Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Doug Schneider for City Council District 39

Candidate Name: Doug Schneider

Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 39

Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district

I am running for City Council because our community is struggling with the impact of Covid-19, with an unaccountable police force that must be reformed, with traffic violence approaching an all-time high, and with a public school system in crisis, we need leaders who are prepared to lead from day one. We need to elect leaders with a vision for how to recover from Covid-19 and the ability to see it through. We need to elect leaders with deep knowledge of the issues that plague the NYPD and the reforms needed to fix it. We need leaders with lived experience with how Covid-19 has impacted families, especially those with children in our public school system. I will bring to the Council my fifteen years of experience as a civil rights attorney fighting against a criminal justice system that is unjust and an NYPD that is unaccountable. I will bring to the City Council the lived experience of a public school parent, struggling to balance my work as a lawyer with my responsibility to handle remote learning for our son; I will bring to the Council my experience of both owning a small business and representing small businesses throughout the district; and, I will bring the Council my years as a transportation safety advocate.

Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?

Cynthia Nixon, District Leader Julio Pena, District Leader Jesse Pierce

If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)

Although not legislation, As a Member of the Democratic State Committee/District Leader, I was proud to be an original co-sponsor of Emilia Decaudin’s successful amendment to the rules of the New York State Democratic Committee to be inclusive of individuals who identify as being outside the gender binary. As a member of the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s Task Force on Gender and Gender Identity, I am proud to have passed a proposal that would remove the barriers to TGNCNB participation on the County Committee.

What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?

Human Rights Campaign; Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?

No, but I consider myself an ally.

Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?

Both Brooklyn and NYC since at least 2014.

Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?

n/a

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 been to so many, it would be impossible to remember or name them all. I started my career working for a civil rights advocacy group before going to work for a Democratic Member of Congress. In both those jobs, I had the opportunity to work with many LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. My first public advocacy for the right to marriage equality was in 2002, when I was in law school and won a public speaking contest advocating for the end of the Defense of Marriage Act. I was privileged to attend (and be interviewed after) the Mayor’s press conference the day of the Obergefell decision. I have advocated for criminal justice and police reforms for close to two decades. During law school, I also published a law review article arguing that juvenile adjudications should not be considered “strikes” for the purpose of “three strikes and you're out” sentencing laws. I spoke in opposition to “stop and frisk” at several town halls, and went to Albany to lobby in favor of “raise the age” legislation and discovery reform. I supported the ban the box legislation. I have publicly spoken out about the need to reform the federal sentencing law. I have been to countless Resist rallies over the last four years, too numerous to number (or remember). They include protests regarding the Muslim Ban, rhetoric about immigrants, anti-Semitism and violence against Jews, and many more.

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?

As a criminal defense attorney, I have spent considerable time at Rikers Island. I do not believe anyone should lose their dignity, their humanity, or their franchise because they are incarcerated.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?

Absolutely. About ten years ago, I had the privilege to work with Emel McDowell, a brilliant man who was formerly incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. As a civil rights and criminal defense attorney, I have represented a litany of clients discriminated against because of prior incarceration, conviction, or arrest.

Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism

New York City has one of the least integrated school systems in the country. It is driven by biased admissions policies for middle and high schools, segregated neighborhoods, and inequitable funding. To address segregated schools, New York City must take bold action which will take political courage in the face of strident opposition. For this reason, I support the elimination of screened admissions for all middle schools and all but one one high schools (Laguardia). Second, New York City must make ending segregation a focus of its affordable housing plan and in rezoning. Especially for elementary schools, segregated neighborhoods result in segregated schools. Our segregated schools have greatly benefited certain communities and integration efforts will be met with strident opposition. The right choices are clear, but, in the face of this opposition, difficult to make. To make these changes, it will take political courage, something I have exhibited in my time as Democratic District Leader. Additionally, as a civil rights attorney and criminal defense attorney for over a decade, I have seen firsthand the systematic abuses committed by law-enforcement, particularly in Black and Brown communities. This summer we all were witness to the NYPD brutalizing peaceful protestors as they were marching for justice after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. We watched how mask enforcement was exercised in Black and Brown communities in comparison to White communities. If we are ever going to build trust between law-enforcement and community then we need to implement policies that hold police officers accountable for their misconduct. This means removing disciplinary decisions from the NYPD Commissioner to a truly neutral body, expanding public access to disciplinary records, and tracking of & consequences for officers whose testimony is found incredible in court.

Will you not seek, and refuse, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio?

Yes

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?

No

What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?

