Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Alexa Avilés for City Council District 38
Candidate Name: Alexa Avilés
Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 38
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
Of the six other candidates running for City Council in District 38, I am the only Latina mom and have one the longest and most consistent tenure of living and working with the district's community. As a parent of two public school students, my work in education will be one area that distinguishes me. As the President of the PTA of my daughters' school for about ten years, I have worked with hundreds of families from across the neighborhood on a wide range of issues. Our school lacked programming and equipment for the children, so we creatively grew the PTA budget ten times over, started an afterschool program, and ensured students had arts, dance, and music equipment. We also ensured communications were translated and provided interpretation for families at all school functions, particularly for families with children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). We worked on implementing culturally responsive community and educational activities. My organizing on the PTA helped move it to become a hub for assistance, beyond just academics, for families in the neighborhood. We partnered with local nonprofits to bring services requested by families that included immigration, housing, social services, and health supports. Currently, I serve as a parent representative on the MS 88 School Leadership team, where I advocate for services and support families and students in need. I have partnered with many local nonprofits and serve on Brooklyn Community Board Seven. Beyond these skills and experience, I bring a humble but intense focus on leadership. I am sensible and pragmatic - bringing strong governance and focus on leveraging what the district has to offer to ensure every person in our community can live with dignity in a healthy and safe neighborhood.
Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
n/a
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
n/a
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
Professionally, As the Program Director of the Scherman Foundation I have developed and managed a grantmaking program that includes funding of Black, Indigenous and young women and girls (including TGNC people) of color led local, state and national gender and reproductive justice organizations fighting multiple intersecting oppressions.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
As a cis female I am an ally to the LGBTQ community.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes, I have marched with my daughters and neighbors. We’ve marched the past few years.
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes. No, not currently.
What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, criminal justice issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended?
I have attended many conferences, demonstrations and protests for the last two decades. I have been a longtime advocate against the inhumanity of the criminal (in)justice system, a feminist and fighter for bodily autonomy and a defender of human rights of all people, especially the most marginalized.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
no
Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?
Yes. I come from a heavily impacted family that experienced a great deal of incarceration. I probably have been a visitor in every facility in New York State. I do hold trauma from these facilities, they are inhumane. We must end mass incarceration of Black and Brown people. But while we have constituents and family members inside, I will commit to visiting constituents in state and city jails.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Absolutely.
Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism
My top three legislative priorities are all dedicated to combating systemic racism will all include an equity lens. These include: 1) Recovery and a People’s Budget; 2) Ensuring quality and equitable education for all; 3) Ensuring affordable and safe homes for all residents. To promise a full recovery from the multiple crises we are experiencing and fight against austerity politics, A People's Budget will include taxing the wealthy and large corporations and reallocating resources in our budget from systems that harm Black and Brown high-poverty communities by investing in protective and supportive services. Our communities need healthcare, education, housing and jobs. We must unapologetically redirect public education funds from private corporate interests to where they belong – public schools. Housing is a human right, and every New Yorker deserves a safe and dignified home. We must demand a renter and small homeowner recovery plan and funding package, bring back homeownership opportunities for working-class New Yorkers, protect public housing, and expand building affordable housing for working class families.
Will you not seek, and refuse, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio?
I will not seek the endorsement of Bill de Blasio.
In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people with AIDS, and was blatantly racist, would you support and sponsor a bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge?
Yes.
What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
I believe all statues celebrating racism and racist practices must be removed, and support the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle. Replacing these historically disgraceful emblems is very important to our community, and community members, leaders, artists, and activities should be the ones who decide what work replaces the removed pieces.
Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?
Yes, I curI currently refuse all donations from these groups.
Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?
Yes, I do! As a city, we need to commit to defunding the NYPD budget by AT LEAST $3 billion and reinvest those funds into vital community services like school social workers, community mental health professionals, immigration services, and employment programs. One of the biggest priorities for my campaign and office will be to reinvest heavily in public education to end racial and economic school segregation, increase the number of social workers and teachers in the school system, and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. We can accomplish more, but only if we push for a radical People's budget in the City Council, where working people drive the priorities of what we fund as a city.
How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?
I would have voted “no” to this austerity budget designed to squeeze New Yorkers while continuing to pander to the rich and those who protect them.
Are you in favor of removing police from any of the following? a) Schools; b) Mental health response calls; c) Homeless outreach and social services; or d) Traffic enforcement.
All of these, yes.
Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?
yes.
Should Dermot Shea be fired immediately?
Yes. Dermot Shea has been an abject failure to our city and has done enormous harm to Black and Brown communities during his short but deeply destructive tenure.
Should the NYPD Commissioner require confirmation by the City Council?
YES!
How would you recommend police officers be penalized for refusing to wear masks in public while on duty, in defiance of city and state rules?
Police officers must receive consequences for their actions like the rest of us. Police officers who refuse to wear masks are entitled to due process and just cause like all workers should be, but these limitations do not prevent us from punishing officers with suspension and removal from the force for failing to protect our communities in the most basic way: quelling the spread of Covid-19.
