Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Althea Stevens for City Council District 16
Althea Stevens
Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 16
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
I am a proud native New Yorker who has always been drawn to public service and giving back to my community. This drive started in high school when I became pregnant with my daughter and was often told that I was going to be nothing more than a statistic. However, I was determined not to let this negativity stop me from graduating high school college and pursuing my passions. Since then, I have spent over 15 years working at community-based organizations, giving a voice to some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. As a lifelong, heartfelt community advocate with the ability to motivate and inspire individuals, I lead with passion to serve others. I am running for the same reason. I want to make sure my community has the resources and services it needs to thrive, such as affordable permanent housing and increased funding for crisis intervention. By running for City Council, I intend to dedicate myself even further to my community by committing myself as a tireless advocate for District 16. With the highest rate of families and children living in shelters, few local industries, and one of the highest rate of individuals arrested for low-level offenses, Council District 16 needs a strong advocate. Acknowledging that need, I am running with community support, on a platform based on the needs of the community, with a team that is just as passionate for the future of this district as I. I am passionate about this community and I am dedicated to continue advocating for the resources and services that we need from City Hall, if elected.
Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
Wilfredo Florentino, Elisa Crepo
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
I have never been in elected office so I have not yet had the chance to introduce or co-sponsor legislation. However, if elected, I believe we need stronger protections and supports for the LGBTQ+ community. First of all, the city needs to increase funding to LGBTQ-focused and -led organizations. These organizations have the specific knowledge and ability to support LGBTQ New Yorkers as they navigate the workforce, education systems, housing systems, etc. and any issues that may arise in those processes. To ensure that workplaces provide supportive environments for LGBTQ workers, and especially workers who idenitfy as transgender or non-binary, the city should seek to fund training programs for employers and hiring managers around creating inclusive workplaces. This would be a critical move to ensure LGBTQ workers feel safe and supported, and are able to maintain employment. Training programs led and facilitated by LGBTQ individuals should be prioritized. Additionally, we need resources specifically targeted to homeless LGBTQ youth. Housing is a human right is a central part of my campaign platform; currently, New York City does very little to support pathways to permanent housing for our most vulnerable populations. As LGBTQ youth make up about 40% of homeless youth, the city should develop more supportive housing targeted to this population that combines shelter with wraparound services.
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
In my role as a youth developer, I have worked with Destination Tomorrow to provide information for the youth I work with and to refer these youth to them for LGBTQ services.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I do not consider myself a member of the LGBTQ community, but I consider myself a strong ally and advocate of the LGBTQ community.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
NYC Pride (4 yrs), CT Pride (1 yr), Miami Pride (1 yr)
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes, I have always employed openly LGBTQ individuals and always make sure they are treated with equality in the workplace. I have several employees who identify as LGBTQ at my job at East Side House Settlement; additionally, my Campaign Manager & Treasurer, and lead volunteer all identifies as a LGBTQ.
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 was a speaker at the 2020 Women’s March, and numerous protests over the summer in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
I have not been arrested.
Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?
Yes My brother-in-law is currently serving time in state prison, and in partnership with my sister I have done advocacy for prisoners in state prison.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes
Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism
I will fight to ensure that we have equity in our communities, and if elected, I will advocate to ensure that we invest more resources in the communities that have suffered the most. If elected, the first three issues I would tackle are issues that our communities were struggling with before the pandemic and have only been exacerbated since March 2020: youth development, affordable housing, and food insecurity. For specific details, please see my response to the top 3 issues I want to address.
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?
I support removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and other statues of slave-owners and those who have instigated genocides. I would replace it with a statue of individuals like Assata Shakur as a symbol of revolution and change.
Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?
I will refuse all donations from law enforcement unions and associations. I would not accept money from any real estate developers whose vision is not aligned with putting the community first.
Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?
I support reducing the NYPD budget by, at minimum, $1 million.
How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?
Yes, I would have voted for this budget even though it didn't meaningfully cut the NYPD's budget. I would have voted yes because voting no would have put the budget at jeopardy of going to the state financial control board, and if that would have happened, I do not believe we would have seen any cuts. Additionally, one reason the speakers said they were not able to pass more cuts was because many black and brown elected officials did not want them. If elected, I would be a fierce advocate to make substantial cuts to the NYPD and would rally the Black, Latino and Asian caucus to support substantial cuts as well.
