Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Julie Won for City Council District 26
Candidate Name: Julie Won
Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 26
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
My parents and I came to this country when I was just 8 years old. Growing up in Korea I saw the failures of unchecked capitalism first hand and coming to the United States as an immigrant, I was no stranger to the challenges of being an outsider. Since then I have devoted my life to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. I worked for 7 years at IBM, modernizing big government agencies like the FDA, and am proud to sit on Queens Community Board 2 and the advisory board for 696 Build Queensbridge, an anti violence and restorative justice program. I am running for city council because I want to use my skills and experience in community building and technology to steer our city out of this crisis.
Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
As a first time candidate, I have not endorsed any candidates for public office.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
I am a first time candidate, and have not yet had the chance to legislate.
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
Marriage Equality NY (rallied for marriage equality in 2010) Gay Men’s Health Crisis (volunteered at several events) Lunar New Year for All (marched with LGBTQ AAPI community in the 2020 Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown)
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I am not but consider myself a strong ally of, and fierce advocate for the LGBTQ community.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
I’ve marched in Pride parades across the country, including parades in D.C. New York and San Francisco. I attended my first Pride parade 5 years ago, and hope that in June it is safe to march once again.
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
My deputy campaign manager is non-binary and pan sexual, and I have worked alongside many openly LGBTQ designers, consultants, and other professionals in the technology sector.
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?
In 2010-2011, I attended many rallies and demonstrations to pass marriage equality in New York. After the election of Donald Trump, I attended the Women’s March in DC, as well as various resistance events and protests around key issues such as the travel ban and family separation at the border. After the murder of George Floyd last summer, I marched in solidarity with BLM in downtown Brooklyn, lower Manhattan, and the south shore of Staten Island.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
Not yet. But this past year has made it tempting.
Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?
I believe we need to expedite the closing of the inhumane detention facilities at Rikers Island, and will commit to visiting incarcerated constituents, particularly trans and nonconforming inmates who have been misgendered by our prision system.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
While “ban the box” legislation makes it illegal to directly ask people their incarceration history, I believe that it is essential to have input from folks directly affected by the prison system when crafting any criminal justice policy.
Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism
It’s no secret at this point that New Yorkers of color have been hit hardest by this pandemic. In addition to reducing our pretrial prison population and the NYPD budget, I will work to put New Yorkers of color at the center of our economic recovery. That starts, believe it or not, with bringing in universal broadband to NYC. Nearly a million New Yorkers do not have access to high speed internet, a disproportionate number of which are people of color living in public housing. With an increasing number of employment and educational opportunities moving online we find ourselves at a crossroads. We cannot allow access to the internet become the 21st century version of red-lining and we cannot afford to let discrimination and segregation follow us into the digital age.
Will you not seek, and refuse, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio?
I will not seek, and will refuse if offered, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio.
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?
The Marsha P. Johnson Bridge has a way better ring to it.
What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
The statue of Columbus should be removed and replaced with a monument to indigenous New Yorkers. While NYC’s indigenous community should have the final say in what is built in its place, I believe a memorial to the Lenape people with a plaque that explicitly dispels the myth of the “Sale” of Manhattan to European colonizers would be a good place to start.
Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?
Our campaign has already met the threshold for maximum matching funds from the city and we have done so without accepting a dime from real estate developers, law enforcement unions, fossil fuel companies or other special interests.
Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?
I believe we should reduce the NYPD budget by at least $1.5 billion and should additionally deduct all officer misconduct settlements (over $100,000,000 annually) directly from the NYPD budget.
How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?
I would have voted no. The budget failed to meaningfully reduce the amount of money spent on racist policing practices, while slashing funds for essential programs for public health, sanitation and shorting teachers nearly $1 billion in back pay.
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.
Police-free schools are a day one priority. I also support removing police from mental health responses calls and homelessness outreach and replacing them with a new public safety professional trained in conflict resolution, mental health care and restorative justice practices.
Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?
Yes. In addition to NYS repealing the “walking while trans ban,” the City needs to eliminate the NYPD Vice Squad entirely. While racism plagues the entirety of the NYPD, the Vice Squad is particularly racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic and has given the NYPD the ability to assault and harass trans and queer New Yorkers with impunity. We need to eliminate the Vice Squad and decriminlize sex work, while employing restoritive justice practices to curb instances of human trafficking.
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?
As employees of the city, officers need to set the example. A first offense for violating the statewide mask mandate should result in a warning. The second offense should result in a week long suspension without pay, and a third offence should result in the officer’s termination.
What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
Since I declared my candidacy for city council I have repeatedly called for the CCRB to be given the power to make binding disciplinary decisions and to issue indictments. More than half of all complaints against officers filed with CCRB end up “unsubstantiated.” As Council member, I will fight for the CCRB to be given subpoena power, increase their budget, and eliminate the participation of the mayor and police commissioner in the disciplinary process.
What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?
The focus of the next city government should be on closing Rikers Island and drastically reducing the city wide prison population. With the City budget shrinking dramatically and more cuts on the horizon, I don’t believe it is responsible to sink more money into incarceration. The funds we do have should be allocated to restorative justice programs aimed at reducing violence and recidivism, not building new jails that will exacerbate the problems we face.
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?
