I am writing to respond to comments made by State Sen. Martin Sandoval to constituents on lobby day and [Windy City Times April 9]. These comments were about an article that appeared in the March, 2003 newsletter of BUNGALO (the Berwyn United Neighborhood Gay and Lesbian Organization).
I first met with Mr. Sandoval when he was running for the state senate last fall against Cicero Republican Roberto Garcia. I came away from that discussion believing he had stated to me that he supported and would vote for House Bill 101. Since his opponent told us he would not support HB 101, BUNGALO was very positive about Mr. Sandoval's candidacy in its October, 2002 newsletter. ...
In early March, 2003, one of the other gay newspapers in Chicago ran a story that Mr. Sandoval has told Equality Illinois that he was not committed yet to SB 101. That article surprised us here in BUNGALO ... . In our March newsletter, BUNGALO repeated what had been stated in that article and we urged our readers to contact Sandoval ... .
I met with Sandoval on lobby day about this and about SB 101. Sandoval told me he was neutral on SB 101 and had not yet decided to vote for it or against it, but that he was keeping an open mind.
I told him I was sorry if BUNGALO or I had offended him in any way and that information about his lack of support of SB 101 was based on reports in the gay media in Chicago. I apologize to Sandoval if I personally offended him in my position with BUNGALO. I also apologize if I misinterpretted his position on HB 101.
Ted Korbos, BUNGALO
----------------------------------------