Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Leslie Boghosian Murphy for City Council District 3

Candidate Name: Leslie Boghosian Murphy

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

I’ve been a resident of this district for over 16 years living in the same prewar apartment - first as a single working young woman, then married and now raising our 8-year old daughter, Cecelia. I am the very proud granddaughter of immigrants. All four of my grandparents fled Armenian genocide and ended up here in NYC, not knowing a stitch of English. Both my grandfathers ended up getting “immigrant jobs,” one a factory worker, the other a window washer. My parents grew up in the area, my mom was an office assistant here in the city and my dad, from Queens, went to Stuyvesant High School and then City College for free as an in-need student. All of this forms me and my core Democratic principles. For the past years I have fully dedicated myself to the betterment of my community. I serve on both Midtown North and Midtown South precinct councils, I am a member of the Hudson River Park Trust Task Force, our district’s Budget Task Force, and Community Board 4’s Executive Committee. I spent over 20 years as an investigative journalist fiercely defending the first amendment - asking hard questions, getting to the root of problems and giving a voice to those who do not have one. These same qualities also make for a good representative and part of the reason I am uniquely qualified for this position. I am the granddaughter of immigrants. I am the daughter of small business owners. I am an environmentalist. I am a fighter for civil & LGBTQ/GNC rights. I am an animal advocate. I am a 16-year resident of the district, raising an 8-year old. I am a believer in pragmatism and common sense. And maybe most importantly, I am NOT a politician. We will be in rebuilding mode and City Hall will be making tough choices. We need representation who has the experience and wherewithal for tough decision making, not solely for an immediate fix but for solving real long-term problems. And not just ideas on how it should be but a deliberate, methodical plan on how to get there. I am ready to work hard to find solutions for the issues facing our district and be proactive when it comes to issues in the future. My experience coupled with a “get it done” nature makes me the most qualified candidate in this race to navigate the road to recovery and build a better, stronger NYC.

Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?

N/A - I have not been in a public position to endorse any candidate for any office.

If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)

N/A

What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?

None, formally

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?

No

Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?

I have both participated and attended NYC Gay Pride events over the past years as as upporter and a reveler. In my capacity on the Community Board, I have also been able to provide feedback for logistical planning of Pride marches.

Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?

N/A

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 and participated in many gatherings over the years, both big and small with a few recent highlights: Women’s March (2017) BLM/Black Queer Lives (NJ 2020) Immigrant Children Separated at the Border (Organizer of fundraiser and awareness event at Columbus Circle - 2018) Azerbaijan human rights violations against Armenia (2020) Helped paint “Black Lives Matters” in front of Trump Tower

Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.

No.

Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?

Yes. I have worked on eliminating children in prison for life without parole which predominantly affects youth of color and have personally helped in the re-sentencing efforts. I welcome the opportunity to visit incarcerated residents.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?

Yes. In addition, I support programs such as ACE which provides education and employment opportunities to former incarcerated individuals.

Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism

I believe there are broad, immediate measures we can incorporate across the board that will identify, if not lessen, ingrained biases. Cultural bias training for city agency employees, especially ones that deal with the public. These should be tailored to the specific agency (i.e. teachers dealing with students, city court employees, etc.) Oversight. Any group that is made accountable will inherently correct their bad actions. This does not necessarily combat an individual’s internal prejudices but will curtail bad behavior. Transparency. Policy and decision making must be out in the open - not just the end product but the steps and discussion leading to the final product. When we know the “why” behind the decision making, it leads to both better understanding and natural checks & balances. Community involvement. When there are a wider range of voices representing neighborhood residents, the added perspective brings balance and sensitivity to decision making. Listen to, elevate and employ more people of color. Minority inclusion at every level is the most effective way to combat systemic racism. Though I believe these above measures will assist, the true way of combating racism is through education, very early. We must integrate our schools and incorporate a cultural responsible curriculum. I work closely with our District’s Superintendent’s office and will do so on the District Diversity Plan. I also value anti-bias training. These conversations can be uncomfortable but they are important. When there are trained professionals and facilitators guiding this dialogue, there’s great value to that. Bias is learned. So when children are young, they are catching cues, unintended or not. And this can have a lasting impact. Anti bias training works just for the mere fact it opens up a self awareness.

