Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Erik Bottcher for City Council District 3
Candidate Name: Erik Bottcher
Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 3
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
New York City is where I found myself. Growing up in a small town in the Adirondack Mountains as the only gay person I knew was not easy. The struggles I faced with homophobia and depression instilled in me a deep empathy and dedication to helping the most marginalized members of our society. This led me to become an activist, working at the city and state level to make life better for New Yorkers. As Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s Chief of Staff and as a member of the Board of Governors of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve, working closely with so many of you. But there’s much more work to do, and that’s why I’m running for City Council. In the richest city in the world, we have over 100,000 school children who are unhoused, and abominable racial inequities in healthcare, education, transportation, jobs and housing. Our criminal justice system continues to mass incarcerate young men of color at astonishingly high rates. Few New Yorkers are able to retire with a nickel in the bank. I know we can prevail over these challenges, but it will take an activist City Council that is willing to shake up the system and make brave decisions based on the facts and data, not on the wishes of special interest groups, lobbyists or donors. Our campaign is not taking contributions from real estate developers, people who work at lobbying firms, corporate PACs or the fossil fuel industry. We have the support of the United Federation of Teachers, Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association, Local 831 IBT, Tenants PAC, the LGBT Victory Fund, the Downtown Independent Democrats and the Village Independent Democrats. Our people-powered campaign is a growing coalition from across the district, united behind a common goal: a determination to make our beloved city succeed in the face of immense and unprecedented challenges.
Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
I have endorsed many openly LGBTQ candidates, most recently Brad Hoylman for Manhattan Borough President.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
Not Applicable
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I have worked closely with nearly every LGBTQ organization in New York State during my career. I am on the Board of Governors of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
Yes
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes. I have marched in pride marches in all five boroughs over the past 11 years.
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
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?
I have attended many events in support of the above issues during my career. I was, and continue to be, very active in efforts to resist the Trump agenda. I have attended demonstrations with Stop the Arrests, Black Lives Matter, Rise and Resist, Gays Against Guns, ACT UP, Queer Nation, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, and many others. Visiting Judith Clark in prison was one of the most profound experiences of my life.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
Yes. I was arrested performing civil disobedience for stronger rent laws outside the Hall of Governors in 2015. We received ACDs and had to return to Albany for a proceeding the following week.
Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?
Yes
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes
Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism
Every public policy decision is an opportunity to dismantle institutional racism. I will fight for antiracist policies that include reforming our public safety and criminal justice system, addressing educational inequities, investing resources in underserved communities of color, addressing healthcare inequities, increasing the budget for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and supporting union apprenticeship and recruitment programs in communities of color. Union apprenticeship, recruitment and education programs offer a pathway from poverty and into economic empowerment for thousands of New Yorkers every year. Additionally, inequities in healthcare are racist, and it’s time to recognize and address this. We must transform our healthcare network to correct inequities, including giving communities and healthcare workers a voice in important planning decisions.
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 renaming Columbus Circle “Lenape Circle,” in honor of the original inhabitants of Manhattan. The statue can be replaced with one honoring the Lenape People.
Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?
Yes, my campaign is not accepting contributions from real estate developers, anyone employed at a lobbying firm, corporate political action committees (PACs), or the fossil fuel industry.
Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?
Yes, I support reallocating resources from policing to programs that address the root causes of crime. The data have shown time and time again that poverty, educational inequities, youth truancy, chemical dependency, untreated mental illness, and adverse health outcomes are the major drivers of crime. We cannot arrest our way out of these problems. The amount that funding can be changed depends on a variety of factors, including the status of the New York City budget at that time.
How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?
I likely would not have voted for it because it made insufficient investments in social service programs and programs for New Yorkers experiencing serious mental illness.
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.
Yes
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?
I’m open to the idea as part of a larger reform package.
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?
Consequences must be laid out in writing as part of a public disciplinary matrix.
What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
The CCRB should have the power to issue binding rulings on disciplinary actions and I would support legislation to make this a reality. Currently, when the CCRB investigates allegations of wrongdoing and issues disciplinary recommendations, the Police Commissioner can choose to ignore those recommendations. In truth, the CCRB’s disciplinary recommendations for police misconduct were ignored 70% of the time over the past two decades. Only one police officer was dismissed between 2014 and 2020. I will fight for a better funded, stronger and truly independent Civilian Complaint Review Board.
What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?
Unwinding hundreds of years of racial injustice in our corrections system will not be easy but we must dedicate our complete selves to this task. I strongly support the closure of Rikers Island, a terrible model that perpetuates racism and recidivism and human rights abuses. The Department of Justice documented a “deep-seated culture of violence” at the complex that continues to this day, partly because it is intentionally located in a remote location, out of public view. People detained on Rikers Island are warehoused there, far out of the public eye, virtually unreachable by their families or community support systems. Our goal should be to close Rikers Island without rebuilding the jail capacity elsewhere, but our ability to do this depends on whether or not the jail population can be brought down to very low levels. If elected, I will work with my colleagues in government to try to attain this goal. We must close Rikers Island and replace the current borough-based jails, which are also abysmal and inhumane. A key part of criminal justice reform is replacing old jails, when necessary, with modern facilities that include spaces for education and rehabilitation, psychiatric services, visiting suites for families, and offices for co-located nonprofits that deliver robust reentry services to prevent recidivism. Over the years, I have worked with a number of constituents who have been released from Rikers Island. I have gone with them to the Fortune Society offices in Long Island City and sat with them as they attempted to secure housing and employment. Rikers Island sets people up for failure, not success.