Yes. I believe it is important to grapple with issues of memorialization, and I am thankful that the Mayoral Advisory Commission on City, Art, Monuments, and Markers examined the legacy and impact of some of New York’s most prominent statues, including the one of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle. While certain statues and monuments may be important to different communities, it does not mean we should ignore history. Christopher Columbus’s crimes were horrific and he does not deserve a statue. As for what should replace the Columbus statue, I would solicit the opinions of Italian-American New Yorkers and follow their leadership.

Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?

Yes and I have stated this publicly.

Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?

I support reallocating resources from the NYPD budget to agencies and programs that provide social services, particularly in communities of color. This should include, but not be limited to, Summer Youth Employment Programs, investments in affordable housing, education, homeless services, mental health, aging, local community groups, and small business, particularly minority/women owned businesses. We need to eliminate the agencies and institutions that incentive arrests and over-policing. One of the prime examples is the office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Not only was the Special Narcotics Prosecutor created as part of the racist “war on drugs,” but it also has no place in a city that has dramatically changed its understanding and approach to narcotics and other drugs. Our policies, including our approach to the NYPD budget should have as a goal eliminating the stranglehold Pat Lynch of the PBA and Ed Mullins of the SBA have on the City. These two men are the most destructive forces in New York City politics and are propped up by the most senior, predominantly White and Republican officers, most of whom live outside NYC. Our goal should be to uplift the voices of the newer, largely officers of color, who are from, and live in, the communities they police. Our city will be a better place when these officers get rid of Lynch and Mullins, and take over the police unions. The NYPD budget is over 80% personnel and it is unionized. This means if there were a personnel cut at the discretion of the NYPD, it would be “last in/first out.” As a result, it would be the younger officers, who predominantly live in NYC, and better represent NYC’s diversity, who would be let go, while the older, predominantly white officers who live outside NYC and represent the heart of the problem, who would be strengthened. I believe that by reinstating the rule requiring all NYPD officers to live in, or in close proximity to, NYC, a large number of the officers who live outside of NYC would retire rather than move into the City. Not only will this result in a police force that better represents NYC, but it will break the control the older, predominantly white, and Republican officers have over the police unions, leading to a fundamental and necessary change in leadership.

How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?

No

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.

a) Yes b) Yes c) Yes d) Yes

Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?

Yes

Should Dermot Shea be fired immediately?

Yes. Especially after how he handled the protests after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Should the NYPD Commissioner require confirmation by the City Council?

Yes, the City Council is a coequal branch of government and deserves to have a say. Without oversight, the police chief remains unaccountable to 8 million New Yorkers. We have seen that a lack of police accountability has dangerous consequences and the City Council needs confirmation power to help bring about structural change.

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?

Currently, the NYPD Commissioner controls the disciplinary process within the NYPD. The police force has shown us that it cannot hold itself accountable. Disciplinary power should be transferred from within the police force to a truly neutral body.

What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?

We need to remove the Police Commissioners authority over disciplinary decisions. It’s been found that 71% of the CCRB’s disciplinary recommendations are either denied by the Police Commissioner or weakened. Over the years, Pat Lynch of the PBA and Ed Mullins of the SBA, two of the most destructive forces in NYC politics, have fought to undermine the CCRB, and their stangehold over these unions must end. We also need to expand the CCRB’s powers. Currently they are only allowed to provide disciplinary recommendation for uniformed officers and only if a formal complaint is filed. That needs to change. Oftentimes, formal complaints aren’t filed, but police misconduct is caught on video. Off duty officers shouldn’t be off the hook because they committed an egregious act off the clock. The Reform Now Coalition and elected officials, such as Attorney General Letitia James, have advocated for the complete elimination of Police Commissioner review of CCRB decisions. I am in total support of this push. We need an independent disciplinary body, whether CCRB, OATH, or other agency, that’s tasked with police oversight, including disciplinary determinations that are binding. All disciplinary hearings should be public and notice of the meetings should be provided long in advance and in an easily accessible manner.

What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?