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.
I support removing police from all of the above institutions.
Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?
Yes
Should Dermot Shea be fired immediately?
Yes
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 believe they should be fined and lose the day’s pay for each day they refuse to wear a mask.
What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
Currently, the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) has the power to investigate and recommend disciplinary actions, but the final determination of any actions are made internally by the NYPD. What I would propose, if elected to City Council, to give the CCRB the power to determine and enforce any consequences or disciplinary actions. As shown by CCRB recommendations only being followed in a fraction of incidents, when the disciplinary body also represents the accused. To rectify this, the CCRB must have the ability not only to determine disciplinary actions, but to also enforce. Thus, 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?
I agree with the plan to close Rikers and create the borough-based jails. One of the original purposes of this plan was to lower the number of jail beds in our city. This is a decarceration plan and I look forward to working on other creative justice solutions with my community and, hopefully, future colleagues in City Council. Along with this, the plan gave communities leverage to request additional services and improvements that may not otherwise be prioritized by the city. Although the Bronx borough-based jail would be located in Mott Haven, many of the proposed community improvements would have a huge impact on District 16 and the Bronx as a whole. When incarcerated New Yorkers are housed at Rikers, the result is that families are often separated. Due to its location, regular visits from the city can be a time-intensive and are a barrier for many families. Borough-based jails would hopefully eliminate this barrier. Not only would this help to connect families, but it would help to connect incarcerated New Yorkers to their city and community. Another side effect of Rikers’ location is that it is out of sight and out of mind of most New Yorkers, which ignores the fact that most individuals incarcerated at Rikers will return home within a year. This physical and mental distance makes it easier to not hold DOC and Rikers staff accountable for any injustices taking place. Having borough-based jails brings the responsibility of rehabilitation back to the community and will help to ensure that appropriate steps can be taken to help them integrate back into their communities.
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?
I would change the 311 system so that individuals calling in are connected to subject specialists who can provide more individualized information and support.
Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?
I support the decriminialization of sex work because I support the decriminalization of poverty. Many who engage in sex work do so because of a lack of other viable employment options, often compounded by other factors such as an unstable home life or addiction issues. At the same time, those engaging in sex work can find it hard make the switch to a different industry. Decriminalizing sex work will help give these individuals more agency over their own bodies and lives while improving their options and access to resources. I pledge to oppose the Nordic model as any solution should empower and originate within the affected community.
Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?
I oppose non-comprehensive school screening. I believe that many of the current screens used are too limited to be the only indicator for which students get to attend specialized high schools. I believe each specialized school should have a comprehensive admissions process that includes evaluations such as portfolios, interviews, and hands-on projects. Although I have seen the data on the SHSAT and the specialized schools and believe the system is currently unfair, especially to black and brown students, I also believe that a test of some sort is necessary to ensure that students attending specialized schools are prepared for the rigor of those schools. City Council’s role in addressing the rampant segregation in NYC schools should be to act as an advocate for and amplify the voices of students across the city. For years, a number of student-led advocacy groups, such as Make the Road NY and Teens Take Charge, have offered innovative policy solutions to de Blasio and DOE Chancellors, but have been largely ignored. City Council should champion student-led efforts, and use their platforms and influence to push the DOE to act upon the needs of our city’s students. To ensure desegregation is embedded in the DNA of our schools, we also need to adopt a culturally representative and responsive curriculum. The children of our city need to see themselves and their cultures represented and valued in teachers’ lessons, and have the opportunity to feel valued for who they are in the school community. For too long, history and other subjects have focused on the contributions of Europeans, while ignoring the importance of a diverse world that has traded ideas for millenia. To guarantee full access to high-quality education to our Black and Brown students, we must start by integrating our schools and emphasizing this integration with a more relevant curriculum.
Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.
