Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Lorraine Honor for Staten Island Borough President

Candidate Name: Lorraine Honor

Office Seeking Election for: Staten Island Borough President

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

Overall, I think it is my willingness to listen and learn from others as well as my innate empathy and ability and desire to find relatedness and commonality with diverse communities. I see my life experiences mirrored in the experiences of others. I am also a natural problem solver who creates opportunities from adversity and believes in community solutions to community problems. Since NY is a city of immigrants, I will start there! My grandfather came to the US at the age of 14 as, what is now referred to as an “unaccompanied minor.” Back then it was probably called the family’s hope. As a child, I grew up and participated in the “othering” of having immigrant grandparents. As a first-generation American, I relate to the immigrant struggle and am sensitive to the backlash, misinformation, scapegoating, and cruelty toward immigrants in our Staten Island communities. I had a very diverse and large family that included many generations, races, and ethnicities ( Italians, Jamiacans, and Norwegians) living all together in an extended family home. It was a blessing to hear accents and see faces that didn’t seem foreign, but were just family. I acknowledge that Staten Island has a racial divide and segregated communities that are actually referred to as North Shore and South Shore. I’d like to think that my family upbringing prepared me to start working toward racial and social justice. As a young woman living in SoHo and working on the fringes of the downtown/ NYC arts and theater community, I was affected by losing friends and colleagues to AIDS. As a young woman and later mother, I experienced firsthand the challenges women face who demand autonomy over their bodies, from birth control, access to abortion, and giving birth. Like most women I know, I am a survivor of sexual assault, gender discrimination and gender-based violence. I have worked in gender equity and understand the challenges of trying to change a culture that is rooted in misogyny and homophobia. I have had some great experiences and successes in doing just that! As a third-generation union member, I understand the benefits my family received from job security, generational wealth of homeownership, and healh insurance. In Staten Island, I see hard-working laborers that deserve those same opportunities and workers’ rights. As a teacher in public schools for 25 years, I relate to, not only the teachers’ struggle to navigate a top-heavy system, but the struggle of parents and students from both sides, having 2 children in public education. I know that there are LOTS of reasons why public schools don’t work and would welcome the chance to help parents, students, and teachers with the insight of my experience and from the perspective of being an advocate of all three. I opened a small business just steps from SI Borough Hall in 2012. I was displaced by irresponsible over-development after 6 years and had to relocate and re-launch, in 2018. I know firsthand how hard it is for small businesses to survive and how invisible they can be in the context of opportunistic large-scale development.

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

One of my first experiences with politics was as a volunteer for Liz Abzug when she ran for City Council against Tom Duane. BOTH of them had compelling personal stories which became a cultural fulcrum. I was, and still am a supporter of Staten Island’s first openly gay Assemblymember and now Judge, Matt Titone.

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?

My business, Honor Wines, has been an annual sponsor of the SI Pride Center’s PRIDEFEST. In 2018, was the Outreach coordinator responsible for recruiting community volunteers for the Pride Center’s counter-action in response to the SI Hibernians banning the Pride Center from marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?

I consider myself an ally of the LGBTQ community.

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

No. I have worked the last 3 SI Pridefests and donate proceeds to the SI Pride center every year.

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

Not applicable.

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 lived in the neighborhood where Eric Garner was murdered and attended vigils and marches calling for justice and accountability. The Staten Island D.A. at the time was Dan Donovan, who later was elected to Congress. I worked strategically with grassroots activists for 18 months prior to the 2018 election to unseat him. I was recognized by NYC Women’s March representing Staten Island in 2017. I am one of the 2 founding members of the largest progressive women’s organization on Staten Island, Staten Island Women Who March. Since 2016, I have led, organized, participated, and/or supported local and national actions in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, NJ, VA, and DC to defend the ACA, DACA, Planned Parenthood, the Violence Against Women Act, Gun Control, March for Our Lives, Black Lives Matter, the Equal Rights Amendment and against, I.C.E. detentions and deportations. I have rallied in protest of the Merrick Garland appointment and hate crimes against members of the Jewish community, and in solidarity with the victims and community of the PULSE nightclub murders. I wrote the UFT bylaws on violence against women, adopted after the 2017 murder and mutilation of a colleague by her former husband and his partner. I have participated and organized silent “Handmaids Protests” in response to defunding Planned Parenthood, roll-back of abortion access and reproductive rights as well as the appointment of Brett Kavanagh. In 2018 I was the Director of community outreach on the Max Rose for Congress campaign and a key player in the team that flipped Staten Island Red to Blue. I was the Outreach Coordinator for the gender equity organization, VA Ratify ERA, and played a role in flipping Virginia’s state house BLUE in 2019, setting the stage for Congress, (including the Congress member I helped get elected!) voting on the Equal Rights Amendment in February 2020. In 2019-2021 I was Chief-Of-Staff on the national grassroots organization, Vote Equality US, participating in GOTV campaigns in Montana, Iowa, and Georgia. I organized a vigil after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and protested the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett. In Nov. 2020, I participated in a National Tiny Trump Day, organizing an Anti-Trump community public art protest in Staten Island and distributing thousands of anti-Trump messaging in the heart of Trump country NYC prior to Election Day. Ours was the single largest community involvement in the country!