I have spent a lot of time at Rikers Island. I have gone through the ridiculous, time consuming, dehumanizing process of just getting into Rikers. I have gone to visit clients and ended up being trapped for hours in the visiting room or waiting room when the jail went into lockdown. I have repeatedly seen the violence perpetrated by the Department of Corrections on those incarcerated there. I have long supported the complete closure of Rikers and support the proposal for four borough-based jails. I do not support “No New Jails.” Although I understand the motivation behind the policy and am a staunch advocate of significantly reducing reliance on, and lengths of, incarceration, I believe that “No New Jails” would ultimately be bad for the City and, politically, could cause a reversal on closing Rikers. While closing Rikers in favor of four borough-based jails represents progress, it will be meaningless if not accompanied by structural change to the Department of Corrections. We have seen during the COVID-19 crisis, that the Department of Corrections is indifferent to the health and safety of the incarcerated. DOC violence at Rikers Island is so high that the DOC was forced to agree to be overseen by a federal monitor. Still, abuse levels have remained high. As with the NYPD, much of the problem stems from lack of accountability. Even though DOC disciplinary cases are heard by the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, the DOC Commissioner still has the final say on discipline, too often resulting in lack of consequences for corrections officers. This has to change and final say on disciplinary decisions has to be with a neutral body. Finally, I am committed to decarceration. We need to drastically reduce our reliance on incarceration by rejecting attempts to reverse bail reform; increasing the use of alternatives to incarceration, and enforcing a defendant’s right to a speedy trial. 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?

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?

Absolutely. I have long been a sentencing reform advocate and fought for decarceration in general

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?

311 can be used as an effective tool to solve issues New Yorkers are facing. From noise complaints, to traffic concerns, to inadequate housing conditions, there are a multitude of concerns that New Yorkers turn to 311 for. The problem is accountability. City Agencies oftentimes fail to respond to reports promptly and fail to notify residents if the issue was resolved or not. Agencies will often close a case without issues being resolved. One way to fix this issue is to require city agencies to provide a detailed report on steps that were taken to resolve a complaint. For closed cases, residents should be able to submit a follow up report to 311 if they believe the problem is still ongoing. This additional level of required reporting will help the city council further investigate inefficiencies with specific city agencies that fall under 311.

Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?

I support decriminalizing sex work. I am not familiar enough with the Nordic model to take a firm position, but, as with everything I do, I will solicit the advice of those with greater expertise on the issue and are directly impacted by the legislation.

Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?

I support elimination of screened admissions for all middle schools and all but one high school (Laguardia). The 39th Council District is home to the District 15 Diversity Plan, which eliminated screened admissions altogether and gave students from low-income families, in temporary housing, and English Language Learners, priority for 52% of seats at each school. Although data is limited, one study concluded that in the first year there was a 55% decrease in economic segregation and a 38% decrease in racial segregation.

Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.

I support ending Mayoral control and going back to community school boards. However, for this to be successful, there must be controls in place to ensure school boards are effectively carrying out their responsibilities in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, there will be school districts that historically have less parent involvement. In these school districts, parents should be offered school advocacy training. One of the main reasons why I am running for City Council is that there is consistently a lack of parent voices in the room where decisions are made. I fundamentally believe that we need to elect more parents, especially of young children. Too often, decisions are made without consideration about how it will affect families. For example, during this pandemic, the Mayor shut down schools on less than 24 hour notice, giving parents ridiculous little time to organize childcare. This is in contrast to the 4-day notice given when indoor dining was shut down. To address this, if elected, I intend to form a public school parent caucus within the Council to make sure parent voices are heard in all policy decisions. Finally, I believe that the City Council should be given oversight of the DOE and a real role in developing education policy. This will be most effective if we adopt some form of “municipal control” giving the City Council oversight of the DOE.

Do you support public funding of abortion?

Absolutely. With the new conservative majority at the Supreme Court, it is more important than ever for the City to ensure that all women have access to abortion services. Every woman has the right to make their own health care decisions regardless of their economic status.

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 actively supported the challengers to the IDC in 2018, even while running for office myself. In fact, defeating the IDC was a large part of my campaign.

What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?

1) Reduce overregulation and fine-based discipline; 2) support new initiatives like the MEND program, done in collaboration with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, that emphasize compromise over 311 calls; 3) support “just cause” bills that protect workers from indiscriminate termination; 4) support legislation like the “Save Our Stages” COVID-19 relief bill that recently passed in Congress; 5) support commercial rent control legislation; and, 6) support legislation reducing the biggest liabilities of restaurants, bars, and venues, including sales tax and water bills (which is one of the largest costs for these establishments).

Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?

Absolutely. I already do. I am fortunate to represent several restaurants, restaurateurs, chefs, and liquor stores. In fact, I have already consulted with several industry professionals about supporting the industry during and after COVID-19.

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?

I will absolutely put restaurant, bar and/or club owners on community boards.I would deal with the second question on a case by case basis.

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.

Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?

Yes. I even gave a public interview about my opposition.

What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?

