRONSON PARK DOWNTOWN KALAMAZOO.

Michigan voters elected Rick Snyder because he had a plan to fix our state’s economy. He was going to help keep the best and the brightest here and position Michigan as an economic leader. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the Governor has made compromises we find disappointing and when someone lets you down, you tell them.

Join us in telling Governor Snyder that revoking the healthcare benefits of hardworking LGBTA state employees hurts Michigan families. We expected this type of blatant ill-will from the few who are so blinded by prejudice that they can’t see our shared human experience. We didn’t think our Governor, a self proclaimed nerd, as one of those people.

Join us at: http://talkbacktorick.com/ sign our petition and view our Facebook page here!

Bronson Park is located in Downtown Kalamazoo.

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Kalamazoo Commission Opposes HB 4770, 4771, & 5039

Bill Jefferson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:07:03 +0000

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In Lansing, there’s a bill making the rounds that would take away rights approved by local voters.

House Bill 5039 would make it illegal for local governments to specifically protect gays and lesbians from discrimination. That essentially would void non-discrimination ordinances on the books in several cities across Michigan, including Kalamazoo.

On Monday night, in front of a packed house, the Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously passed a resolution to oppose that bill. The passage of that resolution brought forth an explosion of applause, now the hope is that Lansing will pay attention to Kalamazoo and other cities that are displeased with House Bill 5039.