Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Chris Sosa for City Council District 5
Candidate Name: Chris Sosa
Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 5
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
I am the only candidate to bring both a working knowledge of New York legislative bodies from my time as a State Senate aide, and the moral drive of an advocate proven by my many years of journalism, nonprofit and advocacy work. As an openly gay Latino, I will provide representation for LGBTQ+ people of all walks of life in a race where the whole Council is at risk of losing LGBTQ+ representation.
Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
I have or do proudly endorse Cynthia Nixon, Jabari Brisport, Elisa Crespo, Marti Allen-Cummings, Ritchie Torres, Alejandra Caraballo, Kristin Richardson Jordan and Tiffany Caban.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
While this is my first run for elected office, I worked under Sen. Luis Sepulveda during the Spring session of 2019, when we introduced and co-sponsored a host of LGBTQ+ bills, from employment non-discrimination to inmate housing.
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
After graduating from college, I was the National Syndication Editor for the Boston-based LGBT publication EDGE. I am a dues-paying member of the Stonewall Democrats. Ever since my childhood, when my mother and I would play music for residents of long-term care homes, my volunteer efforts have centered around the elderly. It’s crucial that we remember their stories and pass their experience on to the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I am an openly gay man and I’ve represented myself as such for the entirety of my adult journalism career.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
I marched with Cynthia Nixon, I marched with The Trevor Project and would’ve marched this year but the event was obviously cancelled due to the pandemic.
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
At every stage of my career I’ve welcomed LGBTQ employees and currently have two members of my core team who are from the community.
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?
This is hard to quantify because I served as communications director for two Democratic state senators and worked as a spokesperson prior to that. I’ve overseen countless press events, all of which were a combination of the above issues. From Black Lives Matter to sex worker liberation to women’s equality, I’ve been a steadfast voice for justice and participated in marches from LGBT Pride and Black Trans Sex Worker Liberation in NYC to the Women’s March in DC.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
I’ve never been arrested.
Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?
Absolutely. This would not be my first time visiting jails either. I’ve spent hours in jail visits in my childhood community. Advocating for those being incarcerated is important to me.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes. I’ve been a longtime “Ban the Box” advocate and will be making it clear on employment applications for my office that formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.
Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism
I’ve listened closely to the voices of racial justice advocates and committed to the entire slate of Campaign Zero reforms, in addition to being among the first candidates to support police defunding. Our policy vision must be all-encompassing, from systematic housing discrimination to de facto school segregation. For my uncompromising stance on these issues, I have been endorsed by Ten Demands for Justice.
Will you not seek, and refuse, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio?
I absolutely commit to not accepting his endorsement, but given my public calls for his resignation, I imagine it won’t be offered.
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?
It would be an honor. To continue calling a vital public structure by his name is to endorse his racism and homophobia.
What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
I oppose all commemorations of Christopher Columbus. I would seek community input on a replacement statue and name for the circle. I’d like to see us focus our commemorations on women of color who are historically excluded from our city sculptures.
Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?
I have already refused contributions from all of these sources. In fact, every donation I have received thus far is from an individual, not an organization.
Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?
I signed a demand to defund NYPD by $1 billion, but I view that as a starting point. We need to negotiate the highest number possible. If enough folks like me are elected, the DSA has proposed defunding the department by $3 billion and I support the proposal.
How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?
No.
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.
All of the above.
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?
By being fired.
What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
The board should be an elected body by the people and yes I would support such legislation.
What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?
I support closing Rikers and vehemently oppose building any new jails at all.
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. I am a strong advocate of elder parole and decarceration in general.
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?
Aside from restructuring, we need to allocate a serious funding increase for proper staffing. People should be able to rely on 311 as strongly as on 911.
Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?
Yes. I’ve marched in favor of decriminalization and I already oppose the Nordic model.
Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?
I do. All of them. Every child is equal and deserves equal educational opportunity. Period.
Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.
My reforms will be democratically-minded. We rely too heavily on bureaucrats with competing interests while the most marginalized have little say in what happens to their children. Specifically, I support creating a directly elected Panel for Education Policy (or Board of Education) with members who cannot be fired at will by the mayor.
Do you support public funding of abortion?
I support public funding of all health services without discrimination and support Medicare for All at the federal level.