Will you not seek, and refuse, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio?

I will not seek or accept 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?

Yes. 100%

What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?

The Christopher Columbus statue has become a symbol of the discovery of America and Italian-American heritage. Most people do not see it beyond that and are unaware of his horrific treatment towards indigenous populations and his role in violent colonization. There needs to be a reeducation. Our school text books still define Columbus as a hero who discovered America and we (in most parts of the U.S.) still celebrate Columbus Day. We have to have discussions with the Italian-American community that objection to the Columbus statue is not an affront to their culture or heritage but to the actions of the man himself. If replaced, it should be with another Italian-American who has contributed to better New York, preferably a female. (Of all the permanent statues in NYC, only five are women with two more planned).

Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?

Yes

Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?

To make serious cuts to the NYPD budget we first have to untangle the responsibilities now under the purview of the police department. Policing should be limited to matters of public safety. Transferring oversight of homeless services, for example, will both reduce the budget and provide a more proper response. I support and will work towards the idea of mental health professionals and crisis workers dispatched through 911 for mental health emergencies. The 911 component is very important because until now, people have been directed, unless it’s an immediately violent episode, to call 311. 311 is not an immediate response platform so bad situations were not remedied. Last year NYC estimated 911 received one mental health related call every three minutes. These calls are now the responsibility of the NYPD. Shifting them to the appropriate agency will better handle these situations and remove the NYPD from the equation. To do this successfully we must first put the alternative in place. We cannot have knee-jerk reactions form policy because they won’t be comprehensive and will quickly fail. As we move the responsibilities of addressing societal problems away from the police, we will start to see a reduction in headcount which will automatically reduce the staffing budget. But reducing staff without reducing responsibility will actually enlarge the NYPD. Overtime is one of the biggest chunks of the policing budget. The latest pause on new cadettes have led to a reduction in neighborhood police services and stretched overtime. As we transfer responsibility, overtime, as well as headcount mentioned above, will start to decrease. Long before our most recent conversation of police reform, I have proposed a greater civilian presence in the NYPD. This may not create deep budget cuts (though civilian replacements are less expensive) but it does achieve some of the same goals. Now, police officers often spend much of their time behind a desk doing paperwork. Filling these clerical jobs with civilian administrative aides will, Decrease the police force Make the “paperwork” system more efficient and error-free Save money Create more community-based jobs Create a natural community/police relationship

How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?

Yes

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.

