Lots of Kossacks are following the story of Laurel Hester, the NJ police officer who after over 20 years on the force, is dying. She has had to leave behind her work in service to the people of New Jersey. For background, see
http="http://www.bluejersey.net/showDiary.do?diaryId=532"> BlueJersey.net Laurel will also leave a loved one, her partner of many years, Stacie Andree. Because Laurel and Stacie are a lesbian couple, Stacie is ineligible to receive Laurel's pension, unless action is taken NOW. See below for specific actions you can take.
Because Laurel and Stacie are a lesbian couple, Stacie is ineligible to receive Laurel's pension. BUT New Jersey has ruled that counties can grant their employees domestic partner benefits. All it takes is a vote by the county freeholders, and it's done. But it's not done, and Laurel is dying. The Ocean County Board of Freeholders, all Republicans, have the authority to award the pension benefits to Andree, which must be done before Hester passes away. but they have refused outright, running scared from a public meeting when confronted about it. One initial response from a freeholder was (paraphrased so I can get this diary posted) "well, we have to maintain the sanctity of marriage". Since they've had a chance to talk to their lawyers, that's changed to "it'd cost too much".
Here's how you can help.
1.The Big, Gay Picture"has joined with Garden State Equity (a New Jersey GLBT group) to organize a dramatic protest. To help convince the Ocean county freeholders to do what is right, not what's easy, they are asking that you send a copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird" to the freeholders before the next freeholder meeting (January 18th; the books must arrive on or before January 17th). You'll need to send that today or tomorrow, Saturday. To Kill a Mockingbird is Hester's favorite book. It's about choosing between the right and the easy. It's about standing up, and fighting for what's right. So stand up. Send a copy of the book to:
Ocean County Freeholders, c/o Steve Goldstein
585 Standish Road
Teaneck, NJ; 07666
2. Call the Ocean County Tourism Board, and let 'em know that you'll let your money speak for your beliefs. Ocean County LIVES on tourism - it's a long string of shore towns on the Jersey coast. So hit 'em where it hurts.
Ocean County Public Affairs
P.O. Box 2191, Toms River, NJ, 08754-2191
Phone: (732) 929-2000, Fax: (732) 506-5370
TDD: (732) 506-5062
Email..........
Department of Public Affairs - Barbara W. Steele Director
Public Information Division - Donna E. Flynn Director
Ocean County is VERY dependant on tourist income. Make your feelings known - let 'em know that when you head to the shore this summer, it won't be in Ocean County.
Hester and Stacie's plight has triggered other counties to move forward in extending domestic partner benefits (like Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Union and now Monmouth counties). If you're in Jersey, how about your county? If red Monmouth can do it, so can yours.