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. This is a tested and proven public health practice. And I do support NYC DOHMH using its own authority.
Do you smoke or otherwise consume weed?
I don’t, but I support the decriminalization of marijuana possession and the removal of mandatory sentences for marijuana-related offenses.
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 for the late Sen. Jose Peralta for a period after the IDC was formally abolished. My work was on the government side as an employee of the Democratic caucus. I was never employed on the campaign side. I focused my efforts in that election cycle on Cynthia Nixon’s run against Cuomo. I also encouraged Jose that, if he wasn’t going to make an effort with his ballot line in the general, he should offer his full-throated support to Jessica Ramos to ensure a positive transition and Democratic unity. Unfortunately, he did not accept my advice on the matter.
What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?
I support the right of any business to operate freely as long as the business isn’t breaking reasonable laws or causing unreasonable disturbance in their neighborhoods. Some businesses, like bars and nightclubs, are often perceived to be secondary or unnecessary, and must tolerate unfair treatment from regulatory authorities. I am committed to taking the input of all business owners before taking any position that impacts their livelihoods.
Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
I support the right of any business to operate freely as long as the business isn’t breaking reasonable laws or causing unreasonable disturbance in their neighborhoods. Some businesses, like bars and nightclubs, are often perceived to be secondary or unnecessary, and must tolerate unfair treatment from regulatory authorities. I am committed to taking the input of all business owners before taking any position that impacts their livelihoods.
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, our community board must reflect the needs of all small business owners.
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?
You bet! I’m a trained artistic skater. The idea of a dancing ban is offensive to my entire person. :)
Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?
I did, and I was not quiet about it.
What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?
Our role is to advocate for the needs of our constituents against the corporate interests seeking to reduce their affordable housing or render their communities as playgrounds for the rich.
Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?
One hundred percent!
Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?
Yes, and I’ve been publicly vocal about this as well.
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?
This is tough to answer right now because our federal rules are about to drastically change. But past positions I’ve taken and continue to hold are that ICE should be abolished, local authorities should refuse cooperation with DHS efforts to deport our neighbors and we should work to ensure immigration status has no bearing on our city’s services to the community.
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 do, and I have for many years. In this city, everything comes down to funding. There are billions of dollars sitting in the police budget that should go to health services. We already have a health care guarantee - we need to shore it up to make it a reality for every New Yorker.
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?
My voter registration wasn’t yet in NY in 2013. In 2019, I voted for Nomiki Konst for Public Advocate. In 2016, I voted for Hillary Clinton. In 2020, I voted symbolically for Elizabeth Warren. Had Bernie Sanders not already dropped out, I would’ve voted for Sanders. I voted for Cynthia Nixon in the gubernatorial primary and Zephyr Teachout for AG.
Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively
Racial justice. Housing justice. Economic justice.
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 process, there are many reforms that could be made, but one of the more important, I feel, is a revision of the Fair Student Funding formula in order to ensure that the schools with the most financial need receive full funding first. For land use, we need to consider abolishing ULURP and ending the practice of member deference. And last, limiting the executive power of the mayor through better institutional Council checks is crucial in order to prevent further failed mayoral administrations.
Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?
The City Council is elected by the people to represent their interests against forces that seek to subvert them for money and power. The current Council has not lived up to the mandate they’ve been given by the people. I will be a pro-active fighter for justice, not a comfortable bureaucrat.
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?
It is not my place to determine how I am held accountable. I will actively collaborate with organizations like Jim Owles on justice issues while in office. I know that civically engaged New Yorkers will do their part to keep me accountable through their primary votes and their feedback, and I gladly accept that accountability.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Absolutely! I would be proud to bear the Jim Owles seal on my endorsements page and materials.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsement decisions?
I grew up in a deeply homophobic religious environment and made the choice to live my adult life authentically as an out gay man despite the costs and risks. I knew I had to do what was right even if it cost me the acceptance of my childhood community. One of the first jobs I took after college was for an LGBTQ publication in Boston. Over the years I’ve sought to always widen the tent of inclusion and solidarity, viewing the struggle of our LGBTQIA+ community as part of the tapestry of social justice movements around a world. I am an authentic voice whose career points to the fact that I can be trusted with this responsibility and will always be a joyful and strong advocate for those being marginalized.