Policing in Schools I am committed to moving the needle from zero-tolerance to a restorative justice philosophy. To disrupt the school to prison pipeline we must first recognize the need to de-escalate and appropriately address common behavioral occurrences. This ties in to other public school needs such as cultural awareness education, more BIPOC educators and school social counselors. The intent of school safety officers is to protect students, not police them, but their presence in junior high and high schools makes it too convenient for them to intervene when not needed and for staff to call on them when other, non-punitive measures are more appropriate. But we cannot expect teachers to handle escalating conflicts and serious threats. We must create a framework of councilors that are trained and experienced in handling these types of situations. I am committed to repositioning the budget to create the appropriate programs and hire/train the appropriate staff. The role of school safety officers is different in elementary school where serious internal conflict is rare. I believe there is a place for school safety officers in lower grade schools to provide adequate security and handle outside threats. School safety officers are not regular NYPD officers and their training is different. The majority of the safety agents in the lower grades are women of color who have positive relationships with the student and parent body. When my daughter was in kindergarten, an angry parent came to the school and threatened gun violence. Our classroom went into lockdown while the NYPD was called to locate the man who said he was getting his gun. There was no immediate threat and the man was found and arrested. The school safety agents were professional throughout and the staff and parents are grateful they handled the matter how they did. These are rare occurrences but serious ones. I sit on the education committee of Community Board 4 and when the topic of school safety agents was put on the agenda, I reached out to the elementary school PTAs in our district. The feeling was overwhelming - parents of younger students feel comfortable with the role of their school safety agents. Before school safety agents were moved under the jurisdiction of the NYPD back in the late 90s, they were part of the DOE. The reason for the move I remember well - the agents were inadequately trained, there was no accountability and corruption was rampant (in mostly the upper schools). But we have overcorrected. We have to come to a workable middle where conflict is handled by trained social professionals and age-appropriately while students feel safe to pursue their education. Mental Health Response Calls To be successful in reimagining the NYPD we must reduce the role of policing in addressing societal problems. Last year NYC estimated 911 received one mental health related call every three minutes. Police officers are not adequately trained nor have the manpower to successfully address these calls. We need an alternative that can address these situations appropriately but with similar urgency. The Mayor recently announced plans for a pilot program which would allow mental health professionals and crisis workers to be dispatched through 911 for mental health emergencies. The 911 component is very important because until now, people have been directed, unless it’s an immediate, violent episode, to call 311, which is not an immediate response platform. I strongly support a program such as this one and support reallocating funds to ensure its success. Homeless & Social Services I fully support transferring responsibility of homeless outreach from the NYPD to the City’s social services agencies with support provided in extreme circumstances. We need to have a trained, centralized team of city government support staff as its own entity to handle both street issues and 911/311 calls. Traffic Enforcement We should employ the use of more speed cameras and less police personnel when dealing with moving violations. This will remove bias from the equation and serve as a powerful deterrent. Parking ticket enforcement should stay under the traffic enforcement division for now, mostly for the safety of the agents. These are unarmed, civilian employees mostly of color and many female. This group has requested to stay under the oversight of the NYPD mostly due to the inherent conflict associated with their job. No one likes a ticket and, as recent incidents illustrate, people can become particularly abusive toward ticket agents. They argue their uniform and position helps their authority and deters aggressive behavior toward them. I do expect the DOT and NYPD to work in concert for major criminal incidents such as hit & runs, drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter.

Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?

Yes. The VICE Squad should end as we know it. Units such as VICE are, by set up, most susceptible to corruption. We must put a greater concentration on human trafficking and internet crimes against children. In forming new policing I would also like to examine these units for immediate reform: SRG (Strategic Response Group) B&B (Buy & Bust) AntiCrime (plain clothes)

Should Dermot Shea be fired immediately?

No. We are fooling ourselves if we believe final say on tactics and policy do not come from the Mayor’s Office.

Should the NYPD Commissioner require confirmation by the City Council?

I do not have a strong position on this either way.

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?

I would recommend one warning with punishment after. The penalty would be the inability to apply for overtime hours.

What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?

I would like to recalibrate the CCRB (Civilian Complaint Review Board) for a more fair and prominent role. We need to develop better independent accountability and oversight mechanisms and a reformatted CCRB, with potency, can act as such. This is particularly important not only to hold bad actors accountable but because unfettered misconduct leads to mistrust. Funding recently cut..understand the economic situation but that flies in the face of what we are trying to accomplish as a society. Accountability is everything. Yes, I would support CCRB disciplinary determinations binding with an improved and well funded CCRB.

What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?

I support the idea of closing Rikers but this is mostly symbolic. What we need is true reform. Harsh treatment and poor conditions are not isolated to the buildings on Rikers. Lengthy detainments, solitary confinement, violent incidents and lack of accountability define Rikers but are not due to it. What concerns me the most is not unlike what we have been seeing from this administration - we MUST go through the community review process, separate ULURP applications (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) for more specific review on each proposed jail. I have been in a few jails, some run well, some not. Looking long term, it’s not enough to say, “this is our idea, let’s do it!” There has to be very thoughtful, very honest and very detailed discussion about how to be successful and what support and funds are necessary for that. The cost to build four new NYC jails is over 8 billion dollars. I would argue it would take a fraction of this to successfully implement the social programs needed to spark wholesale change. This summer highlighted the discussion of shifting monies into social, community and preventative services. I strongly believe that. I agree with a vote to close Rikers based on moral weight. I do not support the building of new jails but concentrating on the reduction of current ones.

