Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Andrew Gounardes for NY Senate District 22
Candidate Name: Andrew Gounardes
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate District 22
Website: https://www.andrewgounardes.com
1. 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.
2. Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidates for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
Carlos Menchaca, Ritchie Torres, Crystal Hudson, & Wilfredo Florentino for City Council.
Ritchie Torres for Congress
Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr.
3. If applicable what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored?
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.
4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer or professional basis?
I am a member of Lambda Independent Democrats.
5. If applicable, what LGBTQ 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. I have previously 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.
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I consider myself an ally of the LGBT community.
7. Have you marched in any Pride parades? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes. Brooklyn Pride (3x) and NYC Pride (1x).
8. 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.
9. If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes.
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?
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.
11. Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
No.
12. If you are an incumbent, what have you accomplished in your most recent term?
This most recent term, 26 of my bills were signed into law, including the SLEEP Act, the Comprehensive Insurance Disclosure Act, and legislation to help firefighters who are diagnosed with Parkinson’ Disease. Additionally, the Senate passed my package of street safety legislation and my package of sexual harassment legislation, but the Assembly did not act on them. I have authored more than 50 bills into law over my three years in Albany.
13. For the following pieces of legislation, please answer if you are currently a sponsor or co-sponsor (if you are an incumbent), or if you will co-sponsor (if you are not an incumbent):
A. Fair and Timely Parole (S.1415A / A.4231A): A bill pending in Albany that would ensure access to the parole release process for incarcerated people in New York State. This bill insures that decisions on parole are not solely based on the nature of the original crimes but includes incarcerated peoples’ record of rehabilitation and assessment of current risk to public safety. No.
B. Elder Parole (S.15A / A.3475A): A bill pending in Albany that would allow elderly incarcerated people who have served at least 15 years in prison an opportunity to appear before the Parole Board for a chance at release. No.
14. If you will not co-sponsor any of the above legislation, why not?
These bills are sensitive issues in my district and I could not support them as currently written, but my staff and I continue to have conversations with advocates and the bill sponsors to share my constituents’ concerns.
15. Do you oppose the efforts to weaken bail reform as written
I do not believe in wealth-based detention. I believe that any changes to the bail laws – if warranted - must be made based on a data-driven approach. I continue to support legislation that would allow judges to consider bail in cases of hate crimes.
16. Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails? If incumbent, when did you do so last?
I have not previously done so but would consider doing so in the future.
17. Do you support legislation outlawing solitary confinement in all prisons statewide including city jails?
I was a co-sponsor of the HALT Act.
18. When was the last time you were inside a correctional facility?
I have not visited a correctional facility since I’ve been in office. On two previous occasions I had planned to visit but due to scheduling changes I was unable to do so. I would be willing to visit to hear from incarcerated individuals, workers, and administration officials about their experiences firsthand
19. Do you believe sincere remorse and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole? This question is redundant. I would eliminate it.
Yes, there are many factors that should be considered when determining parole.
20. What do you believe should be done to ensure more clemencies are granted every year?
I think more public engagement about the clemency process, why it is important, and what it actually means, will help create space in the public forum to allow for more clemencies to be issued each year.
21. Will you publicly call on the governor to use her clemency power for the many incarcerated New Yorkers who can safely return home? Will you tweet out your support for this or issue a public statement? Would you be willing to be critical of a governor who does not exercise their power to grant clemencies and commutations to those worthy of release? Have you ever spoken out in such a way?
On a case-by-case basis, I would consider doing so.
22. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
No
23. 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.
24. Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing and employment?
Yes.
25. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you or will you co-sponsor the bill introduced by Julia Salazar (S.6419 / A. 8230), which fully decriminalizes sex work?
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.
26. Will you actively oppose legislation (S.6040 / A.7069) that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of the decriminalization of prostitution? Explain in detail your views on full decriminalization, the Nordic model, legalization, and the existing criminalization approach.
Please see above.
27. Do you support ending qualified immunity for police officers?
I support holding police officers accountable for their actions, just like all public employees.
28. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a “Sanctuary State”?
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 for the Green Light Bill, which I also co-sponsored. I also support the New York for All proposal by the New York Immigration Coalition and have been an outspoken supporter of enhanced refugee services.
29. 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.
30. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No.
31. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBTQ representation among your staff?
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.
32. Who did you support for office in the following primaries or special elections: A) Mayor in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Attorney General in 2018?
A) Bill de Blasio & Tish James
B) Hillary Clinton
C) Governor Cuomo & Tish James
33. Have you made an endorsement in the current bid for Governor? If so, who?
Governor Hochul
34. Do you support term limits for statewide office holders? For State Legislators?
I support term limits for executive level positions.
35. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I am currently in discussions with advocates to introduce legislation that would ban legacy admissions in colleges, which is a large driver of educational inequity in our society.
36. 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 the lead sponsor of the New Deal for CUNY, which would make CUNY free for all students. I am also working on several bills to reform the TAP system so that more students are able to take advantage of it by expanding the years of eligibility.
37. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Do you or will you co-sponsor the New York Health Act? 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-fcd3da3da179
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes to the best of my knowledge.
41. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (S.3082 / A.5573)?
I support the general purpose of this legislation but I am continuing to review how the financial restrictions placed in the bill will affect the stability of the overall housing ecosystem.
42. 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? Will you co-sponsor S.856 / A.6032, which amends the Social Services Law to create a statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits and who face eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions?
Yes.
43. What should happen to 421-a? Would you end it, mend it, continue it?
I support ending the widespread abuse of these programs,but I don’t want to close the door to using the tax code to spur meaningful affordable development.
44. Do you support legalizing accessory dwelling units?
Yes.
45. Do you support more state funding for NYCHA? If so, how much?
Yes. As much to close the gap needed to fix the backlog of repairs after adding in new federal support.
46. Do you, or will you, co-sponsor the Climate and Community Investment Act? (S.4264A / A.6967) If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes.
47. Do you support the New York Public Banking Act (S.1762A / A. 8290? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes.
48. Do you support the New Deal for CUNY (S.4461 / A.5843)? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes.
49. 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 a city bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge? Do you authorize the use of your name for such a purpose?
Yes but want to know when my name is being used before such purpose.
50. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
I represent a large, vibrant Italian-American community. Many members of that community have a large affection for Columbus not for what he did but for what he has come to represent for the earlier generations of Italian-American immigrants. Any discussions about removing Columbus statues needs to take into account this dynamic without ignoring what Columbus committed against indigenous people.
51. Do you support reducing the budget of law enforcement throughout the state, and if so, by how much?
I believe we need to fully fund public safety programs.
52. 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 believe there is plenty of opportunity to remove police as the primary response team from many interactions with the public, and have them focus on their prime responsibility of public safety and crime.
53. Should law enforcements "Vice Squads" be eliminated?
I have not had an opportunity to consider this issue but I am open to giving this issue more thought.
54. How would you recommend law enforcement officers be penalized for refusing to wear masks in public while on duty, in defiance of city and state rules?
That is a decision for the Police Commissioner to implement and create the appropriate accountability measures, subject to the permissible disciplinary rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
55. What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
I have not had an opportunity to consider this issue but I am open to giving this issue more thought.
56. What will you do to support nightlife in New York State?
I support legislating “cocktails-to-go” and try to stay in constant communication with my local nightlife establishments to find ways to continue to support them.
57. Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
Yes.
58. Do you commit to speak personally with liquor license applicants and license holders before opposing any bid for a liquor license? Likewise for an applicant seeking your support?
Yes, but I don’t believe that applicants for renewal that have not operated in good faith or addressed long-standing community concerns do not deserve the same level of deference.
59. What are the top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively?
New Deal for CUNY; property tax reform; subway accessibility.
60. What additional information would you like members The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision concerning your candidacy?
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. As one of only two Democrats in the entire NYC delegation to represent a district that Donald Trump won twice, your support is critical to helping me stay elected.