Our land use process is broken. We should shift to a system of comprehensive planning where we start the process with community input and set clear and biding standards to prevent displacement and gentrification. District 39 is a microcosm of New York City. We’re not building enough quality affordable housing, but when it does get built, it’s on the terms of real estate developers. We’re squeezing as little affordable housing as possible into buildings whose primary purpose is to make landlords rich. And when housing is built, we’re overlooking the needs of the local community and how neighborhoods can address issues that are plaguing the city as a whole such as climate change, racial equity, and our crumbling infrastructure.

Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?

Absolutely. As an employment lawyer and criminal defense attorney, I have seen so many ways that our laws discriminate against formerly incarcerated people or people with a prior conviction or even just arrest. The most ridiculous case I witnessed involving housing discrimination was a man who lived and worked in a NYCHA building. He was arrested for smoking marijuana outside his own home, on non-work hours, and all the charges were dismissed and sealed. He nonetheless lost both his job and his right to live in NYCHA housing.

Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?

Yes. The City must stand up to pressure to displace homeless individuals. These individuals, and all homeless New Yorkers, have been let down by the City. Going forward, the Council needs to pass legislation that improves the accessibility and quality of shelters and gets people into permanent and affordable housing.

What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?

If New York City is to truly be a sanctuary city we need to enact policies that cripple the ability of ICE to operate in this City; That means keeping ICE out of all public buildings, including courthouses; forbidding agencies from inquiring into a person’s immigration status or sharing this information with immigration officials; and, supporting organizations that shelter, feed and protect immigrants. Access to healthy food, adequate housing, and healthcare are fundamental human rights. They should be accessible to all individuals, whether during a pandemic or in normal times, regardless of their immigration status. I also support the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project without conditions. Appearing at a deportation proceeding without an attorney is almost guaranteed to result in deportation. There should not be two different systems of immigration justice, one for those who can afford a lawyer, and one for those who can’t. Furthermore, as is the case in the criminal justice system, representation should be guaranteed for all litigants regardless of the underlying accusation or conviction. This is true for several reasons. First, whether someone has a compelling argument against deportation is not dictated by the mere fact that a person has been accused or convicted of a crime. Moreover, the mere fact of an accusation or conviction does not tell the full story of what actually occurred. This is especially so considering the serious and well-documented flaws in our criminal justice system.

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.

I do support a single-payer universal health care system. One thing the New York City Council can do is pass a resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass the NYHA. I will use my office to pressure the State and Federal Government to pass a universal health-care system. As a City Councilmember I will support legislation expanding paid sick leave and paid time off for workers; expanding funding for public hospitals; and increasing access to mental health services.

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, Jumaane Williams; C) Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden; D) Cynthia Nixon, Zephyr Teachout.

Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively

My top priorities in the Council will be schools, pedestrian safety, and criminal justice/police reform.

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?

Given the scope and depth of a charter revision commission, I would not support another commission being called during the de Blasio administration. I believe the entire focus of this administration should be in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and rebuilding NYC’s economy. I do support reforms to both the budget and land use process. Those processes both need more transparency and greater community involvement. I would in particular focus on reforming the land use process. The system is broken. We need a process that has clear standards for developers and puts community voices at the front of the line, not the afterthought they are now.

Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?

The City Council is a co-equal branch of our city government and needs to act like it. Too often the needs, concerns and priorities of communities, especially underrepresented communities, are excluded from the so-called “room where it happens” in City Hall. When I’m a member of the City Council I will make sure that those voices are front and center.

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, I would be honored to work with Jim Owles during my campaign and while in office. I will be in regular consultation with the club and the LGBTQ+ community on drafting, supporting or opposing legislation.

If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?

Yes, proudly!

What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsement decisions?

I have been a gay rights advocate and LGBTQ+ ally since a close friend came out to me when I was in high school in the early 1990s. My advocacy and allyship continued throughout college and law school. As a civil rights attorney who represents employees in employment discrimination cases, I have sucessfully represented employees terminated because of who they love, how they identify, and HIV positive status. I have worked with Brooklyn’s largest LGBTQ+ political club, Lambda, for many years. A major part of my campaign for District Leader was ending the exclusion from County Committee of people who are TGNCNB. As District Leader, I was proud to be an original co-sponsor of Emilia Decaudin’s successful amendment to the rules of the New York State Democratic Committee to be inclusive of individuals who identify as being outside the gender binary. As a member of the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s Task Force on Gender and Gender Identity, I am proud to have passed a proposal that would remove the barriers to TGNCNB participation on the County Committee.