Community Testimonials on Introductory 53 (Local Law #4) and Ethics Board Review, 2002 - 2003

This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Tim O. Mains (1948-2021), a career educator and the first openly gay member of Rochester City Council. The majority of the materials relate to Mains's political career on the Rochester City Council from 1985 until 2005, including his two unsuccessful campaigns for mayor in 1993 and 2005. Materials include correspondence, campaign materials, guest editorials, policy research, public speeches, official portraits, interviews, profiles, press releases, a substantial volume of newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks that Mains created during significant moments throughout his political career. Also included are the legal records and documents from Mains's 2003 lawsuit against the City of Rochester successfully challenging Introductory 53/Local Law No. 4, which banned employees and administrators of Rochester City School District from running for mayor or city council. Mains was the first openly gay candidate elected to public office in New York State and was involved with advocating for lesbian and gay issues, campaigning for lesbian and gay candidates, and networking with lesbian and gay elected officials in other cities.

Other topics represented in the collection include Mains's career as a social studies teacher and guidance counselor at Greece Arcadia High School, as a principal for the Rochester City School District, and as superintendent for the Jamestown (N.Y.) City School District and the Pine Bush (N.Y.) Central School District. Materials include include academic calendars, school newsletters, strategic plans, and classroom photographs.