Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Richard David for NY Assembly District 31
Candidate Name: Richard David
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Assembly, 31st District (Brooklyn)
Campaign Address: 116-45 133rd Ave, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Campaign Website: www.RichardDavid.nyc
Campaign Telephone: 917-310-5148
Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter):
www.facebook.com/RichardDavidNYC
www.twitter.com/itsRichDavid
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email):
Richard David, 917-310-5148, richdavidnyc@gmail.com
- We anticipate hiring campaign staff in Mach 2020.
1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I am honored to run for the NYS Assembly in District 31, home to JFK airport, where I first landed as an undocumented immigrant 25 years ago. Like so many other foreign-born New Yorkers, I came with just the shirt on my back to be reunited with parents who I could not even recognize after being separated at a young age. Growing up in Jamaica, Queens, my brothers and I thought we were middle class, living in a basement apartment and often having to skip meals, because everyone around us lived in similar conditions.
Today, I have a Master’s degree from NYU and over a decade working in the leadership of three City agencies: Vice President of NYCEDC, Executive Director of Consumer Affairs, and Chief of Staff at the Administration for Children’s Services. That little boy coming off of a place at JFK, without papers, could have never dreamed that one day I would be a role model for residents in my district. In addition, to my public service career, for over 10 years I was the youngest person on my community board – before it’s was cool. I also co-created a nonprofit organization that mentored young people in Southeast Queens, growing it into one of the largest in the neighborhood and fundraising enough to hire a full-time director and staff, and rent a space. I did this without any salary for over 7 years. In Southeast Queens, working with populations that have a 50% drop of rate from high school, this is perhaps my proudest accomplishment.
I am running because our district needs a representative who is compassionate, who knows how government works and can be a respected voice on local, Citywide and State-wide issues.
When I ran for the City Council in 2018, and lost by a small margin, I learned how to pull together a broad and diverse coalition, the importance of centering the voices of disenfranchised communities within my campaign, and how to win. This is how I ran and won the race to be a District Leader in Assembly District 31 last year. This is how I am going to win this election for the NYS Assembly in District 31.
2. Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
Yes, I have supported Christine Quinn, Ritchie Torres, Danny Dromm and Corey Johnson. The lived experiences of the LGBTQ community creates a narrative that parallels with communities of color, immigrants and women, groups that continue to be under-represented in some public offices even today.
3. If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
I have not held a position where I could directly introduce or co-sponsor legislation. However, I have been vocal about the need to dismantle homophobic laws in the Caribbean where my family is from.
4. What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
The LGBT Center – I oversaw the renovation of their headquarters while at NYCEDC.
The Caribbean Equality Project – I have attended, donated and advocated for them since they were founded four years ago.
In my current role at Kasirer, overseeing the government and community relations for nonprofits, I have worked with the LGBT Network on a health care program, as well as with Amida Care – helping them to expand health coverage for individuals affected by HIV/Aids. In December, I helped to organized a End the Epidemic hearing at the NYC City Council.
I have also attended several events of organized by Out Rockaway.
5. If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
I do not have a public budget to allocate funds. I have personally donated to the Caribbean Equality Project, and gender-based organizations.
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
No, I do not identify as LGBTQ but I see myself as an ally.
7. Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
I have marched in the Pride Parade including in World Pride last year. I have marched for the last 3 or 4 years. I have also marched in Queens Pride.
8. Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes and Yes
9. If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes, proudly
10. 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 so many I can’t count fully. Just today, 1/15, I was at the launch of the Peace Week press conference calling for community-centric response to rising violence in some communities.
I was at JFK Airport when Trump announced the travel ban. I led community awareness rallies, Know Your Rights Workshops and immigration clinics to protect undocumented and Muslim residents.
I led a rally in my neighborhood when a member of the LGBTQ community was assaulted because he was gay.
I was at multiple rallies calling for the firing of Police Officer Pantaleo who was convicted in the death of Eric Gardner.
11. Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
No, I have not been arrested.
12. 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 believe individuals who are 55 and older should be treated with compassion and their sentences should be reviewed.
13. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
My brother was incarcerated multiple times, and I visited him. I would visit prisons, including Bedford, to ensure that women and everyone incarcerated have access to the right education materials, health and mental wellness is afforded and job training is provided for anyone that wants it.
14. Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
I think justice for victims in the original crime is important. I also believe that healing is as important for violence makers. Judges should be sensitized to allowed them to review past patterns with the intention of allowing individuals to be released as early as possible with protections.
15. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
I have written letters in immigration cases where detainees were held by ICE. I have also participated in demonstrations and marches for that cause. I have also written letters for individuals currently incarcerated seeking parole.
16. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes. Many young men in Southeast Queens have prior conviction records, including in my family. I am committed to giving everyone a fair chance.
17. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you sponsoring the bill introduced by Jessica Ramos?
I believe that decriminalizing sex work is the right direction for our City and State. I am actually working with an organization that helps sex workers to come off the streets.
18. Will you actively oppose legislation that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of decriminalization of prostitution?
Yes.
19. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and the further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I would further limit what kind of info is shared by NYPD with ICE. I would also support funding further legal support for undocumented individuals facing legal proceedings. I would also limit civil penalties that prohibit undocumented immigrants from obtaining naturalization.
20. Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
Yes, I believe in the separation of church and state and would support this.
21. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes, I believe this is important for individuals facing addiction. My brother is currently in one of these programs. It has helped him significantly.
22. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No
23. Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
I would commit to hiring LGBT staff members equally in District 31.
24. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Absolutely
25. 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
In the general election, I supported Bill de Blasio for Mayor and Letitia James for Public Advocate in 2014.
I supported Hillary Clinton for President in 2016.
I supported Cuomo for Governor and Letitia James for Attorney General in 2018.
I have voted in every election since I have been able to vote.
26. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I support reparation, education policy that priorities Black history and the histories of colonized peoples, as well as further access for Black, women and minority-owned businesses.
After five years of advocacy with CUNY, in 2019 I was able to get them to introduce an Indo-Caribbean history call at York College. Today, I am honored to be a Professor teaching this class. I believe it is critical for historically marginalized communities to learn and be able to teach their own histories.
27. 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 am supporting the Community Service Society of New York’s Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program to ease the burden on students in New York State as well as the Student Loan Consumer Assistance Program.
I would also push to establish more powers for the Governor’s Student Loan Ombudsman office. I would also push for more regulatory power for the Department of Financial Services.
28. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes, I believe in NYS this model would bring increased coverage, predictable and stable pricing for treatment and affordable drug coverage.
29. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I believe in a women’s right to choose, as well as access to contraceptive at an early age.
30. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry?
Yes
31. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes
32. Are you against the opening of casinos in New York owned and controlled by Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson?
Yes
33. Do you support the surrogacy bill introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman allowing women to decide control of her body in regard to surrogacy?
Yes
34. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (previously S2892A)?
Yes
35. 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
36. What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
Supporting my candidacy means supporting and potentially electing the first South Asian person to public office in New York City. This is one of the top issues of 2020 and one of the most glaring issues currently facing our democracy in NYS. Diversity has been a cornerstone of this clubs’ mission and my historic candidacy would further that goal.