We need to make drastic and rapid improvements to the 311 app, starting with complete ADA accessibility. I have 7+ years of experience working in technology with a special focus on constituent services. I will use the skills I have gained working with IBM and other government agencies to streamline the backlog of 311 reports and ensure a timely response from the city.
Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?
Yes and yes.
Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?
Yes, I was happy to hear that the administration was doing away with screening processes for middle schools across the city. I am committed to fighting for protecting our education funding so that all schools provide a high-quality education for public school students.
Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.
We need to start by working with teacher’s unions to pay public school teachers a living wage and ending out of pocket expenses for teachers. We need to equip our students with the tools they need for online learning by providing them with, not only the proper devices, but the high speed internet access necessary to learn online. Furthermore we need to stop allocating funding to our schools based on standardized test scores and local property taxes both of which exacerbate the racism and inequity inherent in the public school system today.
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?
No
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 have never supported any IDC members. I have been a supporter of Senator John Liu’s campaigns against ex-IDC member Tony Avella, not only in 2018, but in 2014 as well.
What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?
Providing commercial rent relief for local venues and businesses is day one priority. I have been vocal about my support for the SBJSA (Small Business and Jobs Survival Act) and the Commercial Rent Stabilization act, so that long standing bars and venues are able to fairly renew their leases. Additionally I plan on working to sponsor a “Safe Stage” program that will allow performance spaces to reopen along with other bars and restaurants at a limited capacity.
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?
Nightlife is an integral part of our community. With more and more of our neighbors being priced out of LIC, Sunnyside and Woodside, it is crucial that we get input from the folks that have made these neighborhoods what they are. Restaurant, Bar, and club owners will be sure to have a seat at the table once I’m elected, and I will make sure that no one in the pocket of big real estate sits on our community boards.
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. To borrow from the great Emma Goldman: “If i can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.”
Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?
The opposition to HQ2 was motivated not only by the Amazon deal, but also by the broader issues in the neighborhood, such as the displacement of residents due to ever-increasing rents, the lack of schools, overcrowded subways and lack of transportation infrastructure, and spotty development that leaves us less resilient to climate change. I opposed the Amazon HQ2 proposal for the following reasons: 1. The backroom deal struck by de Blasio, Cuomo, and Amazon to give away $3 billion in subsidies was an egregious attempt at corporate welfare. 2. As NYS would have taken lead, this proposal would have bypassed the ULURP process and prevented community input. 3. HQ2 and the influx of Amazon employees would have caused rent hikes and displaced long-time residents. 4. Despite their promise of jobs, the only ones available to members of our community would have been temporary construction, or low-wage jobs.
What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?
New development needs to be in lockstep with the needs and the concerns of the community. I will seek extensive community input before voting on any development, and will end the sale of public lands to luxury real estate developers.
Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?
Yes. My housing plan calls for a commission on housing discrimination. I will fight for legislation based on the recommendations of that commission and I will push to fully fund safe return programs for formerly incarcerated or homeless folks entering public housing.
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?
As the only candidate in my race who is, herself, an immigrant this issue is near and dear to my heart. We need to abolish ICE and cement a citywide policy of non-cooperation with ICE agents. I will champion legislation barring ICE from accessing any city records or data bases and will fight to make and keep IDNYC accessible for all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status or prior documentation.
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.
Yes. In the midst of this public health and economic crisis it is clear that we can no longer tie health insurance to employment. We have learned the hard way over this past year that we are only as healthy as our neighbor. I will fight for automatic enrollment in NYC Care for anyone that qualifies for state unemployment insurance and will do everything in my power to advocate for a single payer healthcare system at the federal level.
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?
Mayor 2013: Christine Quinn Public Advocate 2013: Tish James Public Advocate 2019: Jumaane Williams Pres 16: Clinton, Pres 20: Biden Governor/AG: Nixon/Tish James
Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively
Affordable housing, universal broadband, and economic recovery for small and local businesses will be my top legislative priorities.
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?
1. ) This past budget negotiation has made it clear that the current city council is wildly out of touch with the needs of working class New Yorkers. Going forward any cuts to transportation, housing, or education should require a 2/3rds majority to pass, and I personally would oppose any such cuts out right. Our budget is a moral document and it must reflect our priorities as a city. 2) We need to use public land for public good. That starts with ending the real estate industry’s stranglehold on public lands but it doesn’t stop there. Our public lands represent a real opportunity to make an investment in our community. We should use them to build community arts centers and cooperative housing, not luxury developments and hotels. 3.) We need to make our municipal offices more responsive to the communities they serve. I want to streamline our cities digital record keeping, eliminating bureaucracy, and improving response times for constituent services.
Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?
Council members are first and foremost representatives of the people. I am running to represent one of the most diverse Districts in the entire city in the most diverse county in the entire word and yet, if elected, I would become the first woman and the first person of color ever to hold this seat. We need to make sure that council members are accountable to the folks they represent and not special interests. I plan to be a tireless advocate for affordable housing, LGBTQ rights, universal broadband and a just economic recovery. I will make an effort to be the most accessible councilmember ever to hold this seat, hosting consistent town halls and regularly soliciting community input. Most importantly, I hope to be a voice for folks who have been denied one for far too long.
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. It is vital that we have input directly from the LGBT community, particularly when crafting public health policy. I look forward to meeting regularly with community leaders and Jim Owles members during my tenure as councilmember.
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?