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?

Possibly.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?

Yes.

Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism

I will acknowledge prior to all public meetings that the land we stand on is Native Land, in NY Algonquin and Lenape first nation people. I will acknowledge that our city was built in great part, by the uncompensated labor of enslaved people. I will advocate for the “1619 Project” to be adopted as a required curriculum for all NYC Public Schools. I will support the removal of statues and imagery that are symbolic of white supremacy. I will advocate for the recognition of and education about the oldest free Black community in the country, SANDY GROUND, which exists here on Staten Island, and for the support of the cultural stewards that maintain and promote it by their descendants, many of whom are our friends and neighbors. I will advocate for more community-based, alternatives to having NYPD in schools. I will support building a crisis clinic to address mental health issues in communities of color. I will outreach to community leaders and listen, knowing that those who are closest to the problem are closest to the solution. I will ensure that Staten Islanders living NYCHA buildings have a resident advocate in Borough Hall. I will create a more diverse community board, including a youth committee. I will make sure all Borough Hall staff participates in anti-racist/unconscious bias training. I will offer Island-wide workshops on allyship and bystander training with a focus on teacher training. I will partner with local and national leaders like the Southern Poverty Law Center and include their Learning for Justice project to train Staten Island’s students to be advocates for racial and social justice in our community. I will foster more community engagement and unity by sponsoring free cultural events in parks and open streets in which all Staten Islanders can gather as a community to enjoy music, movies, food, street art, etc. I will create a business directory of Minority and Women-owned businesses and support those businesses as contracts permit. I will use the bully pulpit of the office to speak out early and often regarding national and local incidents of racism and quell anti-racist misinformation with data and facts.

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?

Yes

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

HIghly support removing all vestiges of honoring leaders of genocide. However, I would like input from the community, especially first nation members, in deciding who or what to replace it.

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

Yes.

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

The NYPD budget is 5 Billion and I have heard mayoral candidates suggest reducing the working budget by 2 billion to divert to community responders. I will support a significant reduction and re-direction of the NYPD budget in favor of less militaristic responses to community issues.

How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?

I would have supported the Trans equity initiative.

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?

Since Staten Island is more conservative than the rest of the city, I’d like to think there would be value in working with him on some reforms that would set him as a model to rank and file that change is not a weakness.

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?

I’d like the Civilian Review Board to be given more weigh-in and teeth on these matters. Perhaps considerations like zero overtime given for non-compliant documented officers. I would suggest desk duty so that they minimize the danger to the public they are sworn to protect and serve.

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

I think that more community involvement would highlight the good work that the CCRB does and the challenges it faces. I would promote to the public a schedule of hearings, viewings, minutes, etc of CCRB and educate the public through PSAs, adverts in NYCHA communities and throughout the city in general. I would align CCRB with social justice reform organizations like the NAACP, ACLU, and SPLC as well as LOCAL organizations and civic leaders in my borough in order to foster a community that is more results-oriented in areas of police transparency, accountability, and reform. I would support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding.

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

Yes. Close Rikers. Community jails could be used as incubators for community support.

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?

In some ways, the 311 system works as a city/union job creator and I want that to continue. As 311 calls are very locale-specific, I think having 311 centers based within the Borough Halls and working in conjunction with the Office of Borough President, would be more community-based and would have responses more in sync and specific to each borough.

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

Yes and Yes

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

I oppose school screening that exacerbates segregation. Not abolish but replace and overhaul the admission process for specialized schools. For instance, a non-verbal gifted and talented test is determined to be a better indicator than a verbal test. Also, pouring money and support resources into neighborhood schools would likely be a healthier practice overall.

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

I think a hybrid between Mayoral control and Community Education Council. I’d like to hear cogent and clear pro-and-con from state legislatures about mayoral control vs Community control that makes room for common-sense standards and growth, creative innovations, and pilot initiatives.

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?

I worked with NO IDC NY and introduced a JOLDC endorsed candidate, Jasi Robinson to the movement at a NO IDC NY event.

What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?

