It’s no secret that, fair or not, Colorado Springs has a national reputation of being conservative, run mostly by conservative white guys and yes, intolerant towards people – mostly gay and lesbian people – who are not conservative white guys.
And in Colorado Springs, the reputation of intolerance is a bit of a mystery, among some conservative white guys. But anyway, a city council and mayoral election is coming right up, and so this year the civic organization Citizens Project included this question in its widely-distributed candidate survey:
Studies show that cities that promote diversity, especially regarding sexual orientation, have greater economic success. How can you use this knowledge to ensure greater economic development of Colorado Springs?
Keep reading for the answers, mostly delivered via tap dance form, from the eight white men, and one white woman, who are running for four open seats, to run the state’s second largest city.
Larry Small – Retired From Lockheed Martin Corporation, INCUMBENT
Some say Colorado Springs is intolerant. Rather this is true or not is not relevant to economic development. What is relevant is the concern of intolerance, and we must work to remove that concern. Diversity must be encouraged. Everyone who can contribute to our community must be welcome and respected.
Tap Tap . . .
Tom Gallagher – Surveyor, INCUMBENT
The Bill of Rights guarantees the individual right of self-determination for all citizens. That is the right to choose a belief system, make lifestyle choices and express opinions free from government interference. It carries the obligation to respect and tolerate the opinions, practices and beliefs of others, particularly dissenting views.
Tap Tap Tap, Tap, Tap . . .
