The Constitution, ladies night and bus routes were all on the table Monday at the City Commission candidate forum on equality issues.
The forum, hosted by the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, presented questions about adoption rights for unmarried couples and marriage rights for gay citizens.
With a miniature-sized rainbow flag hanging in the background, the nine candidates who attended expressed the belief that adoption should be available to everyone.
Lauren Poe, the City Commissioner holding the at-large seat, said that kids don’t care who their parents are.
“Children need loving parents,” he said.
Jeffrey Fiedler, who is running for the at-large seat, said that anyone who wants to adopt children should have to pass a training course.
Gainesville, most of the candidates argued, needs its Office of Equal Opportunity.
Susan Bottcher, who is running for the District 3 seat, said the fact that they were there answering questions on equality indicated the need for such an office.
Critics have gone after the office, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Don Marsh, who is also running for the at-large seat, said that Gainesville doesn’t need to spend time on issues like ladies night.
City Commission candidate Ozzy Angulo was quick to point out his view on the office.
“As a minority, I wholeheartedly support the office,” he said.
Abby Goldsmith, secretary for the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, said the council will be endorsing candidates within the next few days.
“We have a really talented group of people running,” Goldsmith said.
Editor's note: Gainesville City Commissioner Lauren Poe does not hold the at-large seat. Commissioner Thomas Hawkins holds the at-large seat.
