brian davis, city of buffalo common councilmember, ellicott district (2007)

8/14/2019 Brian Davis, City of Buffalo Common Councilmember, Ellicott District (2007)

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Brian C. Davis Candidate for Reelection to Ellicott District Councilmember

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STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York

PO Box 857, BuFslo, NY 14205 Website: ^^rov^cv.stonevr$lldcmocratsany.com

Zilf7 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE CITY OF EF AL 1Q JC

Name: jC l/1 1 1 : C [JA-LJ

Cam Address: '1 4 iL41

D ' e Phone: 7 &j:

_Eveniri Phone: i iGq

Fax Nur:Mt( /^L/c1 E-mail;1 . ra)% nmice Sonaht: tf ! f) 1Stt C t JIGiC- f C1 ' Par n: O ^

Before you cox*tmue, please understand that

Stonewall Democrats of WNY may publicize your responses is press releases and voters gu ides, on our website, and via other channels of com munication. Stonewall Dem ocrats of W NY will also identify candidates

who a il, to respond to this questionnaire.Stonewall Democrats w ill hold you publiclyaccountable for actions inconsistent with your responses during

your campai gn and if elected during your term in office.

Stonewall Democrats will not endorse any candidate that does not express opposition to the Defense of

Marriage Act (DOMA). This act could also void civil unions, domestic partnerships, mid similar legal

arrangements.

Please note that completion and submission of the completed questionnaire prior to your interview day is a

prerequisite for being. considered for endors ement.

Please submit your typewritten responses to the fo llowing questions on a separate sheet.

1)Why are you seeking this office?2) Why are you seeking the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats ofWNY?3) What three issues do you consider to be most important to the people served by the office you seek? For each

issue;a) Provide an exam ple of specific action(s) you have previously taken-

.ciitlter as a public official or as a

private citizen--to bring about positive change relative to this issue; and

b) Specify what additional ,action(s) in regard to this issue you intend to propose if elected to the office you

seek.4) What th ree civil rights issues do you perceive to be the most important to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and

transgeuder (( LBT) comrntu lty7 For each issue:a) Provide an example of specific action(s) you have previously taken--either as a public official or as a

private citizen--to bring about positive change relative to this issue; andb) Specify what additional action(s) in regard to this issue you intend to propose if elected to the offtee you

seek.

5) Stonewall Democrats of WNY strongly believes that candidates have a respnnsibility to provide voters withtruthful, f air and clean cernpainns for public office and to conduct themselves in a mannerconducive to a

civil, Issue-oriented debate with their_ fellow candidates. Will you sign a written pledge to conduct your

campaign accordingly?6) If endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, will you list the endorsement on all applicable campaign

literature (i.e., all literature listing any other endorsements)?7) Ifendorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY. will you attend a GLBT community forwu to introduce

endorsed candidates?


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Brian C. Davis Candidate for Reelection to Ellicott District Councilmem ber

visitor money was spent in the City of Buffalo over that weekend. Allowing restaurant and bar

establishments to set up show outside was a huge boost to their businesses that weekend.

2) Housing & Neighborhood Rehabilitation and Reinvestment

- 800+ dilapidated homes have been demolished, over $4 million have been invested in

infrastructure improvements such as new streets and sidewalks, and over $5 million in

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) have been distributed throughout the districtthrough storefront improvement grants, operating funds for community centers and nonprofits,

and project funds for housing developments.

- In an effort to continue the mindset of environmental consciousness, I was the lead sponsor ona resolution calling on City Departments to enforce illegal dumping ordinances.

- Another essential resolution that I sponsored that was subsequently adopted by the CommonCouncil called for new legislation governing rooming house managers, in an attempt to improverooming house conditions and relations with neighbors. This ordinance amendment was initiated

in response to frequent complaints of tenant behavior, dilapidated conditions, criminal activity

and nuisances from constituents living near rooming houses, especially on the Lower West Side.

3) Public Safety

To improve public safety and battle crime, I sponsored three resolutions in 2004 aimed at

curbing crime in our community.

- 1 - A resolution calling for the Buffalo Police Department and the Department of Probation to

study a joint strategy against youth crime.

- 2 - A resolution calling for the establishment of a Cold Case Squad within the Buffalo PoliceDepartment. Since then, the Cold Case Squad has solved 14 crimes and has helped free two

individuals who were wrongly accused.

