Acuña Refuses to Answer Gay Marriage Question

Acuña Refused to Respond to Questions Regarding Gay Marriage, More

Democrat Jose “Joey” Acuña Jr. remained mum on questions regarding gay marriage and more in a recent series of questions Uken Report sent to both him and Republican Jeff Gonzalez. Each is vying for the seat currently held by Democrat Eduardo Garcia who chose not to seek re-election.

Gonzalez, a former combat marine, answered all questions.

The two candidates are competing in the Nov. 5 election to represent District 36, which includes Coachella, Indio, the rest of the eastern Coachella Valley and eastern Riverside County all the way to the state line, along with all of Imperial County and a fraction of eastern San Bernardino County. Both men reside in the Coachella Valley.

Since its inception in 2017, Uken Report has posed candidates a series of questions to help voters distinguish between and among candidates. Only two have ever refused to participate: Garcia and Acuña, both Democrats. These questions were standard operating procedure.

Acuña has been endorsed by the Desert Stonewall Democrats whose mission it is to advancing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Following are the questions sent to both men and Gonzalez’s responses.

Uken Report (UR): Do you support gay marriage? Why or why not?

Jeff Gonzalez: I support the rights of all individuals, regardless of race, color, creed or gender.

UR: If elected, what will you do to protect and extend LGBT equality?

Jeff Gonzalez: If elected, I will work to ensure that all laws and policies uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination for all Californians. This includes supporting legislation protecting against discrimination in employment, housing, and other public services.

UR: If elected, how will you ensure every LGBT child and young person can flourish?

Jeff Gonzalez: I am committed to creating more opportunities for all our students to succeed. This begins with ensuring that our local schools are safer and more supportive. I support adding anti-bullying initiatives, security, and educational programs in local schools. Every student should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education without the fear of discrimination or harassment.

UR: If elected, how will you improve health and social care services for LGBT people?

Jeff Gonzalez: I will work to improve health and social care services for all people in the community. The maze of regulations and the cost of healthcare is a problem in California. My mission is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible while having resources and services available to address the unique needs of every Californian.

UR: Provide one example of how and when you assisted a disenfranchised member of the LGBTQ community.

Jeff Gonzalez: As a pastor, I organized teams to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and house the homeless. I helped organize programs to educate the next generation, assist the poor, care for the sick, and empower servant leaders.