Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Candidate Name: Judge Wini Cannon

Council District: 3

1. Background and the LGBT community

Share any experience that illustrates your understanding and interest of the needs of LGBT Dallas
residents.
I am an American who has had the benefits of interacting with many people from various walks of
life. As an African-American woman I understand the struggle that is encountered by persons who
are not perceived as mainstream. I hate that society chooses to define persons by their ethnicity,
religion, color and/or their sexual orientations and preferences. Yet in the era that we live in
persons who dont fit the profile of what is the norm may be ostracized and/or precluded from
reaching their full potential. I have seen this in my personal and professional engagements. I abhor
discrimination on any level and against any person (despite the labels that are imposed). This is my
general ongoing experience of empathy towards the needs of LGBT Dallas residents.
On a personal note, my understanding and interests of the LGBT community took root in the 1980s,
during the height of the AIDS epidemic. I lost one of my dearest friends to AIDs and his memory has
been with me ever since. It is duly noted that HIV infection rate is highest in African Americans
(accounting for 44% of all new HIV infections). Dallas ranks 16 of all U.S cities in the number of new
HIV infections (CDC Fact). This epidemic effects the general population as well as the LGBT Dallas
community. Resources for city based healthcare is imperative. Further more resources to promote
and host free HIV testing to the general public will be supported by me as Councilperson.
I am delighted that the City recently approved benefits for same sex city employees. I will support
this measure if it is challenged.
Do you qualify or would you be prepared to sign an oath of allegiance form from the Dallas County
Democratic Party?
Yes
2. Creating an inclusive community
Cities compete for residents, tax payers, conventions, and new business/economic development. As a
member of the Dallas City Council, how would you insure that Dallas can compete effectively with
other cities in the area of LGBT inclusion?
For starters I would support and participate in Gay Pride parades and other observances. I will go
beyond with this first step and with the same fervor give tax incentives for persons and business
entities who would want to incorporate their cultural expressions to uplift the community (this
would of course include those in the LGBT community) in the development of the Southern Sector
of Dallas. We need to turn the tide by moving and investing in Southern Dallas since the trend is for
businesses and residents to relocate to Frisco, Plano and Prosper. There is great potential in all areas
south of the Trinity and I believe that opportunities for growth and development should be
extended to the LGBT community for that purpose. When Dallas is viewed as gay-friendly, we then
can advance as a city. There truly is no room for exclusion. I think that we need to recognize as a

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Candidate Name: Judge Wini Cannon

Council District: 3

society that to allow a group to express itself does not mean indoctrination, but it is simply an
opportunity to be recognized as a member of the greater community making significant
contributions culturally and economically. We then can create an environment where all persons
can pursue happiness. It cannot be ignored that members of LGBT communities are bold enough to
go into areas where others refuse to go. Gentrification has resulted because many in the LGBT
community have been pioneers in the revitalization process of many of our cities. Lets embrace this
for Dallas and acknowledge that many in the LGBT community have contributed to the revitalization
of many urban cores such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York. These cities have succeeded
since they included the LGBT community into the fabric of their cities. Since Dallas has the 6th
largest LGBT population in the U.S I believe that this inclusion will be a win-win for all those
involved.
Would you recruit and consider qualified LGBT constituents for your commission and board
appointments?
As a city council member, I want the most competent and effective people serving our city on the
various boards and commissions. I would look to the persons credentials and experience as the
criteria for selection while balancing this against a mandate for diversity. I believe that competency
and diversity can be accomplished without sacrificing the While I value diversity in city government,
as I am a minority, my priority in making these appointments would be to select candidates who are
qualified in their own right to serve, not make appointments to satisfy a race or minority quota.
Will you support the Dallas City Councils resolution for marriage equality and also a statewide ban
on LGBT employment discrimination?
In March of 2014, the Dallas City Council approved a resolution supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender city employees. I will continue to support this resolution if elected to ensure that
our LGBT employees have the same access to benefits as any other employee. As for a statewide
ban on employment discrimination, I personally believe that the era of discrimination against all
people including women and LGBT employees is past due. There should be equality across the
board. Although the Dallas City Council cant enact state legislation, I believe that as all of Texas
major cities pass similar resolutions supporting LGBT employees, the voice will be given to the
statewide equality battle. It is duly noted that on or about February 18, 2015 that Dallas supported a
measure for LGBT spouses to obtain marriage benefits.
Would you actively lobby and take action to encourage Mayor Rawlings to join the Mayors for the
Freedom to Marry?
Same sex marriage is now legal in 37 states, leaving Texas and 12 other states in a diminishing
minority. I believe that Mayor Rawlings must be whole hearted about joining this organization and
stand behind its principles. I would not actively lobby the Mr. Rawlings to join this or any other
organization that he does not feel personally convicted to join. Although the freedom to marry is a
salient issue, I do understand that this issue will ultimately be decided by the State legislature and
the US Supreme Court. What can be legitimately enacted at the local level I will support recognizing
that inclusion can be accomplished on other levels.

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Candidate Name: Judge Wini Cannon

Council District: 3

The private sector has seen a large increase in policies and benefits for LGBT employees. How should
the City of Dallas remain competitive to attract and retain top LGBT talent?
Dallas should match those policies and benefits. If Dallas city government is going to run like a
highly functioning business operation, the benefits provided should match those as the companies
that this city attracts.
Do you support comprehensive transgender inclusive health benefits and as a council member work
with the City Manager to implement such benefits?
This is a matter of contract law. However within the framework of the law I would support such a
measure.
3. Current Events
The Governor and several state legislators intend to push legislation through to curtail the current
scope of governance of home rule cities like Dallas. This could remove local control over matters
such as drilling within city limits, LGBT protections, etc. Do you favor or oppose this, and what would
you plan to do in response?
I strongly oppose the thought of this bill. Texas has made it clear that they dont want the Federal
government interfering in state rights issues. As a municipality, it would be a violation of our rights
to have crucial decisions made from Austin that effect the people of Dallas. In response, strong
lobbying efforts would need to be made by a majority of our state representatives from Dallas. I
would build that alliance between city council and our state legislators to protect the governing
interest of Dallas.
What are your thoughts on current campaign finance rules for Dallas elections which set donation
amount limits on people newly seeking office but essentially place no donation amount limits on
incumbents via unrestricted officeholder accounts which may be used for campaign purposes?
There should be an even playing field among incumbents and candidates. The unfair advantage that
incumbents have makes it harder to remove an ineffective councilmember. If the elected
councilmember if fiscally responsible, they will be able to make do with spending all raised fund and
not need the excess funds provided by an Officeholder account.
The proposed Trinity Parkway toll road continues to make headlines. Do you see the Trinity Parkway
as an essential roadway project to alleviate projected road congestion around our downtown core,
or are there other solutions that Dallas should be focused on?
The Trinity Parkway has ballooned into a massive highway proposal in one of the few natural
resources this city has. Cities across America have expanded and/or built new highways to alleviate
congestion only to end up with more congestion on these new lanes. The answer to easing highway
congestion is not to build more lanes but to focus the population in a denser area where people
would not have to use highways to travel from work, home, school, and recreation. Our solution to
congestion is to make our downtown core and the neighborhoods adjacent to it livable for ALL
people of all income levels. We need to focus the money on building new housing and the amenities
that residents need to make urban living comfortable and competitive to suburban life (More parks,
better public transit, grocery stores, improved schools, etc)