Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Gustavo Rivera for NY Senate District 33
Candidate: Gustavo Rivera
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate, 33rd District (Bronx)
Campaign Address: None yet
Campaign Website: http://www.gustavoforthebronx.com/
Campaign Telephone: None yet
Campaign Social Facebook:
@Gustavo.Rivera.For.State.Senate
Twitter: @Rivera4TheBronx
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email):
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
In 2010, I ran for the State Senate out of a sense of duty. My predecessor at the time was running for reelection while under investigation for embezzlement. It was not the first time my community had inadequate and corrupt representation - the two individuals who held this seat before my predecessor also served time in federal prison for violating the public trust. Before making the decision to run for office, I was committed to enacting progressive change as a campaign operative. After decades of having corrupt representation, my community had lost faith in its government and had not received adequate representation on the myriad of issues facing a constituency with low-incomes, high unemployment and unaffordable housing. Realizing that dire need for strong leadership, I entered the race. While my initial inclination might have not been to run for office, I have discovered that public service is my calling. After almost a decade as a State Senator, I have been able to build trust with my community, represent their interest and fight for progressive issues that impact their lives.
Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
Yes, several candidates and elected officials
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
- I proudly voted for the Marriage Equality Act
- Co-sponsored the following bills
- Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (S.1047) - I also voted for this bill.
- Bans on Conversion Therapy (S.1046) – I also voted for this bill.
- I sponsor S6223, which would require home health aides and nurse's aides to receive training in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals
What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
- Stonewall Democratic Club
- SAGE
- Bronx LGBTQ Community Center
- Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club
If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
2019 – 2020 New York State Budget: $200,000 for LGBT-friendly Senior Housing Developments in the Bronx.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community? No
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Several. I have lost track. Since being elected, I try to attend the NYC Pride March every year.
Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
I have previously employed openly LGBT individuals. Currently, I do not.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club using its FULL name on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes, I do.
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 press conference, demonstrations, rallies and protests on all of these issues several times.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
No, I have never been arrested.
Will you advocate and sponsor legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release?
Yes, I will.
Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
Yes, I have on several occasion visited New Yorkers in prison.
Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
Yes, I strongly do. That is why I sponsor the Fair and Timely Parole Act in the State Senate (S.497A).
Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole? Yes, several.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals? Yes.
Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you sponsoring the bill introduced by Jessica Ramos the?
I need to give this bill more thought.
Will you actively oppose legislation that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of decriminalization of prostitution?
I am not very familiar with the Nordic Model, but it is my understanding that in some countries where the model has been implemented violent crime against sex works has risen. It is clear that any approach taken to decriminalized sex work needs to focus on ensuring that it makes the practice safer.
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and the further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I was very glad that we were able to pass the Green Light bill last year to protect immigrants while driving and avoid deportations. I will continue to sponsor the NY is Home Act in the State Senate, which recognizes immigrants as citizens of New York State and provides the rights and responsibilities as such.
Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
Yes, I am a strong supporter of our public education system and I believe that our resources should be allocated to the system that serves the many instead of the few.
Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes, I do. I am the sponsor of the bill in the New York State Senate. During the summer, I organized and lead a delegation of State Senators to Toronto, Canada to see a safe consumptions site firsthand as we consider its implementation in New York State.
Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No, I have never endorsed any member of the IDC.
I endorsed Oliver Koppell when he challenged Jeff Klein.
Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
I am open to it.
Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Yes.
Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018
Mayor: Bill de Blasio
Public Advocate: I did not make an endorsement in this race.
President in 2016: Hilary Clinton
Governor 2018: I did not make an endorsement in this race.
Attorney General 2018: Letitia James
Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
Education, economic development, and criminal justice are three issue areas where we need drastic policy shifts in the federal government to truly address the effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination in our country.
What legislation or other policy changes do you support in order to make college and graduate school affordable for poor, working-class, and middle-class Americans and to alleviate the crushing loan debt that many students and alumni are facing?
I should work to make CUNY completely free for all students.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes, I am the sponsor of the New York Health Act in the State Senate.
Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I am 100% pro-choice. Reproductive health choices should be made by the patient and their health care provider.
Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry?
I consider every donation individually.
Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Absolutely.
Are you against the opening of casinos in New York owned and controlled by Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson?
Yes, I am.
Do you support the surrogacy bill introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman allowing women to decide control of her body in regard to surrogacy?
Yes, I am.
Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (previously S2892A)?
I am already a co-sponsor.
Will you push for the passage of Home Stability Support (HSS) to bridge the difference between the public assistance shelter allowance and fair market rents for NY's 95,000 homeless?
Yes, I am already a co-sponsor.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?