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, I support the current format of powers of the Executive Clemency Bureau to help the Governor determine appropriate reprieves, commutations, and pardons. I also believe in broadening the strength of pardon power providing unique relief for individuals who have completed their sentences but remain disadvantaged by their criminal history. Rehabilitated, former prisoners should have fair opportunity to housing and employment opportunities post-incarceration.

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?

I believe that we should create a sustainable emergency response system that tends to the calls that fall between the purview of 311 and 911. 911 is for immediate threats and 311 is largely administrative and should be kept as such. This new system would provide immediate aid to those who need it, for example, someone who is in a mental health crisis could reach out to this new system and would receive immediate assistance from a qualified professional unrelated to the NYPD.

Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?

I support decriminalizing the prostitute and buyer. Sexual encounters by two consensual adults should not be criminalized. I do not support decriminalizing the organization or individual that works as the pimp. And yes, I oppose the Nordic model.

Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?

I am a big supporter of widening the G&T program and removing its exclusivity. There is absolutely no way a standardized test given to a 5-year old should determine the trajectory of that student’s educational journey. I believe expanding accelerated learning classes will give marginalized students greater opportunity for success and advancement, narrow the achievement gap and will work towards desegregation long-term. Testing would be given for baseline evaluations only and to all students, not just those that prepped or in the know. Identifying kids’ strengths and weaknesses early and appropriately attending to each has multiple benefits. I do not support eliminating the SHSAT. I also do not support it being the sole decider on admission to specialized high schools. SHSAT placement is not the cause of lack of diversity, it is the result. Unlike elementary and junior high school where the curriculum is broad, high schools can start to become more discipline focused whether science based, vocational based, arts based or otherwise. Some sort of admissions criteria is needed to provide strong offerings to those who wish to pursue those special disciplines. Desegregation of schools is sociologically intertwined with group economics and affordable housing. True school desegregation policy has to be coupled with school economic parity. This will only be successful when we first address the educational compromises schools in lower income communities are forced to make, due lack of finances, and we have to do this early, in the lower grades. Whether this is through some sort of PTA sharing, community organization involvement, budget assessment or a mix of all, concentrating on equity in the elementary schools is the starting off point for true integration.

Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.

I want to concentrate on reducing class size and securing TAs in every class. We cannot keep stuffing our classrooms and then expect teachers to deliver a high quality educational experience while also catering to a high-stakes testing prep. Class sizes must be reduced not only for education quality but for SEL, as well. Providing school space should be a standard requirement for all new builds over a certain size. Period. New school builds should be a requirement whether or not the development is in an overcrowded area or not. If there is no land for a new school build, the developer should either finance or assume responsibility for renovation of current schools. I would also consider removing the “impact fees” out of concern many developers would take the easy route out and pay a fine they can easily afford. If the impact fee cannot be ruled out entirely, I would tie it to renovations and repairs as I mentioned above. To strengthen our school system I would examine: Social workers for each school Early screening and specialized teaching for dyslexia and other special learning needs Incorporating LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum (historic education) & training including mindful inappropriate gender separation Fresh and healthy food for all schools Incorporating environmental education and field trips for all elementary and middle schools Incorporating culturally & gender responsive lesson plans and curriculum *COVID related* Prioritizing attention to the Learning Bridges program Strengthening virtual, synchronous learning including dedicated teachers for live distance learning Free universal wifi in all shelters and supportive housing Streamline tech maintenance and replacement devices Strengthen digital libraries and procure contracts

Do you support public funding of abortion?

Yes and repeal the Hyde Amendment.

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. I have been working on the possibility of SIFs as part of the Midtown South Community Council. This is an idea that has been explored in a number of places in the United States. The latest movement on this was back in February of last year. Safehouse, a nonprofit, was set to open a safe injection facility in Philadelphia. They battled a federal government lawsuit and won but resident sentiment and impending protests made them withdraw their plan. The current political climate also suggested the court decision would be appealed with a long battle ahead. There are over 100 SIFs around the world and studies have largely found them to be effective at reducing overdose fatalities, fewer ambulance calls for overdoses and a decrease in HIV infections. In 2018, the Mayor backed a pilot plan for four safe consumption sites throughout the city but the state was deterred by the federal lawsuit in Philadelphia. The hold back is political decision making coupled with the unwillingness/unfavorable legal avenues. This can change with the new administration but will still need a heavy public information campaign to convince state representatives to get on board. Yes. I would support looking into the possibility of independent city controlled SIFs with understanding of the federal obstacles that need to be dealt with.

