Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Lynn Schulman for City Council District 29

Candidate Name: Lynn Schulman

Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 29

Campaign Website: https://lynnschulman.com/

1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?

It has been such a thrill and humbling experience to represent the community I grew up in. During my brief time in office so far, I have succeeded in shifting the top down paradigm of creating government policy to an approach that makes equity and justice the guiding principles in all decision-making. As an out Lesbian and a recent breast cancer survivor, I know the experience of those who are marginalized in our society - older adults, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+, Jewish and AAPI communities, and many others. Every day I serve my district as its Council Member, I make sure to look out for those most vulnerable in our society, prioritizing improvements to quality of life in the district and working to ensure that people feel safe, whether in their homes or on the street. As I seek to be re-elected and represent my diverse constituency, I very much look forward to continuing to make our city a better place and enhance the well-being of all New Yorkers

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

I have previously endorsed LGBTQ candidates, including Danny Dromm, Brad Hoylman, Rosie Mendez, and others. I was also a member of the Campaign Board of the National LGBTQ Victory Fund, which endorsed LGBTQIA+ candidates nationwide. In my first year in the City Council, I was a co-prime sponsor on several pieces of legislation including a package on MPox, and making PrEP more easily accessible. In addition, as Chair of the Health Committee, I was in the forefront of the MPox epidemic, writing letters to the CDC demanding more vaccines, hosting Town Halls and forums, and organizing the very first “Night of Action'' by the City Council to provide information to New Yorkers at LGBTQIA+ nightlife establishments. Over the past 30+ years I have participated in Pride Marches, including Queens Pride, and participated in press conferences on issues facing the community. I also employ LGBTQIA+ staff members and interns.

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?

I and my staff have worked closely with the LGBTQ+ Caucus in attending rallies on behalf of LGBTQ+ issues and working on the current issues affecting healthcare for the Trans community. In addition, I was instrumental in the restoration of funds for criminal justice groups and for HIV/AIDS organizations in last year’s budget (rallies and pressers were part of this effort). Further, as Chair of the Health Committee, I have held hearings on HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ healthcare, reproductive justice, and many other issues.

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?

I am working with Council staff to hold hearings regarding the cuts threatened by theTrump Administration, particularly with regard to healthcare. Just recently, I introduced legislation to codify HASA HIV/AIDS services for New Yorkers and expand the current eligibility definition in response to what may come from the Federal government.

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?

I will not seek or accept endorsements from such individuals.

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?

I am working with my colleagues and community based organizations to push back on issues presented by the new federal administration.

8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?

Yes.

9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?

I have funded this program through the Council’s various initiatives.

10. What proposals will you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?

I am working with the Speaker’s team, my colleagues and organizations such as the New York Immigration Coalition on this issue.

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 already work with community based organizations and advocates on issues affecting those most vulnerable.

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.

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.

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.

I have a record of supporting this issue and will continue to do so.

15. Do you oppose the death penalty?

Yes

16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?

I voted for this legislation in the City Council.

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?

I have an extensive record of working with the Fortune Society and their clients.

18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?

I believe in alternatives to incarceration.

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?

20. . Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?

I did not endorse in that election.

21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?

It is early in the process and have not made any decisions.

22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?

I will support the legislation.

23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.

I am proud to have brought the first affordable housing development to my district, and work with proposed developments to get the most number of affordable units. I voted no on the city of yes for a number of reasons, including the overwhelming wishes of my constituents and opposition from tenant groups and organizations such as the Black Institute.

24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?

If you are talking about AirBnb housing, I am not in support. It takes away from the city’s housing stock. Also, the founder of AirBnB just joined Elon Musk’s DOGE team.

25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?

26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?

I am a long-time community and LGBTQ+ activist. With decades of leadership in health care advocacy and progressive causes, I am running for reelection to the City Council to further our vision for how to bring about the change we need in our Queens communities. An attorney by training, I have devoted my career to public service and held a broad range of executive positions in government, private industry, and the non-profit arena. I currently chair the Health Committee in the City Council where I have successfully impacted the health of New Yorkers through legislation on diabetes, women’s health, and medical care for seniors.

27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?

questionnaireJim Owles Liberal Democratic ClubApril 27, 2025nyc 2025