Dear George,

We want to join in warning Democrats of the dangers of voting for John Pfaltz on the basis of his opposition to the parkway.

Democrats beware! John Pfaltz really is a Republican. When you get past the parkway issue, Pfaltz's views are quite in line with Republicans, especially on social issues, and are generally at odds with Democratic views.

Here's an example. At the recent city-council candidates forum on education, he was asked if he favored adding sexual orientation to the city school's nondiscrimination policy. He responded that, first, he did not know the policy, and, second, that he would not be in favor since he did not know all that sexual orientation might involve. He suggested that pedophiles might be covered by that addition! Fortunately Meredith Richards commented on Pfaltz's misunderstanding by pointing out the American Psychological Association's position that pedophelia is an illness whereas homosexuality is not. Pedophelia is a psychological illness which, when acted upon, is a criminal offense. Homosexuality is a minority sexual orientation of about 10% of our population and is as normal as left handedness. Associating sexual orientation with pedophelia is a tremendous disservice to our brothers and sisters who are homosexual. It is unlikely that Democrats would support this social injustice.

Social issues have great importance in our local city council policies and positions. Recently the present Democratic city council supported the Living Wage Campaign. On state issues they expressed their support for a moratorium on the death penalty and for the passage of hate crime legislation that included crimes against gays. They have supported adding sexual orientation to the city school board nondiscrimination policy. These are widely held Democratic positions, and ones generally opposed by Republicans. Democrats should support Democrats to maintain the humane and progressive city that has been developed over the years by Democrats!

Helen and Al Reynolds (electronic mail, April 19, 2000).