Chattanooga Council has an opportunity to make history this month by approving domestic partner benefits for city employees. The trend among private employers (including my employer) and government employers is to include domestic partners as part of a benefits package. Knoxville, Collegedale, and soon, Nashville will move toward attracting quality employees by adding domestic partners as beneficiaries.
Author Richard Florida has noted that thriving cities all include the "3 T's".....Talent, Technology, and Tolerance. Approval of this resolution would add tolerance to the city's vision. I respectfully urge members of Chattanooga Council to follow the lead of 7th District Representative Chris Anderson and approve the domestic partners resolution. In Jefferson Heights we stand behind Chris Anderson and the progressive future of the city of Chattanooga.
As a Chattanooga citizen/taxpayer/property owner, I urge Council to do the right thing on this issue.
William B. Lockhart
Chattanooga
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I'm confused by the proponents' contention that domestic partner benefits cannot be extended to other household members, as that guts the intent of the ordinance. For example, an city employee providing in-home care for a sick or disabled relative with little, if any, medical coverage is a natural extension of this proposal. Many of the infirm do not qualify for other government assistance. This is a humane and reasonable amendment. What about two brothers or two sisters as well? Since Chattanooga is the bastion of selective tolerance, it's unfortunate that Councilman Anderson is more concerned with making a political statement on gay rights than offering a comprehensive solution.
I'd urge the City Council to broaden the parameters of this proposal.
Tom Sullivan
Chattanooga
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I would like to urge the City Council to read their Bibles and pray the night before they vote on this. I'd also recommend Mr Lockhart read his.
Some things just cannot be tolerated.
Andy Roma
Chattanooga