Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Andrew Gounardes for NY Senate District 22
Candidate Name: Andrew Gounardes
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate, 22nd District
Campaign Address: 725 70thStreet, #C1 Brooklyn, NY 11228
Campaign Website: www.andrewgounardes.com
Campaign Telephone: N/A
Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter):
www.facebook.com/AndrewforNewYork // www.twitter.com/agounardes
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): Tori Kelly / 845-417-7118 / t ori@andrewgounardes.com
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I’m immensely proud to represent southern Brooklyn in the New York State Senate. Born and raised in Bay Ridge, I graduated from Fort Hamilton High School before going on to earn degrees at Hunter College and the George Washington University Law School. Before winning election to the NYS Senate in 2018, I served as Counsel to the Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and as a trustee of the NYC Employees’ Retirement System. In the New York State Senate, I am chair of the Civil Service & Pensions Committee.
I’m running for re-election because I want to continue to bring funding for schools and subways to my district. I want to help make our streets safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike and protect working families from unfair taxes and rent increases. I believe that we as a society can do much to make even a small difference in people’s lives, and that we should stop at nothing to do so.
Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
To date, I have supported Carlos Menchaca and Ritchie Torres in their respective City Council races. I also financially supported Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
In my first year in the state senate, I have cosponsored GENDA, the ban on conversion therapy, the bill legalizing gestational surrogacy, and the bill eliminating the panic defense. Additionally, I voted in favor of S1481A, which expands the duties of the Office of Children and Family Services to include services for LGBT homeless and runaway youth, and S45B, which relates to LGBT veterans.
What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I have previously been a member of Lambda Independent Democrats.
If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
I do not currently have any active LGBT organizations operating in my district and I allocated funds available to me exclusively to in-district organizations. In 2019 I supported and co-signed Senate-wide funding requests for homeless/runaway LGBT youth, the LGBT Community Center, and the LGBT Health and Human Services Network.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
I consider myself an ally of the LGBT community.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes, Brooklyn Pride (3x) and NYC Pride (1x).
Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
My campaign manager in 2018 was a member of the LGBT community. I do not currently employ a member of the LGBT community but would not hesitate to do so if there was an open position for which that candidate was qualified. With a small staff and a large contorted district, I am not always able to have representation for every group within my diverse district, though I continually strive to have staff from diverse backgrounds.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes.
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?
Even before I got into politics, I have been a staunch support of LGBTQ equality, including rallies held in support of marriage equality in front of Marty Golden's office back in 2011 in conjunction with the Bay Ridge Democrats and Lambda Independent Democrats. Over my public life, I have attended and participated in numerous rallies and demonstrations, including the 2018 Women’s March.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
NO
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?
This is an issue that I am evaluating and having many conversations with advocates and the formerly incarcerated to develop my stance.
Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
I was planning to visit a correctional facility last year through my position as Civil Service & Pensions Committee chair but due to scheduling it was not possible. I would be willing to visit to hear from the worker, administration and incarcerated individuals on their experiences
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, there are many factors that should be considered when determining parole.
Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
No
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
If a formerly incarcerated individual applies for a position with me, I will treat that candidate without any bias or prejudice because of their prior incarceration. With a small staff and a large contorted district, I am not always able to have representation for every group within my diverse district, though I continually strive to have staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you sponsoring the bill introduced by Jessica Ramos?
Several anti-human and anti-sex trafficking organizations have raised concerns about decriminalization with me. Until I am able to better and fully understand those concerns and objections, I am withholding judgement on this legislation.
Will you actively oppose legislation that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of decriminalization of prostitution?
Please see above.
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and the further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I am a strong supporter of our city's immigrant populations, and my district is home to many diverse immigrant populations. I am a cosponsor of Senator Hoylman’s legislation to keep ICE out of our court system and voted last year for the Green Light Bill, which I also co-sponsored.
Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
I am a staunch believer in public education and a proud supporter of NYSUT and UFT members across the city and state. I believe in a fully funded, free public education from Pre-K through undergraduate college and have introduced legislation to that effect. I do not support tuition tax credits, or vouchers for parochial schools, but do not support withholding earmarked funding for specific categorized educational purposes such as textbooks and STEM funding from any school as currently allowed by law.
Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
I am broadly understanding and supportive of the rationale behind safe consumption sites, but have not yet developed a definitive position on safe injection sites as I continue to evaluate the available public studies of their success. I do believe that drug addiction should be treated with medical-based treatment plans.
Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No
Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
I would not hesitate to do so if there was an open position for which that candidate was qualified. With a small staff and a large contorted district, I am not always able to have representation for every group within my diverse district, though I continually strive to have staff from diverse backgrounds. Even without a dedicated liaison to the community, I pride myself on my relationships within the LGBT community and will continue to work with the community to partner in any way possible.
Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Diversity amongst my staff and representation is important when deciding who to hire. I am proud to have an office that boasts fluency in 4 languages, other than English, and will continue to work towards representation for all.
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
Bill de Blasio & Tish James
Hillary Clinton
Governor Cuomo & Tish James
Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
During my campaign and throughout my time in office, I have spoken out on instances of bigotry and racism that have become more prevalent in our city and state. I believe that the 2019 legislative session made great strides in addressing many of the systemic issues that were being ignored by the Republican Senate majority for years. We have more to build on, including providing safe spaces in our community and fostering discussion with affected communities.
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 have introduced a constitutional amendment to provide free, quality education in NYS from Pre-K through college. I believe this will be transformative to our educational system.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes-- I am a co-sponsor of the NY Health Act. You can read my views on the bill here:
https://medium.com/@agounardes/some-thoughts-on-the-new-york-health-act-fcd3da3da 1 79
Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I am a staunch supporter of a woman's right to choose and proudly voted on the Reproductive Health Act in 2019 and the Comprehensive Contraception Act.
Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry?
My fundraising has and will continue to be focused on in-district grassroots support. In my last campaign, donations under $100 accounted for the vast majority of my individual support. I understand the purpose of this question but I believe a more appropriate measure of a candidate should be their in-district constituent support. Furthermore, as a marginal member of the NYC delegation, I am not in a position to engage in unilateral disarmament before I know where the financial support of my Republican opponent will come from.
Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes to the best of my knowledge.
Are you against the opening of casinos in New York owned and controlled by anti-union and Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson?
Yes
Do you support the surrogacy bill introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman allowing women to decide control of her body in regard to surrogacy?
Yes
Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (previously S2892A)?
I am a current co-sponsor of this legislation. The housing system must be fair for all participants, which means that tenants must be treated fairly by landlords and landlords must be treated fairly by tenants. I support leveling the playing field and ensuring that both participants have fair and balanced rights in their contractual relationship.
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 a cosponsor of this legislation and have signed onto joint letters led by Assemblyman Hevesi to help push for it’s passage.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
I have long been a supporter of the Jim Owles L.D.C., dating back to my first run for office in 2012. My relationship with this club is strong and I would be honored to earn the club’s support again in my reelection.