SOQUEL – The nine candidates running for three open seats on the county Board of Supervisors were pressed on their views around gay issues at a forum Saturday held at Inner Light Ministries in Soquel.

Candidates in the 1st, 2nd and 5th supervisorial districts attended a senior luncheon organized by the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz, where they answered questions related to handling county services for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people.

All candidates expressed support for gay rights and continuing or expanding related county services.

The Diversity Center’s Executive Director Jim Brown said county leaders play a critical role in bolstering the gay community, especially as some begin to age and come to

rely on public services such as health care and supported living.

“These are people who when they were growing up, it was illegal to be gay,” Brown said. “They’re prone to returning to the closet as they turn to services. They presume they won’t be accepted.”

Former Watsonville Mayor Antonio Rivas, running to replace Ellen Pirie – who is retiring from her post in the 2nd district – touted his experience in working with gay teens at Watsonvile High School.

His competitor Zach Friend, who works for the Santa Cruz Police Department, shared childhood stories about participating in the gay pride parades in San Diego and delivering meals to homebound AIDS patients.

Eric Hammer, a candidate in the 5th district, said he

helped bring HIV testing to Cabrillo College at a time such a thing was unheard of.

Susan Weber, also running for the open 5th district supervisor seat, told the audience she played a role in crafting an anti-discrimination policy for the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, which was designed to include sexual orientation.

Another 5th district competitor, Bill Smallman admitted he had no tangible experience working with gay issues. However, he said he understands

This article originally appeared on: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20146810