Aside from integrating schools and implementing culturally responsive practices, the City should work with the State to ensure our public schools are fully funded. As school funding is controlled by the New York state government, I would work closely with state representatives to ensure around the resource shortfall. I would also advocate, within the state and city, that equity is prioritized when determining the division of funding amongst our schools. I would collaborate with active school equity organizations to ensure these policies are far reaching and include the voices of those most affected by this funding - the students. Currently, NYC students can have access to vastly different services, clubs, and activities in classrooms and facilities that vary in upgrades and functionality. A potential solution to this would be to expand upon the recently passed bill to publicize parent association fundraising to redistribute a portion of the funds raised by the city’s wealthiest parent associations to schools with the highest needs. Additionally, NYC needs to remove police from schools. Time and time again, it has been shown that police officers do not have suitable training and, as a whole, do not have a suitable mission to act in this role appropriately. Youth are in need of mental health professionals trained in trauma-informed practices and crisis management who can connect them to local resources and services that provide support and stability. In contrast, the police exist to maintain order, detect crime, and enforce the law. The needs of vulnerable populations and the mission of the NYPD are inherently in contrast, which necessitates returning the responsibilities of working with youth, along with the homeless and those dealing with mental health crises, to those bolstered by the training and understanding these populations require.
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, proven research has shown that safe consumption sites help to minimize overdoses and prevent bloodborne infectious diseases. These sites also offer those struggling with drug abuse a way to connect to resources and rehabilitation services in a safe and compassionate environment. Safe injection sites create safer spaces not only for those using the site, but for the larger community as well. These facilities help to minimize the occurrence of hypodermic needles and other unsafe paraphernalia in public spaces frequented by children. Yes, I would support the use of NYC DOHMH authority to establish SCSs without NYSDOH authorization.
Do you smoke or otherwise consume weed?
No, but I support the right to do so.
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 have never supported any members of the IDC. I was not active other than personal GOTV efforts during the 2018 election.
What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?
I would reform the licensure process to make it easier for small businesses to get liquor licenses and reduce the red tape that increases the difficulty of owning and operating clubs and bars.
Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
Yes, it is imperative to speak directly to those affected before making policy decisions.
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, I will actively reach out to owners of local establishments in my district and encourage them to join their community boards and nominate them when appropriate. I commit to not appointing or reappointing members who are hostile to locally owned food and beverage establishments.
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, I would support amending the zoning resolution.
Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?
Yes, I opposed the proposal and especially the giveaways.
What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?
I believe that local members have the important role of advocating for the needs and desires of their community. While I think we should end member deference, I believe that all local members should have adequate space and time to present
Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?
Yes, I would strongly support such legislation.
Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?
Yes, I oppose this removal as I believe that all neighborhoods need to share responsibility for tackling the housing issue in NYC.
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?
First, I believe we should end the gang database which attracts attention from ICE and gives law enforcement supposed reason to criminalize and deport individuals based on negligible evidence of their gang involvement. Additionally, I believe that legislation should be passed on a city and state level to prevent the sharing of law enforcement data with ICE. To empower the immigrant community to exercise their rights, the city should also invest in Know Your Rights trainings targeted at immigrant communities throughout the city.
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 am in support of universal single payer healthcare in New York state, and would work with my State counterparts to advocate for this legislation to be passed. On a city level, I believe we need uplift and expand NYC CARE. When it was first rolled out, there was little widespread advertisement of the program, as well as training and resources for community organizations. I think the City should facilitate a re-launch of the program that includes a multilingual advertising campaign. Community-based organizations, especially those that focus on immigrant populations that could greatly benefit, should be trained and provided resources to sign up community members and help them navigate the system.
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?
I respect the right to privacy about one’s vote.
Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively
If elected, the first three issues I would tackle are issues that our communities were struggling with before the pandemic and have only been exacerbated since: youth development, affordable housing, and food insecurity. First of all, our city is in dire need of engaging and empowering youth development programming. I wanted to set this apart as different from Education as the problems faced by youth in NYC go beyond education alone. Unfortunately, growing up in areas like District 16, young people have the odds stacked against them. The graduation rate is around 66% (Citizens’ Committee for Children), 52% of people work in low-wage occupations (Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness), and there is extremely limited access to after school programs or active community centers. To combat this, I am advocating for increased access to after school programming for school-age children. All of our city’s children deserve access to enrichment programming that provides opportunities to explore different topics and socialize with peers, and all of our city’s families deserve access to free or affordable childcare where they can feel sure their child is safe and learning. Reliable childcare is even more vital now as parents balance getting back to work with ensuring their children have a safe place to stay, and as our city struggles with a growing learning gap between students. Second, housing is a huge issue for communities like District 16 where families need pathways to transition out of shelters into affordable housing. Not only does District 16 have the largest number of family shelter units in the city, but 37% of households in the district are severely rent burdened (spending 50%+ of their income on rent). These issues have become even more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic as families suffer job losses and impending evictions. To start shifting the current focus from shelters to stable housing, I am calling for the following: larger city investments in maintenance of NYCHA developments, City Council oversight of any RAD conversions within the city, and supportive pathways to low-income home ownership. Third, we need more community services and resources focused around increasing food security. The existing issue of food insecurity is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects on the population of NYC, in general, and communities like District 16 who were already struggling, specifically. Prior to March of 2020, residents of District 16 already struggled not only to find healthy, affordable food, but to provide just enough food to their families. In a study from Hunger Free America, during the data period of 2015-2017, 37.6% of children in the Bronx were experiencing food insecurity while the city-wide rate was 18%. Now, in a world where COVID-19 has devastated communities of color in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, and increased the financial burden on families already struggling to make ends meet, this rate has skyrocketed. To address this issue, NYC should increase funding to programs like Health Bucks and expand the pool of individuals eligible to receive them. The Council should also expand the locations where Health Bucks can be used as not everyone has access to a local farmer’s market. To ensure families can buy enough food to support their family the Council should look into ways to supplement food purchasing assistance programs. Additionally, community and city leaders need to encourage the development of additional grocery stores in food deserts like District 16. In addition to these three main issues, I would also push the city to tackle the climate and environmental justice issues that caused the COVID-19 pandemic to disproportionately impact already vulnerable communities. This would include issues like the locations of waste sites, air quality, and neighborhood and borough inequity of public spaces.
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?
For the budget, I would support reforms to include additional input from community members and leaders before City Council makes budgetary decisions. This would include getting input from community members affected by the decisions and evaluating contracts for impact and effectiveness. Additionally, I would reduce the power of the Speaker over the budget as he can control capital funding and discretionary funding of other members, which skews which neighborhoods receive funding. I would support reforms to allocate this funding based on districts with the most need. Regarding the land use process, I would support a comprehensive reform. For far too long, real estate developers have been allowed to develop neighborhoods with little to no input from community members. If elected I will advocate to reform the ULURP process to allow ture community input, in addition we will advocate for community members to develop plans for their neighborhoods and then seek developers who can fit the needs of the community. To ensure that the rezoning fits the needs of the current community, the rezoning process must include a study of the potential racial impact of the rezoning. As we have seen in so many neighborhoods around NYC, allowing real estate developers to rezone and develop in cheaper neighborhoods, leads to gentrification and pushes out the community. In a city where we are constantly discussing new strategies for creating new affordable housing, that is unacceptable and we must acknowledge this problem. Regarding the powers and duties of municipal offices, I would support giving City Council approval of city commissioners after their appointment. This reform would make them more accountable to the city and New Yorkers.
Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?
When I first made the decision to run for City Council, I made a commitment to run a community-first campaign. I am running with community support, on a platform based on the needs of the community, with a team that is just as passionate for the future of this district as I. For the past year, I have been on a listening tour of District 16, really getting to know what the community needs and cares about in order to build an inclusive platform. I am dedicated to continuing to listen throughout my campaign and if elected. The issues I raise and the policies I put forth will be a collective effort informed not just by my supporters, but also by those who hold differing opinions. I am also committed to making my campaign as transparent as possible, and including as many diverse voices in my campaign as possible. This commitment led me to create a podcast called “On The Run NYC” with a fellow candidate. Through this platform, we have honest conversations around what our candidacies are like, and give voice to communities that aren’t often heard. I intend to do the same once I am in office by creating a pipeline of the next generation of leaders who may otherwise look at institutions like the City Council and believe, as I once did, that there is no place for them.
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 commit to working with Jim Owles. The club and community can hold me accountable by keeping me informed of current issues affecting the community and different proposals that would help me and my colleagues develop comprehensive solutions.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Of course!
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsement decisions?
I am a strong ally of the LGBTQ community as they have been on the front lines of social issues and change in our community and I look forward to deepening this partnership!