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?
311 lacks quality control mechanisms. A system is needed that spot-checks the end result of calls to ensure that constituents are satisfied with the outcome. This is clearly not happening, and it should be a key indicator for the next Mayor of whether or not the 311 system is working. Additionally, the 311 mobile app lacks many of the issue areas and features of the 311 website. In today’s world, the 311 app needs to be more functional. The City should promote the 311 app as an alternative to calling, but again, there needs to be follow up and quality control to ensure that the system is working properly.
Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?
Yes
Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?
While it makes sense for high schools with specialized focuses like the performing arts to screen students, screening is most problematic in the earlier grades.
Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.
There needs to be more accountability and transparency involved in Mayoral control. Additionally, purview over New York City schools should be transferred from the State legislature to the New York City Council. It makes no sense to have lawmakers from the Southern Tier making decisions about the New York City school system.
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
Do you smoke or otherwise consume weed?
Very Rarely
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 never supported any members of the IDC and was extremely active in the grassroots campaign to defeat them at the ballot box. I chaired organizing meetings about the IDC, organized phone banks, coordinated volunteers for canvassing. I knocked on doors for Allesandra Biaggi and Robert Jackson. I spent election day knocking on doors with Allesandra Biaggi and having been at her victory party when they announced that nearly all the IDC members had lost is one of the great memories of my life.
What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?
New York City is the “city that doesn’t sleep” and must always remain so. Nightlife is a major economic driver and is part of our city’s DNA. Operators who don’t respect neighborhoods and flaunt the rules must be held accountable, but nightlife venues who follow the rules deserve a fair shot at running their businesses and when seeking a liquor license or other approvals. I will work to help ensure that processes are fair to everyone involved.
Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
Yes
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
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
Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?
Yes
What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?
City Council Members have significant power to ensure that ULURPs are inclusive processes that deliver benefits for the community and for the city at large. By convening community members, elected officials from all levels of government, organized labor, advocacy organizations and others and negotiating issues, Council Members can facilitate projects that benefit all New Yorkers. In Council District 3 I have helped negotiate several successful land use projects that have generated significant affordable housing, family-sustaining jobs and other benefits.
Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?
Yes
Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?
Yes
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I support legislation passed by the City Council that prohibits city agencies from partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enforce federal immigration law, but we need to go further. The next Mayor must appoint a police commissioner who strictly prohibits collaboration with ICE, and the Mayor must hold him or her accountable. I will fight for increased funding for the NYC Human Rights Commission to ensure that laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of immigration status are strictly enforced. In Speaker Johnson’s office, I’ve partnered with CUNY Citizenship NOW to hold citizenship application fairs in our district and with the Institute for Immigrant Concerns, which teaches English to immigrant New Yorkers. I will continue and expand these programs as a Council Member.
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 support the New York Health Act. In our profit-driven healthcare system, billions of dollars that could be going to patient care instead of lining the pockets of insurance companies and private hospital executives. The current system also severely disadvantages our safety net hospitals and others who serve the most vulnerable New Yorkers. While the New York Health Act or a federal single-payer program is the only way to ensure universal coverage, the NYC Care program was a good start and should be expanded. Increasing access to available programs and coverage options for the uninsured and focusing on primary care, as opposed to reactive services, is key. Culturally competent outreach about available coverage as well application assistance must be conducted by credible messengers, including nonprofit groups on the ground.
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?
Christine Quinn, Leticia James and Jumaane Williams, Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo
Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively
- Economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis - Addressing the homelessness crisis - Preserving and creating affordable housing
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?
The ‘budget dance’ in which the Mayor proposes cuts in the executive budget to Council-favored programs, followed by months of advocacy to restore those cuts, is a waste of time and energy. The process should be reformed. Additionally, the Council should have the power to make more specific programmatic allocations within City agencies. The ULURP process should be further reformed. The criteria used in the CEQR manual are antiquated and should be revised, and the community should be brought in well before certification to be a real partner in the process, rather than be just given the opportunity to tinker around the edges. The Department of Investigations lacks independence from the Mayor which is extremely problematic. This unit should be given more independence.
Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?
One of the ultimate powers and responsibilities of a City Council Member is to ensure that their constituents are brought to the decision-making table and have a voice at City Hall. As a member of the City Council, the residents of Council District 3 will be close partners in shaping my legislative and oversight agenda and decisions on land use and budget matters. Advocacy groups, organized labor, and others representing the most vulnerable members of our society will know my door is open. Everyday residents will know that they can call our office to gain traction on projects that benefit our neighborhoods and residents. Council Members must recognize the awesome responsibility that comes with having been elected by their neighbors to represent them, and they exercise their powers for the benefit of all New Yorkers, not special interest groups.
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 will continue close communication with the Jim Owles club on issues of importance.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsement decisions?
When I was a freshman in college in the late nineties, I wrote a letter to my hometown school district, the Lake Placid Central School district, about the anti-LGBTQ bullying I had experienced there. I had always kept this bottled up inside, and felt I had to speak up for other young people coming up behind me. The letter was read aloud at the next meeting of the school board. So, I simultaneously came out as a gay man to the town, and came out about my experiences in high school. Soon after, I learned that the school district made changes, including adding sexual orientation to the nondiscrimination policy of the schools. This taught me a powerful lesson that I carry with me today. Each of us has immense ability to create change.