Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Danielle Herbert-Guggenheim for City Council District 11
Candidate Name: Danielle Herbert-Guggenheim
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 11
Campaign Website: https://daniellebx.vote/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am uniquely qualified because I understand marginalization and the lack of protection from the city government firsthand. As a Black woman born in the Bronx, I have learned to identify and combat discrimination, injustice and inequities throughout my life - whether it's food, economic, social, cultural, political, gender-related or digital. I can bring to my district a perspective and awareness that is now lacking.
As an educator, I've come to be a communicative listener, and I act when injustice and misguided agendas require a fighter. I don’t just talk about aspirations for a more cohesive society; I act to achieve it.
Take, for example, the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, when children were educated virtually and lost socialization and in-person connections with educators. I didn’t wait for City Hall to respond. Instead, I created safe, outdoor story hours for young kids. Many of these children were affected by asthma and other respiratory illnesses caused by the high pollution rates in The Bronx. I became a member of a coalition and steering committee that lobbied for, and succeeded in, the rollout of emission-free hydrogen fuel cell buses, winning that fight with the MTA and DOT. Later this year, all Bronx buses will be emission-free, and the City has committed to replacing all buses in NYC by 2040.
I highlight these accomplishments because they surpass what the incumbent has achieved on these issues. When I am on the City Council, I will adopt the same proactive approach that I always have, ensuring results and wielding the added power to influence and repair what’s broken in City Hall. This includes addressing the
injustices faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It has taken many years, a great deal of courage, and even lives lost to achieve what is now being eroded, further marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
For two years, I served as a case manager for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Then I worked with The Welcoming Project, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting the LGBTQ+ community with inclusive businesses. When my sister, who is a lesbian, shared her frustration about the lack of LGBTQ+ social venues uptown, I launched special events called 'Snatch Events' to address the gap.
I am not an elected official and, therefore, don’t have the standing to endorse candidates.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
I would be proud to earn your endorsement and identify that achievement on all publicly distributed campaign material.
4. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, and criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump?
Partial list:
Hands Off Rally, NYC (April 2025)
Annual conference of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), an organization that brings together diverse communities and institutions to advance racial and economic justice through community organizing, working to transform the Bronx and beyond. (March 2025)
Pride (most years, 1995-2024)
5. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
I want to strengthen the “shield laws” that protect reproductive health professionals in New York from states that would otherwise call for extradition. I plan to use that as a blueprint to protect
rights that Washington has tried to take away and to preemptively block what we anticipate might be coming next.
Also, I would urge state legislators to strengthen the state’s Human Rights Law. It has been on the books since 1945 and was last amended during the first Trump administration. We knew then what threats he might make, and in the last several months, we have seen what he’s capable of. Letisha James is now using that law to protect healthcare access for trans patients. We could take that a lot farther.
6. Will you seek or accept endorsements of individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, such as Ruben Diaz Sr., Fernando Cabrera or Erick Salgado? Will you pledge to denounce their homophobia and anti-choice positions in the event you receive an endorsement from such individuals?
I will not seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ rights or a woman’s right to control her body. Given the opportunity, I would denounce those stances in person as well as in public.
7. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
See question 5, which duplicates this question.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes. Unequivocally.
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I have not funded Drag Story Hours directly (I am not an incumbent), but I support them and believe in their ability to foster understanding and creativity and help children learn about the world they are growing up in. As a lifelong educator dedicated to reading to children and revealing the power of storytelling, Drag Story Hours aligns with my belief in the power of education through storytelling and diversity. It has my full support. In office, I would support any initiatives to protect these events and shield them from those whose bigotry spreads lies and hampers diversity.
10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
Eric Adams proposed modifying the city's sanctuary policies to permit the transfer of migrants suspected of major crimes to federal immigration authorities, aiming to address public safety concerns.
However, this approach is misguided. First, it involves using our police force, at taxpayer expense, to perform the duties of the federal government. I would support a law that prohibits our police force from taking on the federal government’s responsibilities. Second, it creates fear among the community by indicating to non-immigrants that being a Sanctuary City is dangerous while signaling to immigrants that they cannot fully participate without the risk of deportation.
This needs to be addressed by presenting facts that challenge these misconceptions, and I would advocate for a public information campaign to disseminate the truth. Third, abandoning our sanctuary status poses a threat to all marginalized groups. I would support reinforcing our sanctuary status and using it as a bulletproof blueprint to protect all marginalized New Yorkers.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I have never opposed a shelter in my district. What I do oppose is the underfunding of shelters, which makes them dangerous and unhealthy places, particularly for the vulnerable.
Bureaucracy also plays a part in our broken system. Homeless and asylum seekers are forced to fend for themselves by whatever means while paperwork is being done and redone.
I would also fight against the city’s seemingly random time limitations on shelter stays and fund a rethinking of shelters and their purpose. Today, they are warmer than the streets but exponentially more dangerous. These must be restorative centers, not black holes.