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?

N/A

What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?

Our district and the NYC restaurant/bar industry is inextricably linked. In talking with owners and employees in our neighborhoods recently, one point is common - we need to preserve our queer safe spaces. These establishments set us apart from all other areas in NYC. We also must keep the balanced interests of nightlife and residents. As a member of the Community Council, I have successfully helped maintain this balance in our neighborhood. With the hardships of COVID restrictions, our nightlife scene has been put on hold and we must provide financial relief and support. I wholeheartedly support suspension of the Commercial Rent Tax. This is a City Council action that will directly affect mom and pop stores. I also support capping third party fees. The City should explore zero interest loans to qualifying small businesses. The City should reexamine the burden of unnecessary fines. The City should eliminate BOB expeditors or “filing representatives.” We can also provide assistance for small business owners with organized resources from both city agencies and public/private organizations. This includes: Web development and tech support Navigating available applications for loans and subsidies Legal council Business education

Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?

Yes and I already have.

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 & yes - everybody needs a seat at the table to preserve a healthy balance in our neighborhoods. I believe that across the board.

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. With modern soundproofing and open dialogue between business owners and residents at community meetings, we are more than capable of handling dance venues.

Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?

Yes and no. I believe we need to continuously encourage businesses to look toward NYC as a healthy option for their growth. Much of the business world believes New York is inherently prohibitive for employee heavy operations and need incentivizing. But we cannot undervalue our position and offer giveaways that defeat much of the initial purpose. The Amazon-LIC deal is a good example of this self-defeating positioning.

What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?

My campaign is centered around bringing every voice to the table. Increased transparency across all processes, including development proposals, is paramount. I believe that all development proposals should have more community board, resident, and small business input. New developments in our neighborhoods have deep effects on new school builds, neighborhood makeup, and public space. Our communities deserve to have a say in the makeup of their neighborhoods. As Councilwoman, I will work tirelessly to foster that input and help shine a light on these community voices to ensure that no development goes forward without concrete commitments to affordable housing, school builds & renovations and an open dialogue with residents.

Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?

Yes, it should be evaluated on a case by case basis.

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 fully support protecting immigrants and furthering our city’s status as a Sanctuary City. In order to do this, we need to reevaluate several things. Most importantly, how the data the city collects on anyone in the criminal or legal system is shared. Although we may not have direct contracts with ICE in NYC, that data being shared with third parties can also be accessed by ICE which helps them target immigrants. An important legal point - being undocumented is not a crime. Undocumented immigrants have rights under the U.S. Constitution. And according to due process, the police cannot detain anyone who hasn’t at least been suspected of a crime. Since this administration came into office, it has been necessary to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agents in order to protect low-priority immigrants from deportation. I am expecting the incoming Biden administration will be helpful in restoring the correct priorities.

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 NY Health Act which serves as a Medicare for all-like plan. It would cover all medically necessary care including vision, dental, reproductive health, mental health, prescriptions and long-term care. We need to get business out of personal health decisions and put honest decision making into the hands of patients and doctors. This plan will give the freedom of provider choice and allow for the elimination of waste. Half of New Yorkers on private health care plans skip routine or preventative medical visits due to costs. We have to look long term and understand the small savings on the front end are creating greater financial burdens on the back end. We should explore what legislative steps can and should be taken when a hospital is closing or relocating. Lack of oversight on this will result in more private hospitals closing in poorer areas and restructuring based on profitability. This is ultimately widening the gap between the quality of care of those who can afford it and those who cannot. As City Councilmembers we can also support neighborhood free/reduced cost health care, which I strongly believe in. As an example, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in Chelsea provides sensitive, quality healthcare to New York's LGBTQ/GNC communities. Clinics like this provide an important community-centric function and should be supported to preserve and carry out their missions.

