We support the Fairness Ordinance. Vote YES on Wednesday

Transcription

1 August 12, 2014 We support the Fairness Ordinance. Vote YES on Wednesday Dear Members of the East Baton Rouge Metro Council: We, the undersigned community and business leaders, believe in the promise of East Baton Rouge Parish. We have invested in our community, supported its growth, worked for its improvement, and are committed to its future. On Wednesday, you have the opportunity to vote YES on the Fairness Ordinance. The ordinance would bring Baton Rouge in line with almost 200 other U.S. cities among them the most dynamic and economically growing cities in the country that have affirmed all people are welcome. Recent Census analysis revealed East Baton Rouge Parish continues to lose young, college graduates to cities that value inclusion. We pride ourselves on our hospitality, but a national survey that measures whether a community is open to all people ranks Baton Rouge at the very bottom. Last year, Baton Rouge received 7 points out of 100 in the Municipal Equality Index. We are better than that. Baton Rouge cannot afford to put itself at a competitive disadvantage by sending the message that some of our neighbors are not welcome. Passage of the Fairness Ordinance will ensure Baton Rouge can compete for, attract and retain talent in a global economy. The Fairness Ordinance would also affirm we are a city that judges people only on their merits and believes in the timeless adage of treating others as we want to be treated. Baton Rouge is on the move. Let s seize the moment and become the city we know we can be. We urge you to vote YES on the Fairness Ordinance. Sincerely, Elizabeth Querbes and Chris Sammons Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. and Winifred Reilly Paul and Kathy West Virginia and John Noland Luke Kissam Albemarle Kathryn Schanen Kissam

2 Suzanne Turner Sean Reilly and Jennifer Eplett Reilly Dale D. Brown Dale Brown Enterprises John M. Spain Robert Schneckenburger R. Brian Haymon CEO, SGS Petroleum Service Corporation John G. Davies Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, Executive Pastor of Evangelism and Emerging Ministries, First United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge Albert D. Sam II, MD Nanette Noland The Powell Group, President & CEO Mary Ann Sternberg Rabbi Barry Weinstein Mary Terrell Joseph David Cangelosi Teri G. Fontenot Robert Ward Claude Bouchard, John W. Barton, Sr. Chair in Genetics and Nutrition, Pennington Biomedical Research Center Richard A. Lipsey Rev. Dr. Van A. Stinson Baton Rouge District Superintendent, The Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

3 Charles A. Landry Annette Barton Elizabeth Boo Thomas Center for Planning Excellence Alice and Bob Greer Leo and Gwen Hamilton John C. Gautreau II LaPorte CPAs and Business Advisers Chris H. Andrews Dr. Mark P. and Linda Orlansky Posner Alkis P. Tsolakis, Professor and Dean, College of Art and Design, LSU Andrew T. McMains Edie and Ralph Bender Jeff and Ansley Zehnder Adrienne and Jim Moore Gary and Kimberly Jupiter John Maxwell Hamilton and Gina Hamilton Stafford Kendall Laurie Aronson Kenneth H. Hooks III Elizabeth and Jay Noland

4 David and Robbie Rubin John Burns Jeff English Creative English Communications Consultants Allison Selig Klaudia Wasowska Adam Knapp Nicole Wesley Pennington Biomedical Research Center John S. Boston SCI Research and Consulting, Inc. Michael D. Ferachi Leah Simon Margaret Eaton Member, Baton Rouge Area Foundation Logan Leger Founder + CEO, NewAperio and Melissa Stallings René and Jonathan Greer Heather Sewell Day Debbye Calmes John K. Carpenter

5 Erryca Robicheaux Owner/Operator, Snap Fitness of Baton Rouge Downtown Development District Eric Holowacz President and CEO, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge D. Todd and Jennifer Waguespack Ann Connelly Eric Dexter President, Forum