What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
Oversight of the NYPD has been minimal, anemic and sporadic. I would propose legislation that would create an inspector general who is independent and has sufficient powers to do the systemic monitoring and auditing NYPD. I support having members of the CCRB be elected by the public. This will allow for more transparency and accountability within the Board and give the opportunity for people truly dedicated to police reform to serve on the Board. The CCRB has also been neutered by lack of enforcement teeth, human and financial resources to meaningfully conduct its job. We must do a comprehensive assessment and allocate the appropriate level of resources for the body to be effective. I support making CCRB’s determinations binding; I believe the NYPD has too much power over how to discipline their officers. I think if the agency is forced to absorb the costs of police misconduct lawsuits, there will be more serious attention to how officers engage in their job and how the department enables or addresses the situation.
What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?
I believe we must greatly reduce the number of people we incarcerate. This means decriminalizing drugs, legalizing sexwork and other harmless “crimes”, having more non-punitive alternatives to incarceration, and giving less prison time to certain people convicted of crimes. I don’t believe that we needed to allocate $4 billion to these facilities. I think we may need to rehabilitate a small facility that is better than the current deplorable facilities for those who need to be removed for safety purposes. We data shows that we can still significantly and safely reduce the population.
Will you advocate for the Governor to review sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release?
Yes
It’s common knowledge that New York City’s 311 system is not adequately responsive to the public’s concerns. How would you alter the 311 system to combat these problems?
There seems to be no accountability mechanism for how 311 is working and for the related agencies. We need to create a method of feedback loop and ensure that the system is in fact honestly capturing problems, tracking REAL progress and supporting the closure of the issue.
Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?
I strongly support deciminalizing sex work and oppose the Nordic model. No solicitation or provider of sex work services should be punished under the law or through other discriminatory practices.
Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?
Yes! Part of my district includes District 15, and the enormous success of the school diversity plans, which include removing screening, provide inspiration for spreading not just diversity, but educational equity, desegregation, and anti-racist practices throughout the city. Removing screens related to attendance, grades, language competence, and ability are key. I will continue to strongly support school equity, inclusion, and diversity planning in our school community and district and beyond.
Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.
Mayoral control has been an abject failure for students of all ages in our city and both perpetuated and exacerbated racial and economic disparities. We must end this monarchic system of school management and governance. In its place, we need to establish community school boards that are directly elected by the community. Our schools must reflect the character, interests, and heart of our community, which is only possible through popular and democratic control.
Do you support public funding of abortion?
Yes
Do you support the creation of safe consumption sites? Would you support the use of NYC DOHMH authority to establish SCSs without NYSDOH authorization?
Yes
Do you smoke or otherwise consume weed?
No
Have you ever supported any of the members of the IDC? If so, who? What did you do to help defeat the IDC in 2018?
No. I participated in rallies and raised awareness in the community about what the IDC was actually doing to undermine progressive policies.
What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?
We don’t know how this pandemic will forever change nightlife in NYC. We will need to be attuned to the unique needs and ways to support. NYC’s nightlife is an important part of what makes our city so vibrant and beloved, we want to bring it back and do it safely.
Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
yes
Will you work to place restaurant, bar and club owners on community boards? Will you commit to not appointing or reappointing community board members who are hostile to food and beverage estalishments?
Yes and I would expect the owners to run high-road establishments that treat their workers with dignity and respect.
Now that the cabaret law was repealed do you support amending the zoning resolution to allow patrons to dance at more venues and eliminate the restrictions against dancing?
Yes. Dancing is an enormous part of a communities’ cultural and societal celebrations. I believe these laws are unnecessarily prohibitive.
Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?
Yes. These continued corporate handouts undercut the needs of working people and perpetuate exploitation at the hands of the wealthy.
What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?
As an activist against the industry city rezoning, I have experience with these issues. I support abolishing the ULURP process in favor of a system that encourages more democratic and community participation. I think it is the role of the council member to be transparent about issues of development and ensure that they are constantly listening to the input of community members. Their decisions around development proposals should be based on the will of the community and no other factors.
Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?
absolutely.
Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?
No. Housing is a human right, and pressure from people with homes to remove those without them is immoral. Also, temporary housing is not a sustainable or meaningful solution for all of our families that are experiencing homelessness. As the pandemic continues to ravage our communities, we can expect an even greater need for affordable, low-income housing that provides for families' core needs. I am a strong supporter and will fight for expanding access to affordable housing, particularly in areas of the highest need.
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?
We must stop the collaboration between the criminal (in)justice agencies (at local/state and federal levels and the immigration system. In particular, passing the New York for All Act would provide protections that bars all local law enforcement and state agencies from conspiring or participating with ICE. In addition to the policy change, we must shift the culture to make this kind of collaboration frowned upon behavior. We must also create a statutory right to a lawyer that would ensure due process for immigrants and provide an additional layer of protection from abuse from the system and well and unsavory neighborhood actors like predatory employment agencies or lawyers.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate on what policy and legislative steps the City can take to expand access and affordability.