-3 - A resolution calling for the creation of a Shared Asset Forfeiture Fund (SAFF), which woulddonate 15% of seized assets in the form of grants to Community Based Organizations (CBOs)that deal with drug abuse prevention, crime prevention, and mental/physical health for minors.

Other Actions:

- In 2005 I sponsored a resolution urging local and federal authorities to prosecute gun cases asfederal crimes and adopting such programs that have been effective in other cities across the

United States.

- In 2006 I sponsored another resolution that was subsequently adopted by the Council calling

for licensing of bar bouncers.

- In 2006 I co-sponsored a resolution with Councilmember Bonifacio calling for New York Stateto prohibit the co-mingling of legal age and underage patrons in drinking establishments that

subsequently led to new state legislation to that effect in 2007.

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Brian C. Davis Candidate for Reelection to Ellicott District Councilmember

-Rehabilitation of housing stock, particularly vacant properties, is essential to our success, not

only as a neighborhood or district, but as a city. Using adaptive reuse, recognizing organizations

ready to take charge and make changes for housing success, and finding ways and methods in

which to work these components together is an ongoing project for my staff and me.

We have experienced urban growth with new builds throughout our district, but we must not

forget the past nor the available housing stock that can be rehabilitated for housing while also

rehabilitating lives through skilled training programs that assure the participants learn buildingtrades for their future as well as receive supportive services to bring them to the level of future

community leaders.

- Recognition of those organizations that have worked nonstop to assure urban renewal in theirown neighborhoods can provide a forum for sharing ideas and concepts with other areas that lack

these groups. Once again, connecting the growth areas also connects the dots and fills in theareas that need essential urban renewal. Using those with the expertise at a grassroots level can

bring these areas together as well as our citizens.

3) Public Safety

As noted above, we have made positive strides in reducing crime for the Ellicott District, as well

as making a significant impact for the city overall. However, there are other initiatives I wouldlike to undertake that use the programs that contributed to public safety success in our recent past

as well as those not yet introduced to our area.

- We need our Community Police Officer Program back on the streets. This initiative, along

with the Community District Attorneys gave hope and pride to our neighborhood leaders and

residents. Budget cuts, as well as police staffing has eliminated this program and we must find

creative solutions to bring it back.

- COPS was another workable, successful initiative that was redlined from our budget due to thesame issues. Again, this was a program that worked successfully on a grassroots level and we

must find the funding to assure the residents have this opportunity to communicate through this

program to assure the safety and sanctity of our neighborhoods, once again.

- Basic, simple solutions provide an understandable platform for neighborhood success. Police

officers walking and biking the beat address quality of life issues that impede the rebuilding

process of our neighborhoods. These, also, need to be reinstated for our rebuilding process.

- Enforcement of the new panhandler ordinance and the introduction of tougher laws regardingguns and drugs is also on my agenda for the future of the Ellicott District as well as the city,

overall.

Without "sweating the small stuff," without proactive and innovative solutions, without listening

to what has worked in the past from the mouths of our citizens, we can not recognize the safe,

secure future of our city. It is with this in mind that I wish to continue strong dialogue on aneighborhood-to-neighborhood basis to create and redevelop the essential tools for public safety.

4) What three civil rights issues do you perceive to be the most important to the gay,

lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community? For each issue:

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1) Sexual Orientation in Jobs (Discrimination)

2) Protection of Gender Identity employees

3) Equal rights for domestic partners with proper criteria

a) Provide an example of specific action(s) you have previously taken, either as a public

official or as a private citizen, to bring about positive change relative to this issue; and

Regarding:

1) Sexual Orientation in Jobs (Discrimination)

2) Protection of Gender Identity employees

I have sponsored, enforced, or voted "Aye" on the following policies:

- The Civil Rights of employees' sexual orientation in job discrimination (Civil Rights law

enacted in 2000 co-sponsored by my predecessor that I continue to enforce)

- Discrimination by a contractor working under a city contract (10/3/2000 I continue to

enforce)

- Sexual orientation protection against discrimination in the city's employee handbook(Sponsored by R LoTempio passed 10/31/2000, before my tenure as councilmember, that I

continue to enforce)

- Gender Identity protection in the city employee handbook (Sponsored by B Davis, A

Thompson, BJ Grant and passed on 9/3/2002).

