Candidates’ answers to our questions
Some time ago, There was a drive to get the presidental candidates to answer questions on how they would deal with the disability community. Here are the links to their answers:
Barack Obama (he was the first candidate to respond):
http://www.aapd.com/News/election/070604sbo.htm
Governor Bill Richards of New Mexico:
http://www.aapd.com/News/election/070610gbr.htm
John Edwards, former Senator from North Carolina:
http://www.aapd.com/News/election/070612sje.htm
Below is the response to one of the questions from Jim Gilmore, one of the Republican canididates.
Mark Wolf: (Question via email from the American Association of
People with Disabilities) :
Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent
assistant to the President for Disability Policy? How will you
make sure qualified people with disabilities will be part of
your political team, and if elected, of your administration?
Gov. Jim Gilmore (Answer):
Disability policy will be carefully considered and the rights of disabled persons protected under my administration. This was my track record as governor. Administratively, I am more comfortable delegating policies such as these to the appropriate cabinet official. I would expect the Secretary of HHS to be accountable for and to coordinate disability in my
Administration. My experience is this creates better results than a special assistant outside of the administrative structure.
Needless to say, I am not impressed with his answer. I also do not agree with a couple of Bill Richards answers, either.
I will keep you abreast of others who respond.