An overwhelming number of asylum seekers are genuinely seeking asylum, just like the ancestors of most natural-born American citizens. We must protect them from Washington, DC, and we have to accommodate them like the UK did when a flood of Ukrainian immigrants arrived at the beginning of the war. Instead of sending them away, they literally welcomed them into their homes, and the government paid the hosts to accommodate them. This may not be the answer for New York City, but it proves that there are alternative ways to work with those seeking asylum.
12. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2970, introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text urges the NYS Legislature to pass the New York for All Act, which would ensure state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement. If not, please explain.
NA, I’m not an incumbent. But I’m familiar with the resolution and the act and support both.
13. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2917, introduced by Council Member Crystal Hudson? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text endorses the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a “universal right to counsel” for indigent New Yorkers who are subject to removal proceedings under federal immigration law. If not, please explain.
NA, I’m not an incumbent. But I do support the resolution and a universal right to counsel. Statistically, 95% of lawyers represent and assist only 1% of the population. That is unacceptable.
14. Will you join our efforts to pass legislation mandating 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? The legislation is commonly known as the New York Elder Parole Bill.
The New York Elder Parole Bill must be strengthened and passed. Critics falsely claim it will flood our streets with criminals, but the truth is that many of those eligible are no longer a threat
to society—some were even wrongfully convicted. Beyond that, we must consider how drastically the world has changed since they were first incarcerated.
Supporting this bill isn’t enough—we must also ensure that returning citizens have the tools they need to rebuild their lives. A robust transition plan should begin before release, not after. We can look to models like the Petey Greene Program, which equips incarcerated individuals with education and life skills to prepare them for reentry. Strengthening elder parole with these necessary reintegration programs isn’t just compassionate—it’s common sense.
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes. Unequivocally.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes. Unequivocally.
17. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
My answer to both questions is yes. I am committed to visiting with, speaking with and learning from all constituents and working toward fair treatment and equal chances for a peaceful and prosperous life. That includes incarcerated constituents. My staff and I plan to take a deep dive into the structure of the parole policies, which are due for an overhaul. Currently, they are a bureaucratic nightmare, inconsistent, racially and gender biased, and have an unsurpassed lack of transparency. These are the reasons why people are denied parole despite sincere remorse. Equally important is the number of innocent people we may be keeping behind bars. It’s estimated that 2-10% of the incarcerated in America are innocent, and that translates into hundreds of thousands of people across New York State. The system is broken.
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes, I strongly support shifting our penal system toward a restorative justice model. Punitive approaches have failed to reduce recidivism and have disproportionately harmed marginalized communities. Restorative justice focuses on rehabilitation, accountability, and healing for both victims and offenders, fostering safer communities. I will work to expand diversion programs, invest in alternatives to incarceration, and support community-led initiatives that prioritize restoration over punishment. By addressing the root causes of crime—such as poverty, mental health, and substance abuse—we can create a system that is fairer, more effective, and genuinely centered on justice.
19. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
As a councilmember, I would certainly include links to clemency petitions. Review is done by the sitting governor’s office and the governor’s decision alone, but they are influenced by public
support and advocacy groups. When appropriate, I would join forces with the advocates to pressure the governor’s decision.
20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
Maya Wiley.
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
I will not vote for either Adams or Cuomo. But I am listening to others in the race who have not had as long to share their credentials and visions (or lack thereof).
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes. While Ed Koch had the unenviable role as mayor during one of New York City’s most pressing decades, his record on HIV/AIDS, his legacy of homophobia, and his setting of a bad example for the LGBTQ+ community and bigotry do not honor the sense of inclusiveness that we want our city to represent. Renaming the bridge is an opportunity to make that statement of inclusion.
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
NA. I was not a councilmember when “City of Yes” came up for a vote.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
NR.
25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
Diversity enhances the lives of all people and should be protected and celebrated. I entered this campaign because I see the exact opposite occurring in my district and throughout the city. As a Black female from The Bronx, I understand what it means to fight for one’s rights through balanced laws and education that lead to social equity. Today, there is a thumb on the scale of justice and draconian efforts to undermine education and socialization. I will not accept this in the most powerful and influential city in America. I will fight with all I’ve got to create laws that protect, not eliminate, the rights of all New Yorkers. We all have a voice, but only some are heard. I intend to amplify the voices of the unheard and make the city a place where the marginalized are not only protected but celebrated. In diversity, there can be unity. When people can be themselves, there is prosperity.
26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I want to earn the endorsement of the Jim Owles Club because I have a track record of leading the fight for the underserved and celebrating the value of diversity. My district in the Bronx spans the spectrum of income, color, gender, political views and more. Great art has come out of the Bronx because of that mix—not, as some think, only because of the struggles we have faced.
The Bronx is an overlooked borough in many ways. The city sends us pollution. It underfunds education, which in turn limits good employment opportunities. Immigrants – documented or not – are easy prey for police and ICE.
It’s time for someone to stand up and prove through legislation, community organization and other means that our diversity is our strength. An endorsement from the Jim Owles Club would be a badge of approval for my goals for making District 11 in The Bronx not overlooked but observed for its creative solutions and dedication.
27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
NA.