In Staten Island, we have a sleepier version of nightlife than perhaps the other boroughs. I participated in a lively bar and music and performance scene here when I was younger and would want our young people, my sons, both in their early 20’s to enjoy the local nightlife. There are so many social innovators here, artists, musicians, and makers. I would start by sponsoring/supporting First Fridays or Second Saturdays to open creative spaces to the public and each other. I also would advocate for more open streets with activities, food and drink, and street life. In Staten Island during and after Covid, I think we need to be very careful about how we roll out nightlife to a community that still has an over 10% infection rate in some areas. On the plus side, we have a wonderful amount of open space, as opposed to the other boroughs, so I would want to consult with community health and business leaders as well as artists, promoters, cultural institutions, and the parks department to roll out events and activities for the community to come together 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?

Diversifying the CBs on Staten Island is a priority. So it depends on current makeup with priority for new appointments given to community members of color. Not carte blanche. Staten Island has a business community faction that is anti-mask, anti-compliance, and Covid safety averse. The health and well-being of the community comes first.

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. Absurd rule about dancing!

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

Yes

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

It depends on the member. Since the member is considered an expert in their district and likely followed by the body, the community must have the opportunity to speak to the city council on its behalf. Staten Island has had boondoggle after boondoggle over decades that disrupts and displaces. Often the CM says she did the best deal she could and offers minor conciliations without any large infrastructure plan, essentially giving away the farm. I think the Borough President, being essentially the community advocate, should get full reports, be able to address the council on behalf of the people, and use the bully pulpit of the office to inform the constituents, grassroots community groups, and media on important decisions before they are made without their input.

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

Yes.

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

Yes. But would also want to take residents’ experience into consideration. The city has been no friend to the homeless nor communities in managing these systems. Warehousing the homeless never ends well for anyone.

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

Ally with immigrant rights organizations like, Make the Road and here in Staten Island, La Colmena, and Above Ground Railroad. I would advocate for the limitation of ICE in our community and alert the public to the inequities.

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.

As an early Warren supporter, I am supportive of her position on Medicare for All as a public healthcare provider. The city needs to address Staten Island’s healthcare inequity, an inequity that existed prior to Covid and is exacerbated in its aftermath. Staten Island is the only borough without a public hospital. It is paramount to either secure funding for one OR investigate the efficacy of building public health centers throughout the island that would address our myriad current and anticipated healthcare needs; from extensive medical needs of long haulers to mental health issues and addiction among our youth, as well as reproductive health and improving maternal health and infant outcomes that our current system, emergency rooms, and hospitals are inadequately prepared to deal with.

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) Mayor in 2013 Christine Quinn B) Public Advocate in 2013 Tish James and 2019 Jumaane Williams, C) President in 2016 Hillary Clinton and 2020 Elizabeth Warren C) In 2018: Governor: Cynthia Nixon and Attorney General: Tish James

Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively

1 - Comprehensive community Covid response: Medical, social and economic 2 - Land use and development that responds to residents, NOT developers. 3 - Long-term economic and jobs growth for Staten Island in GREEN tech, sustainability and eco-tourism.

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?

1 - Not sure 2 - Yes 3 - I would like to stream line for efficiency and provide direct service to constituents whenever possible

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

Communities who have been historically marginalized do not feel welcome or visible in spaces associated with governance. I relate to the RBG message of having people visible and involved in the process, “everywhere decisions are being made.” Borough Hall is first and foremost, constituent advocacy at the local level and I will open the doors to that building and to the governance it represents. I believe a welcoming and transparent Borough Hall with open doors to all, could actually change the mindset of Staten Islanders who have previously been made to feel unwelcome or marginalized, as well as those who are more parochial in their experiences and therefore their thinking. An accepting Borough Hall could radically change Staten Island for the better and solve some of our political and cultural divisions.

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’m going into this political forum to better my community and better engage with community members. If I or my administration make mistakes or can do something better or different by incorporating a perspective or learning new information, I trust that the experts in the community are there to help do that. As a cis-gendered ally, I have been grateful to friends and community members of the LGBTQ community whose presence in my personal and professional life has educated and enlightened me. And on occasion, corrected and re-directed me. That’s how you learn. And do better.

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

Yes.

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

I have found this Covid 19 year to be very triggering for those who lived through the worst of the AIDS epidemic, with people dying fast and survivors without time to process and grieve. I am very concerned about the older LGBTQ community’s mental health and recognize the need for support and would like to add that PTSD to the considerations of needs that I would want to address as a Borough President. I would also want to make sure that the LGBTQ members are represented in community outreach and support as well as included in memorials and services for the 1,628 community loved ones who died of Covid on Staten Island.