THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

As the 2010 election cycle draws to a close, candidates for various Illinois offices are making sure to dot every I and cross every T with voters by reaching out to the state's varied constituencies, and the LGBT community is no exception. Judy Baar Topinka, the GOP contender for Illinois comptroller, spoke with Windy City Times recently about the nature of her campaign, her plans to maintain equal treatment of LGBTs at the comptroller's office and the contrast between her campaign and that of her opponent, the Democratic nominee for comptroller, state Rep. David Miller.

Windy City Times: What message would you like to send to voters, particularly LGBT voters, about why your campaign is important and about why voters should cast their ballots for you?

Judy Baar Topinka: I'd like to send the message that this campaign is about helping to restore public confidence in the management of tax dollars and achieving real transparency and reform in state government. That is something that all Illinois residents—whether they are members of the LGBT community or not—should be concerned about.

WCT: How can elected officials in political offices like the one you are aspiring to lead help further the cause of equality in the state of Illinois?

Judy Baar Topinka: Well, I plan to continue to work with the state legislature to see to it that fair-minded laws are enacted on behalf of all state residents. I plan to continue the current non-discrimination policies that exist within the comptroller's office and I plan to continue to serve as an ally whenever and wherever I can to the LGBT community.

WCT: How does your stance on the issue of equality differ from the positions of your opponent, who has issued his own set of policy positions on LGBT equality?

Judy Baar Topinka: Well, I have been at this for quite some time. I have a track record and history of supporting LGBT equality in a way that my opponent doesn't. I have been an ally for a very long time and I think that people know that.

See www.judybaartopinka.com .