Ann Erickson Gault, Running for Oakland County Commissioner, District 3
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: Ann Erickson Gault
Running for Oakland County Commissioner, District 3
Incumbent? I am the incumbent, I previously held a seat on the Troy City Council from November 2019-Nov. 2023, until being appointed to the Board of Commissioners.
Campaign Contact Info
(248) 320-5798
[email protected]
Facebook: ann4oakland
Instagram: ann4oakland
Candidate background
Education:
Manchester University BA; University of Toledo College of Law JD
Professional experience:
I am an attorney who specializes in legal writing and appeals.
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
My LGBTQ+ daughter educates me on the issues you face and how I can help.
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is one of my top priorities. I intend to continue the progress we have been making, by opening mental health and substance abuse urgent care clinics, embedding mental health providers with police when making calls and supporting the work of Oakland Community Health Network. Housing affordability is an issue that remains a concern for many of my district residents. I will work with local organizations and continue my support of the county’s Housing Trust Fund to build more affordable housing. The county parks remain a top priority and passion of mine. Every person in this county deserves access to parks and green spaces, as parks are good for our mental and physical health. If elected, I will support the county’s plan to add green spaces throughout the county including areas that have been lacking parks and spaces for outdoor activities.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
My intent is to represent all of the people in my district and the county. A county commissioner needs to understand the economic, cultural and social backgrounds of all of their constituents and how his or her decisions on the board will affect them. As the current commissioner I am already doing that and if elected in November I will continue to do the same.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
If we are working on policies or programs that affect the LGBTQ+ community I will work to ensure that the community is being treated fairly and has a voice. If I find that I am unsure of how this will affect this community I will listen to people within the community to be sure I am understanding the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
Transgender rights are human rights. Oakland county is working to improve our mental health care and substance abuse treatment system. One example of this is our investment in the new Corktown Health clinic in Hazel Park, which specializes in treating the LGBTQ+ community. We are also embedding mental health professionals with law enforcement which we hope will allow people in crisis to find the help they need rather than ending up in jail or in the hospital.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
Oakland county is continuing to find ways to increase housing availability and affordability. In addition to building new affordable housing units, we are working on improving emergency housing. I will advocate for LGBTQ+ youth to be included and not forgotten in these efforts.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
Abortion is essential healthcare. Women should have ready access to abortion care as well as other reproductive health care. I will fight any law that impedes these rights.
How do you feel about drag queens?
I think that drag queens should be respected and revered for the talent and beauty they bring to the world and the entertainment industry. They should be lifted up and they should be protected from the culture wars that have been using them as punching bags.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
No, anyone in this country who wants to get married should have the right to do so. Same-sex couples should not be excluded from marriage and family rights.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
I support teaching about LGBTQ+ people from both a historical and social perspective, including their accomplishments and contributions to our society. Learning about people who differ from us increases our understanding and combats prejudice.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
The County has resources to assist people with food and housing insecurity. If someone approached me for help, I would connect them with the professionals who can help them.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Equality Michigan endorsed my candidacy.
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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