Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Joseph R. Lentol for NY Assembly District 50

Candidate Name: Joseph R. Lentol

Office Seeking Election for: New York State Assembly, 50th District

Campaign Address: Citizens for Lentol, c/o Edward Baker, Apt. 4B, 163 Washington Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Campaign Website: www.joelentol.com

Campaign Telephone: 518-364-2634

Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter): https://www.facebook.com/joelentolforassembly / No campaign Twitter

Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): Hunter Gross / 949-607-6979 / hunterjayconsulting@gmail.com

1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I know every block in my Assembly district and I am a full-time legislator who regularly attends meetings, visits constituents, schools, community and government organizations, and who keeps current on what’s important in my district. I believe I am an effective and responsible leader. I understand the views of my constituency, both longtime residents and new residents. I work hard to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, and that the government protects those who need it most.

2. Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
Over the years, I have supported LGBTQ colleagues: FDNY Chaplain Ann Kansfield, Judge Matt Titone, Danny O’Donnell - whom I work very closely with on many criminal justice reforms.

3. If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
I have supported marriage equality, GENDA, hate crime prevention legislation, the ban of conversion therapy, and the ban of the gay panic defense. In terms of legislation that still needs to be passed, I am the sponsor of the student suicide prevention legislation that I have worked on with The Trevor Project, and a cosponsor of the Gender Recognition Act that will allow for a nonbinary identification on a NYS drivers license.

4. What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
While I have not been a member of a LGBTQ group, professionally I have supported funding for LGBTQ organizations in the New York State budget. At a local level, I have supported and participated in a community initiative to advocate for adoption of LGBTQ youth. Finding good homes for these children is often difficult, and we need more emphasis on improved LGBTQ adoption programs.

5. If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
I have directly funded the Rainbow Heights program and I have supported funding in the New York State budget for LGBT Works, SAGE, NYS LGBT Health and Human Services Network. Although it is not exclusive to the LGBTQ community, I directly allocated capital funding for the Schermerhorn Housing residence and supported funding for the NYS AIDS Institute.

6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
While I do not identify, I have members of my family that identify as members of the LGBTQ community. I consider myself a friend and ally of the LGBTQ community.

7. Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes, I helped organize, along with local community members, a day that focused on LGBTQ kids in the foster care system. As part of that day, there was a local parade that I marched in. I have also supported the North Brooklyn Pride initiative.

8. Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
I have had more than one gay individual on staff. I should acknowledge, however, that these persons were not openly gay.

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?
As Chairman of Assembly Codes, I negotiated and sponsored legislation and attended rallies to pass anti-hate crimes, gay panic laws, GENDA and Conversion Therapy bans. Of course, I am proud to have co-sponsored New York’s marriage equality law. I was prime sponsor of the recent Double Jeopardy legislation which seeks to thwart President Trump’s abuse of the pardon power in New York State.

11. Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest. No

12. Will you advocate and sponsor legislation to mandate 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?
I do both.

13. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
I have visited Bedford in my Assembly capacity. I pledge to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons.

14. Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
Yes, and I have often discussed this issue with a longstanding member of the NYS Parole Board.

15. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
As Assembly Member, I have written letters recommending individuals for both. I have not attended rallies for an individual.

16. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
I have hired individuals who have been convicted of crimes. I have no issue about hiring someone who has been incarcerated, so long as they are qualified to do the job for which they are being considered.

17. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you sponsoring the bill introduced by Jessica Ramos?
It is an issue that is currently being discussed in the Assembly. At our interview I can discuss this matter in greater detail.

18. Will you actively oppose legislation that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of decriminalization of prostitution?
This too is currently under discussion in the Assembly, and in our interview, we can discuss my views in greater detail. At present, I will not commit to opposing this model. For now, my position is part of legislative negotiations.

19. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and to further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I am proud to tell you that I have directly funded most NYS legal service programs for immigrants. This funding -- I am told -- makes a significant difference when undocumented immigrants interact with the legal system, I have and will continue to work against any cooperation with ICE in our courts. Personally, whenever I see or learn about ICE meddling in my district, I speak out and let it be known.

20. Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
No. Private and religious schools have always been a part of New York’s educational fabric and I support the aid these institutions currently receive.

21. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes. I have voted in favor of such policies, and negotiated legislation that does so.

22. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members?
Please identify all candidates. No

23. Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
As my allocation allows, I am willing to consider this. However, I have excellent Assembly and District Office staff who work effectively with the LGBT community.

24. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff? Yes.

25. Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018
In 2013, I supported the winning candidates for Mayor and Public Advocate, although I do not believe either used my support as endorsements. In 2016, I supported the Democratic nominee; however, I do not believe she publicized my support in her campaign. I endorsed Governor Cuomo and Leticia James for AG in 2018. I have not made a decision about which candidate I will endorse for President in 2020, but it will be a Democrat.

26. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
My criminal justice record is extremely strong. I sponsored and negotiated the reform of our discovery, bail, and speedy trial laws. I led the fight to pass raise the age of criminal responsibility, and to repeal the draconian Rockefeller drug laws. I have worked to eliminate solitary confinement and to criminalize human trafficking. These are monumentally important initiatives. My record is clear that I have directly and effectively worked to change these societal conditions.

27. 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 voted and supported free college tuition at New York State and New York City schools. I have been a persistent strong advocate for TAP, HEOP and EOP funding. I am a strong supporter of grants at New York’s private and public schools and for free tuition at our public colleges.

28. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system?
Please elaborate. Yes. I sponsor New York’s Health Act.

29. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
Yes. I have spoken out for and voted for each.

30. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry?
I do not take funds from the real estate sector.

31. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? Yes

32. Are you against the opening of casinos in New York owned and controlled by Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson? Yes

33. Do you support the surrogacy bill introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman allowing women to decide control of her body in regard to surrogacy? Yes

34. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (previously S2892A)? Yes. I sponsor this legislation.

35. 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?
I am a sponsor of this legislation and strongly support it.

36. Do you support, and did you vote for (if incumbent) legislation to mandate vaccinations to protect the lives of children?
I voted against the mandate, although it was enacted into law. I believe that health mandates can be dangerous when inconsistent with religious and closely held beliefs. I do not favor the government forcing medical decisions of any kind on the public. I believe that education is the best way to convince the public and to overcome the fears of certain vaccinations. The government has done poorly when trying to debunk individuals’ fears.

37. What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
I believe in due process and fairness for everyone, and I fight hard for these principles every day. My career in public office demonstrates my commitment to see that the government and the private sector perform equitably. Rights of all individuals should be upheld, and every person should have a shot at getting the opportunities needed to succeed. We strive for a society where our residents can live and love, safe from intimidation and coercion, and enjoy a place and a State to call home. I want to continue my work to make New York a fair and tolerant society.