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: Anthony Weiner PA 2013: Tish James PA 2019: Melissa Mark-Viverito President 2016: Hillary Clinton President 2020: Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, voted Amy Klobuchar Governor 2018: Andrew Cuomo AG 2018: Tish James

Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively

We are not in normal times and a majority of the focus in upcoming legislative sessions will be devoted to post COVID measures. Support for small business, restaurants, the arts and hospitality communities Balanced income housing/reimagine empty building spaces for new affordable housing Public safety/reform community policing and quality of life But I will continue to fight for A more equitable, integrated school system Environmental investment Transportation equity

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?

Budget Process: The budget process should have as much transparency and community involvement as possible. As we face an enormous deficit from the COVID-19 pandemic, our community boards and residents will understand their needs most acutely. We need to listen to their concerns as we balance the budget. Land Use Process: We need to address the Mayor’s move to create permanent Open Streets via the land-use process. We should re-evaluate sidewalk use with community input while balancing the need for restaurants to survive going forward. The land use process in the charter can be amended to include provisions for determining eligibility for permanent Open Streets programs in specific and predetermined areas of the city. I also believe that more community response and community board involvement is needed in the ULURP process. Municipal Offices: no changes

Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?

First and foremost, a NY City Councilmember must be an advocate and representative for the residents, businesses & organizations in her district. Yes, a Councilmember must work for the greater good towards principled ideas but representing the voices of my neighborhood is paramount. I intend to identify the most pressing issues and through an open dialogue with the constituents, work hard to fix these issues, no matter how micro they might be considered. I intend to use the power of the office to give a voice to those who might normally not have one and to oversee policy and projects that directly affect our neighborhoods. I plan to keep a strong check & balance on our developers, police precincts and big businesses while coming together to find workable solutions that benefit my district as a whole. And, as is a thread throughout my platform, I plan to promote and foster broad-range community involvement and commit to holding monthly town halls open to all.

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 commit to working with Jim Owles in promoting and forwarding LGBTQ/GNC issues. My campaign is predicated on transparency and heavy community involvement. I would be disappointed if JO, or any organization, lapse in holding me accountable.

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?

The next City Councilmembers will be charged with reviving our city. We need a representative that has a track record of getting things done and creating long-term fixes, not bandaids. This past spring our family experienced the unbearable situation of distance learning. Seeing the writing on the wall, myself and others urged our local elected officials and the DOE to start forming a plan for September. We all understood there would be some form of distance learning in the fall that schools were not prepared for. But it seemed every time I called an office, sent a letter or wrote an email the response would be almost defeatist. So I decided to help fix it myself. I called every college from Columbia to Pace to SUNY and Fordham and asked what their student teachers status was. I formed the Student Teacher Virtual Learning Initiative to have student teachers instruct small pods of children on virtual learning days bringing greatly needed relief to our educators and at the same time training our future teachers. This was a win for parents, a win for schools, a win for students and it was free. The DOE approved my initiative in one day. We now have hundreds of students getting live, synchronous learning in our district’s Title I schools serving our most vulnerable student population. I encountered the same resistance fighting to reduce the effects of climate change here in our district. I kept hearing, “The problem is too big.” But when I heard the docked cruise ships at the west side Manhattan Cruise Terminal each spew out diesel emissions equivalent to 34,000 idling tractor trailers a day, I researched a greener path forward. And working with Senator Brad Hoylman’s office, I brought ConEd, the EDC and major players together to the table and we are now taking the first steps to realizing electric shore power on the west side. These recent examples are not outliers. As a reporter I told the story of children in prison for life with no parole here in America. After the story aired and the Supreme Court voted it unconstitutional, I worked to help one subject in my story - a man by the name of Anthony Conyers who was sentenced to prison for the rest of his life at 15 with no chance of ever getting out. After organizing a group and convincing an attorney friend to take on the case, we successfully got his sentence reduced to 27 years, total. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/lake/os-anthony-conyers-resentencing-20160907-story.html I set forth these examples to illustrate my commitment to take on projects and find workable solutions in keeping with my progressive ideals.