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Candidate Statements

These statements were submitted in advance of the DotOUT endorsement meeting for the 12th Suffolk House of Representatives.  DotOUT recognizes that there are many issues important to this race.  These four questions were intended to cover the basic issues of importance to our community in order to allow time to discuss the broader issues of the campaign at the endorsement meeting.
Emmanuel Bellegarde
1 .
 Will you vote to oppose the alteration of the Massachusetts Constitution to limit the right to marry? 

 Yes
2.
Do you support gay marriage?

 Yes
3.
Do you support a woman's right to choose?

Yes
4.
Will you support funding for AIDS research and services to those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS?

Yes
Eric Donovan
 
 Mr. Donovan did not complete the questions asked of each candidate.  See the minutes of the meeting to read his answers to the questions provided orally.


Linda Dorcena Forry


1.
Will you vote to oppose the alteration of the Massachusetts Constitution to limit the right to marry? 

I will vote to oppose the alteration of the Massachusetts Constitution to limit the right to marry.I support gay marriage, and am completely against amending the constitution to limit this fundamental right.It is not the place for government to decide who is and is not allowed to love each other and make a lifetime commitment to each other as it relates to consenting adults.Love truly should have no bounds—constitutional or otherwise.
2.
Do you support gay marriage?

I am an unequivocal supporter of gay marriage.I do not see why anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, should have to settle for civil unions.A fundamental right applies to all, and I will be a firm supporter of that position as the State Representative for the 12th Suffolk District.
3.
Do you support a woman's right to choose?

Absolutely.As with gay marriage, a woman’s right to choose is a fundamental right, and I am against infringements on that freedom.
4.
Will you support funding for AIDS research and services to those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS?

Funding for HIV/AIDS services is essential, and I would vote to restore funding for these services.I am horrified at the increased rates of HIV/AIDS in greater Boston and in the country as a whole.I am especially troubled, although clearly not exclusively concerned, by the disproportionate impact that HIV/AIDS has on Haitian-Americans compared to the population as a whole.

According to the Center for Community Health, Education and Research, Inc., “The rate of heterosexual transmission of HIV within the Massachusetts Haitian community is more than three times the rate among non-Haitians.In Massachusetts, 1,018 cumulative cases of AIDS/HIV have been reported among Haitians (MDPH, 9/2003).”

As a Haitian-American, I cannot help but be troubled by these statistics.Community health organizations such as the Center for Community Health, Education and Research, Inc. and Haitian American Public Health Initiatives, Inc., both serving a large number of Haitian-American residents living in the 12th Suffolk District, can ill-afford budget cuts to their HIV/AIDS public education and treatment programs.


Stacey Monahan


1.
Will you vote to oppose the alteration of the Massachusetts Constitution to limit the right to marry?

I will not support a Constitutional amendment to limit the right to marry.
2.
Do you support gay marriage?

I do support gay marriage.I feel strongly that people should be able to build a life with whomever they love, and should be afforded all the benefits and equal protections under the law. I believe that our society as a whole is enhanced when we embrace and respect diversity.
3.
Do you support a woman's right to choose?

I support a woman's right to choose.I believe that we are fortunate to live in Massachusetts where that right is protected by our Constitution. I will be a strong advocate for women's issues at the State House.
4.
Will you support funding for AIDS research and services to those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS?

It is vital to provide quality health and human services to people suffering from any disease.There should be no distinction made simply because a person has HIV/AIDS.

I will fight to restore funding that has been cut, and work to ensure that future funding is protected.


Kerby Roberson


1.
Will you vote to oppose the alteration of the Massachusetts Constitution to limit the right to marry?

No.  I believe the voters should decide the alteration or amendment to the Masscshusetts Constitution. 
2.
Do you support gay marriage?

To me it is a question of equal rights in terms of benefits granted through marriage.  I support the grant of 100% benefits to all families.
3.
Do you support a woman's right to choose?

Absolutely.  This is the most sacred right a woman has:  the ability to decide for herself when and whether to have children.  I will support that right with all my ability.
4.
Will you support funding for AIDS research and services to those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS?

Yes.  I will actively campaign to convince my colleagues to pay more attention and vote for more funding to support AIDS research and services throughout the State.  As an Advisory Board Member, I am currently working with the Haitian Multi Service Center to restore a 5-year CDC grant for AIDS services.  This program has served the community for a number of years and we intend to even expand it.