- A Gender Identity/Expression protection in job discrimination (Sponsored by B Davis, A

Thompson, BJ Grant and passed on 9/3/2002)

- Anti-discrimination policy amendment relating to fair housing that (4/18/2006 Voted "Aye")

- Inclusion of sexual orientation in the discrimination guidelines for Resolution #10 Requesting

New York State to Amend the Human Rights Law by Discrimination against Transgender

Individuals (5/2/2006 VOTED "AYE")

- Pratt-Willert Revitalization Urban Renewal Plan Amendment inclusion of anti-discriminatory

sexual orientation practices (3/2/2007 Voted "Aye")

- Franchise Agreement with Time-Warner inclusion of anti-discriminatory sexual orientation

practices (6/21/2007 Voted "Aye")

Although I sponsored, voted "Aye," or enforced and supported these laws and ordinances duringmy tenure as Ellicott District Councilmember, I also see the necessity to re-introduce anordinance that covers domestic partnerships for those individuals employed by our city.

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This issue is of great importance, not only to those employees it would directly affect, but also

the efficiency of our city government in creating a true employee-friendly atmosphere that would

transcend into more productivity in the workplace.

b) Specify what additional action(s) in regard to this issue you intend to propose if elected

to the office you seek

Research needs to be conducted in order to formulate the most acceptable resolution for allparties. The research for this type of action includes domestic partner recognition, availability of

health and other insurances for the partner, and recognition of the partner as a "spouse" for all

events, whether business or social.

Proper wording and guidelines need to be set to assure the law or policy would be adhered towithout compromise. The definition of "partner" has to be structured to assure there truly is a

partnership between the two persons that make up this domestic unit for these initiatives to pass

through the legislative process. Utilizing definitions set by a major corporation has allowed for a

possible solution to this.

There already is policy set in the State of California and quite a few cities nationwide that can beresearched as models for this type of city policy. Utilizing resources as the Human RightsCampaign Foundation and others like it can provide solid guidelines with which to write such a

resolution that could be amenable to all parties, including the lawmakers in our city. I already

have a volunteer who has begun this process.

5) Stonewall Democrats of WNY strongly believes that candidates have a responsibility to

provide voters with truthful, fair and clean campaigns for public office and to conduct

themselves in a manner conducive to a civil, issue -oriented debate with their fellow

candidates. Will you sign a written pledge to conduct your campaign accordingly?

Yes

6) I endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, will you list the endorsement on all

applicable campaign literature (i.e., all literature listing any other endorsements)?

Yes

7) If endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WINY, will you attend aGLBTcommunity

forum to introduce endorsed candidates?

Yes

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Although the oftke you seekhas no direct auUwrity in non-city legislative matters, of elected You will have the ability to

ireiireetly intlu*n a the region's total, state and federal electedocials. Please inch ate Your support or opposition for:

S[mswa Dnnoc.ars 57YT CRY 's1 CoegpiroAer 2007 ?iu (amtaha,pag 2

PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR MORE COMPLETE ANSWERS TO

THIS SECTION. THANK YOU.

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Brian C. Davis Candidate for Reelection to Ellicott District Councilinember

jurisdiction of family courts and criminal courts, to former spouse whether or not living

together and unrelated persons who continually or at regular intervals reside in the same

household or have done so in the past, and persons who are or have been in a dating or

intimate relationship whether or not they have ever lived together.SUPPORT

A 3496/51571 - Dignity For All Students Art- Enacts the "Dignity For All Students Act";authorizes the commissioner of education to establish policies and procedures affording all

students in public schools an environment free of harassment and discrimination based on

actuator perceived race, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual

orientation, gender or sex; requires reporting harassment and discrimination to such

commission; makes exemptions.SIJ l'PORT

S 2800/A 4978 New York State Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) (Maltese/Seminerio):

Makes a marriage absolutely void if contracted by two Persons of the same sex.

Iask your indulgence in order to assure complete honesty and understanding of my response

below:

I unequivocally OPPOSE DOMAAgain, I believe it is of utmost importance to separate religious faith from the laws of NYS, not

only in this case, but under all legislation as our country had determined a need for the separation

of church and state as noted in the First Amendment.

Therefore, I would SUPPORT civil unions but, as a practicing Catholic, I would need to

redefine the wording and change the term of "marriage" in this particular bill to either the terms

of domestic partnership or civil union, thereby OPPOSING DOMA.

