How will you be voting on Referendum 71? Do you think that lesbian and gay couples in committed relationships should have the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples?

Position 7

Tola Marts

It’s hard enough to find love in this world.

If two people manage to find each other and build a happy life together, it’s not the state’s job to tell them whether their relationship is deserving of equal access to civil and legal protections, based on what their gender happens to be.

SB-5688, the “Everything but Marriage” bill, is a sign of the compassion and respect Washingtonians afford their fellow citizens.

As a husband and father, I know neither my marriage nor my children’s safety are threatened by allowing my fellow citizens the right to care for and support their loved ones, as some argue.

I enthusiastically voted “Approved” on R-71.

Nathan Perea

My position on Ref. 71 is the same as both of our King County Executive Candidates Susan Hutchison and Dow Constantine as well as political commentator and talk show host John Carlson: I approve Ref 71.

I certainly have no wish to infringe on or limit the rights of anyone regardless of their sexual preference.

Even though this is not a city-specific issue and it will be decided upon by voters, I think it is important voters know where their local candidates stand.

We do not need to continue this form of discrimination any further. Our governments should be focused on economics, public safety, infrastructure, education and encouraging innovation towards prosperity.

Trying to interfere with people’s rights because of who they choose to spend their life with only adds to our social divides and distracts us from the issues that affect us all.

Position 5

Maureen McCarry

This question emphasizes, “committed relationships” and caring is the heart of commitment.

With so many community problems rooted in the absence of care, I fail to understand why we deliberately pursue policies that can impede both commitment and caring.

I campaigned on a platform of community, commerce, and compassion. I learned from working with children that compassionate communities are able to differentiate caring “about” from caring “for.”

Our children teach us that although we are expected to care “about” everything in our world, we need not care “for” everything.

Good communities evolve into great communities through empowerment by commitment and caring. A committed, caring community does not allocate precious rights and protections based on race, sex, physical ability, or other orientations.

In substance, “all are created equal” is the cornerstone of our great nation and it should be a cornerstone of great communities that are committed to caring “about” all.

Joan Probala

Families are the backbone of our society. Referendum 71 ensures stability and protection to that family unit.

All couples in a committed relationship combine resources, provide a safe and loving place for a child, and should have the right to decide how their loved ones should be treated in time of crisis.

Their commitment creates a family and it is in the best interest of society, and individual rights, to acknowledge that relationship.

For many years I have donated time, energy and resources to help people in need. I believe that all people should be treated fairly and equally.

People in domestic partner relationships contribute to the fabric of society just like traditional married couples and deserve the benefits and rights granted to them.

Referendum 71 does not discuss changing the definition of marriage. Sound public policy dictates that Referendum 71 be supported.

Position 3 – unopposed

Eileen Barber, incumbent and sole candidate, did not respond to this question.

Position 1 – unopposed

Mark Mullet

I voted in favor of Referendum 71 in this election. It was the easiest vote on the ballot (yes – even easier than voting for myself).

Government is at its best when we are protecting the rights of its citizens. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Libertarian, we all must embrace the chance to provide equal rights for all Americans.

Our country has made excellent progress in the past 100 years when it comes to providing equal rights to women and minorities.

The final hurdle we have to clear is ensuring that two people (regardless of gender) who are in a loving and committed relationship are given equal protection under the law.

Mayor

Ava Frisinger

I support R-71, which if approved, leaves in place the state law expanding domestic partnership benefits for same sex couples.