Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Gale Brewer for City Council District 6
Candidate Name: Gale Brewer
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 6
Campaign Website: www.galebrewer.nyc
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
After 12 years as Council Member and 8 as MBP and another 3 as Council Member, I am the most informed elected official and can address problems with much success.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
Brad Hoylman-Sigel now and in the past; Rosie Mendez; Lynn Schulman; Deborah Glick; Danny O’Donnell and others.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Yes
4. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump?
Many pro-choice rallies, pro Trans youth and adult rallies, voting at Rikers efforts.
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?
Fighting for asylum seeking families; went to court to be a guardian of a young African so he does not get deported and now responsible for him; briefed all non profits on UWS on rights; help faith based on a regular basis to support new families; pass bills for immigrant rights; fund immigrant groups; attend and speak at rallies
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?
No endorsement
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 above
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes for 45 years
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
Yes
10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
Any and all proposals to maintain Sanctuary City. Work with the Interfaith Center to do so. Meet on a regular basis, letters etc.
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 supported all shelters for homeless and asylum families; in 2 cases I prefer really affordable housing over shelters but lost the fight. New buildings should be affordable housing.
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.
Yes
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.
Yes
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.
Yes
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes
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?
Have done. Yes
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes. Lots of work as Chair of Oversight and Investigation. You have not paid attention to this committee. Bus transportation, food, Nunez case, visitation and more. Regular visits.
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?
Yes?
20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
No one
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
No endorsement
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
Yes for vote. I testify every year at RGB against rent increase; help thousands of constituents with housing issues; operate a month housing clinic with free tenant attorneys; support affordable housing in every ULURP and have done 200 plus ULURPS
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
Not for AirBNB
25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
Look at my history in elected office. Passed first Paid Sick Leave bill; first Open Data Transparency Bill; passed care giver legislation; passed composting in parks; passed law outlawing smoking in parks and beaches; passed first law outlawing illegal lithium-ion batteries; closed illegal smokeshops etc.
26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
Yes. Platform includes mental health beds as alternative to Rikers; affordable housing, including more vouchers, NYCHA funding for vacant apartments; need Mitchell-Lama 2.0, and could develop Wards Island as a new village with such permanent housing; real arts education in every school; NYC agencies to purchase food locally from upstate farmers; older adults to age in place; job placement for young adults with funding for on going support; focus on quality of life issues such as sirens, scaffolding, and public safety.