Campaign Showdown

As the runoff election for Phoenix mayor nears, Greg Stanton's campaign questions opponent Wes Gullett's commitment to extending non-discrimination protections

By Glenn Gullickson

Stanton supporters question Gullett's commitment to non-discrimination protections

Phoenix — Supporters of Phoenix mayoral candidate Greg Stanton are criticizing his opponent, Wes Gullett, for an answer in a debate that they say suggests that Gullett is unwilling to extend non-discrimination protections to the LGBT community.

In a press release, Stanton's campaign said that Gullett was evasive in answering a question about whether he would extend the city's non-discrimination protections for employment, housing and public accommodation to include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

The debate in April was sponsored by Equality Arizona. The LGBT civil rights organization has endorsed Stanton.

In the debate, Gullett said he would study the issues. Stanton said he would support extending protections.

In their press release, Stanton's supporters criticized Gullett's stand. "Gullett's response was disappointing and frightening," said Kirk Baxter, co-chair of the Stanton campaign. "The policies he does or does not put in place as mayor have the potential to be dangerous."

Cynthia Lewis said Phoenix does not have a reputation for intolerance. "A lot of people are concerned that things could change in a Gullet administration," she said in the press release.

Contacted by Echo Magazine, Daniel Scarpinato, communications director for the Gullett campaign, said, "As Wes stated then and believes now, as mayor, he will bring the community together to have a dialogue on this issue."

Meanwhile, early voting has started for the runoff election to determine who will be the next mayor of Phoenix. Stanton and Gullett were the top two vote getters in a field of six candidates in the August election.

Also on the ballot are runoffs for two Phoenix City Council districts. In District 1, incumbent Thelda Williams, who was endorsed by Equality Arizona, faces Eric Frederick. In District 5, Daniel Valenzuela and Brenda Sperduti are competing for an open seat. Both District 5 candidates were endorsed by Equality Arizona.

The election is Nov. 8, but voting centers will also be open Nov. 5 and 7. Voters on the Permanent Early Voters List have received their ballots by mail. Voters not on the list can request a ballot by mail by contacting the City Clerk Department at 602-261-8683 no later than Oct. 28. -E