A 5845 Workers Compensation Benefits for Domestic Partners (John) Includes domestic

partners in certain provisions concerning disability benefits and defines the term domestic

partner.SUPPORT with provisions and definitions that clearly define the role of the partner*

A 2196 - Bereavement Leave for Domestic Partners (Glick): Provides that bereavementleave be granted to individuals involved in same-sex relationships on the same basis as

those granted to employees who are married.

SUPPORT

A38691S2800 Domestic Partnership (Glick): To provide legal status for domesticpartnerships and to extend provisions of laws that currently apply to spouses or next-of-kin

to domestic partners.SUPPORT

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07/05/2007 13:55 716-251-6576 COUCH-MbMbtk IAV15F iL b5

Ifyon are ru ingfar a legislative office, please indicate w h e t h e r you would sponsor, co-sponsor, vote for and/or vote

agran,stthe following proposed city legislation. Ifyou ire rsrnatusfor a nun-Iegilhailne oee, please indicate whether you

would vote for or vote against the following proposed city legislation-

CITY L}IGGSLAUON SPONSOR CO-SPONSOR VOTE VOTEFOR

.

A AINST

CityFamilvLesve for Domestic Partt^rs;. , To provide

that aunty leave be pcanted to iudividue a involved inseine-sex relationships on the same basis as thosegranted to employees who are atarried wider the federalFamily leave4ctCityDomestic P rinershin Lesislation :To providelegal status for domestic psr4ase8bips and to extendprovisions of laws that currently apply to spouses ornext-Of-kin to domestic srtnert.CityOereavetneui leave for domestic partners :Provide that bereavement leave be granted toindividuals involved in sense-sex relationships on thesame basis as those granted to employees who areteemed.

I attest that this questionnaire epresents my opinion of the issues on this queotion naiie:

Candidate's S.ignatum;

Date:

Please oonrplete the attached issues surveys, sign below and return the questionnaire, surveys and yourresurndby July 16, 2007 to:

Stonewall Democrats of WNY Or fax to: (716)462-5052

P0 Sox 857But alo, NY 14205-0857

QUESTIONS?Fotquestions about the submittutg the questionnaire and securing an interview time, call David

(3ranville (716)440-0423, Jeff rey Tooke (716)9 1 2-8557 or Michael James (716)432-0691.

3io ceelltiemncnfls !IWT CttyCoerrciYCo,,prro1lerX07 gaeefennailw page 3

PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR MORE COMPLETE ANSWERS TO

THIS SECTION. THANK YOU.

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Again, Please Note:There are many of the following bills that I would unequivocally support or oppose. However,

there are a few that need to be redefined to assure complete understanding of the issue/s.

Therefore, I respectfully submit the following rather than just "check off' without comment.

City Family Leave For Domestic PartnersTo provide that family leave be granted to individuals involved in same-sex relationships

on the same basis as those granted to employees who are married under the federal FamilyLeave Act.

VOTE, FOR/COSPONSOR with provisions and definitions

that clearly define the role of the partner*

City Domestic Partnership Legislation:To provide legal status for domestic partnerships and to extend provisions of laws that

currently apply to spouses or next-of-kin to

domestic partners.VOTE FOR/COSPONSOR with provisions and definitions

that clearly define the role of the partner*

City Bereavement Leave for Domestic Partners:Provide that bereavement leave be granted to individuals involved in same-sexrelationships on the same basis as those granted to employees who are married.

VOTE FORICOSP NSOR with provisions and definitions

that clearly define the role ofthe partner*

Clearly defining the role of the partner involves assurances that the domestic partnership

truly exists. One corporation that has developed acceptable guidelines for their employees is

Hewlett-Packard. These guidelines include the following criteria:

- To be eligible for most benefits, employees must submit a declaration of domestic partnership

and meet the following criteria:

- There must be an ongoing and committed spouse-like relationship intended to exist indefinitely,

which has existed for at least six months,

- The partners are not related by blood to a degree of closeness that would prohibit legal

marriage in the state in which they reside,

- Both have shared the same residence for at least six months, are responsible to each other for

the direction and financial management oftheir household, and are jointly responsible for each

other's financial obligations.

Utilizing guidelines similar to these would allow for proper administration of this policy, if

acceptable by all other parties during a legislative review prior to the submission of a resolution.

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brian davis, city of buffalo common councilmember, ellicott district (2007)

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