Medical care is a human right. I support single-payer universal health care and believe in comprehensive health care, free at the point of service, for every New Yorker, regardless of their immigration, employment, (dis)ability status, or financial needs. I believe in greatly expanding NYC Care and taxing wealth to greatly expand offerings for ensuring the quality of life and health for all of us -- particularly those of the highest need. The outcomes of ThriveNYC are negligible and left out immigrant communities for most of its existence. I would ensure that public hospitals and community health clinics are invested in mental health care, which has been decimated over the years. There is a profound need for culturally competent services that are community-based. We must build an anti-racist health care system in this city.
Who did you support for office in the following primaries or special elections: A) Mayor in 2013 B) Public Advocate in 2013 and 2019, C) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Attorney General in 2018?
A.) Bill de Blasio B.) Tish James and Jumane Williams C.) Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden D.) Cynthia Nixon, Tish James
Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively
My top issues will be: 1) Recovery and a People's Budget. Given the pandemic and budget shortfalls and other ongoing crises impacting our communities, my number one priority will be passing A People's Budget that ensures that working people are centered. We must fight against austerity politics. We must advocate for taxing the ultra-wealthy and reallocate resources in our budget from systems that harm people or are ineffective, and invest resources in protective and supportive services that communities need like education, healthcare, jobs, and housing. We will identify resources required by defunding the NYPD and sourcing other savings that will require the Council to demand a comprehensive audit of every city budget, contract, and financial record to see where it is wasteful, unneeded, and duplication of spending. 2) Quality education is the right of every child in NYC. We must unapologetically redirect public education funds from private corporate interests to where they belong – public schools. We must demand full funding from the State and the City for K-12 schools, CUNY, and adult education. Full funding will allow us to hire more teachers, ensure language access, expand culturally responsive classrooms and school environments, and empower parent and student voices in decision-making. While funding and a significant portion of education policy is controlled at the state level, the Council can push forward significant changes within budgeting, legislative, and oversight powers. 3) No one should lose their home during this pandemic. Housing is a human right, and every New Yorker deserves a safe and dignified home. We must demand a renter and small homeowner recovery plan and funding package. We must bring back homeownership opportunities for working-class New Yorkers. Public housing is one of our city's greatest assets—we must expand it, improve it, and protect it from private greed. I will fight for full funding, timely repairs, and preserve Public Housing, which must be done with union labor. I will oppose RAD/PACT and advocate for the development of a resident-driven preservation blueprint. We must demand safe housing for homeless New Yorkers and public support to live and thrive. We will need to improve, and the way city programs support NYCHA residents and homeless people. Other key critical issues will be land-use and climate change.
Mayor de Blasio has indicated his intent to call a third Charter Revision Commission, what additional reforms would you support to 1) the budget process, 2) the land use process, and 3) the powers and duties of municipal offices?
I would fight for budget justice/ a People's Budget that centers working people and the most marginalized. We must fight against austerity politics. We must advocate for taxing the ultra-wealthy and reallocate resources in our budget from systems that harm people or are ineffective, and invest resources in protective and supportive services that communities need like education, healthcare, jobs, and housing. We will identify resources required by defunding the NYPD and sourcing other savings that will require the Council to demand a comprehensive audit of every city budget, contract, and financial record to see where it is wasteful, unneeded, and duplication of spending. For land use process: ULURP was designed for the full benefit of developers. NYC needs to engage in a comprehensive master plan at the city level and resource neighborhoods to engage in community-led planning as well. ULURP has many significant and well documented flaws that include no meaningful process for community engagement, no measure of risk of secondary displacement, no requirements around mitigating or funding issues to decrease harm or adverse impacts and lastly doesn't measure or consider racial/ethnic impacts. We need to reimagine and democratize the planning commission. I would note the harm of the process and advocate for a more sensible, land use process that aligns with a vision of the city that is equitable and just to all its residents. For the power and duties of the municipal office, I think we need more performance management and accountability for the agencies and their duties to the public. I have more to learn about the needs and ways to ensure workers are safe and protected.
Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?
As the legislative body and the most local form of government, the City Council is the bridge between what constituents are experiencing and how government can better support healthy, safe, and vibrant communities. The Council can stop harmful policies, fund and ensure proper implementation and introduce new policies or changes to respond to changing needs. The Council should exercise its oversight power with rigor to ensure city agencies are doing a more effective job for all New Yorkers. Lastly and most importantly, as budget documents are moral documents, the Council must lean into its budgeting powers to ensure that the city budget truly reflects the values of equity and dignity.
Do you commit to working with Jim Owles during your campaign and while in office? What role can the club and the progressive LGBT community play in holding you accountable?
yes. That is what part of being a movement candidate is, ensuring that I am accountable to my community and being held account for my actions and progress.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
absolutely.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsement decisions?
Thank you for your encouragement and providing an opportunity to gain your support and partnership.