The linked post below is from Sue Kerr’s blog, and covers one of the topics she has been very passionate about- the provision of domestic partnership benefits for all Allegheny County employees, and one that she had been repeatedly criticizing Onorato. It would be fair to say, that if you read our two blogs and see us at odds with each other, it is this subject that is at the crux of the battle.

I was at a meeting with a diverse group of leaders from within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community, where I had been told, Dan Onorato might announce the county’s plan for providing these benefits, but Onorato’s plan was made clear there, instead of announcing the benefits themselves, he explained that he would have the newly formed Human Relations Commission address the method by which this can be done in a way that benefits everyone. This is one of the reasons. I’ve been supporting Dan Onorato. He has demonstrated the value of engaging the right people to work out  the plan rather than too quickly do something, just to get it done. Kerr repeatedly attacked him, for not caring enough, which was never the case.

Front and center was an issue near and dear to my little heart — providing domestic partner benefits to employees of Allegheny County.  The Chief Executive has asked the HRC for recommendations on this matter.

Earlier, the main issue holding up the addition of these benefits was the number of union contracts held by the county. While Onorato could simply have mandated these benefits, it would only have covered a very small number of people and would not have applied to any union contract worker. This would almost be worse in my opinion, as it would not treat all Allegheny County workers the same, and the whole basis of doing this is to treat everyone the same. The irony of this however was never visible to Onorato’s critics. Even in Kerr’s blog sidebar is a counter that attempts to portray him as having failed to act on this issue.

Kerr isn’t the only one however. A number of bloggers as well as Hoeffel’s staff have tried to make this out to be the big deal that disproves Onorato’s commitment and support for the LGBT community. But I think it is just the exact opposite. It demonstrates Onorato’s leadership, highlighting his ability to taker a course that leads to real solutions rather than take actions that are more symbolic than useful. But there is another aspect to the way Onorato has been handling this which deserves merit. He has actively and squarely engaged community members in deciding how to accomplish something that benefits that community, working within an existing framework. This is one sign of a good leader working within a democratic/representative government structure.

The first step was to get the County ordinance passed by county council, an act that would not have happened without Onorato’s involvement. Next, the Human Relations Commission needed to get set up and functional. Then, allow that commission to play the key role in working out moving forward. Is it the fastest process? No. But it empowers real people by making them involved in such a way that they are molding their own community and the things that will benefit their own community.

It is interesting to me, that the tax implications are one of the issues now under scrutiny. My partner Brad and I are buying a house, and the amount of my salary, that I never see because it pays for his health insurance, but is none the less taxed, is very significant. I knew it was large, but never really thought about it till the mortgage guy pointed out just how huge it was comparing my pay stub to my W-2 figures.

In my book, Dan Onorato is the best democrat candidate for Governor, because he is a real leader who will make choices and act in ways that do not appease all critics, but rather move Pennsylvania forward in ways that will make it a stronger state and better place for everyone including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transpersons.

Joe Hoeffel touts his very progressive ideals, yet never digs underneath the fluffy language. His vocal supporters magpie the fluffy language, but where are the real plans for how these progressive ideas will be translated into practical solutions that benefit all Pennsylvanians? If Hoeffel has any real plans for how his lofty (albiet important) liberal social agenda will be made into concrete change if he were governor, he isn’t sharing them. Onorato on the other hand is willing to use government and the governing process to devise and implement plans that will best meet the needs of our state.  Real plans, real leadership, for real growth for Pennsylvania.

via Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents :: Allegheny Movement on Domestic Partner Benefits.