Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Mark Levine for Manhattan Borough President
Candidate Name: Mark Levine
Office Seeking Election for: Manhattan Borough President
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
Manhattan and New York City face a multi-front crisis--the pandemic, an economic shock, and a long-overdue confrontation with racial injustice. I am running for borough president to fight for our future and to ensure we come back as a stronger, healthier, and more just borough and city. I started my career as a bilingual public school teacher in the South Bronx. I went on to found Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, a cooperatively owned community development financial institution which has made $25 million in small loans to low-income families and small businesses in Northern Manhattan. As a city council member, I have proven that I can organize for change. I passed legislation making New York City the first place in America to establish the right to counsel for tenants facing eviction in housing court. This has already been a game-changer for tenants, bringing evictions down 40% as of early 2020. Borough presidents have immense power to do good in our communities. I would be honored to serve Manhattan and fight with Jim Owles as an advocate for tenants’ rights, workers’ rights, climate justice, criminal justice reform, and economic empowerment for every New Yorker.
Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidate for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
I have endorsed Danny Dromm for City Council, Danny O’Donnell for Assembly, and Juan Ignacio Rosa for district leader, among others.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly)
As Chair of the Council’s Health Committee, I helped to pass the Speaker’s bill Intro 954-A/Local Law 163 of 2019 which allowed New Yorkers to choose a non-binary gender designation on their birth certificates. I have introduced as prime sponsor several pieces of legislation that impact the LGBTQ community. Examples of which are: - Intro 1808 examining the causes and conditions relating to HIV-AIDs related deaths in New York City - Intro 1703 in relation to eliminating viral hepatitis in New York City - Intro 1234/Local Law 046/2019 creating an office for the prevention of hate crimes - Intro 547 establishing a bullying prevention task force in schools
What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I successfully advocated to have funding for transgender outreach workers added into the budget in all five boroughs and be baselined. Health and Hospitals (H+H) received $390,000 in funding to support transgender healthcare trainings and LGBTQ outreach workers. This funding will be used to ensure a more affirming experience for LGBTQ patients that receive services from H+H. In fiscal year 2020, I advocated to include $7.7 million, an increase of $700,000, for Ending the Epidemic and for additional funding of $1.9 million for Viral Hepatitis Prevention Initiative that will support efforts to combat the spread of HIV and Hepatitis B/C passed through intravenous drug use and other modes of transmission. I led and won the effort to restore millions of Article 6 funding cuts which support HIV prevention programs. As chair of the Health Committee, I passed the Speaker's gender marker bill, and held a hearing on transgender health which was focused on drawing attention to the need for outreach workers at H&H and for PD/training on sensitivity. I also spoke at the Transgender Health Conference at the New School in October 2019 to highlight these issues. During my 7 years in office, I supported through my discretionary funding fantastic organizations doing work in the community including the LGBTQ Museum project via the Fund for the City of New York (both expense and capital funding for the project), Ali Forney center for LGBTQ runaway youth, Gay Men's Heath Crisis for general programming, Services And Advocacy For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual And Transgender Elders, Inc (SAGE) for their SAGE center for gay seniors, and several others.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I am not a member of the LGBTQ community, but I am a committed ally. I am also proud to be a parent of an openly LGBTQ child.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes. I have been marching in Pride for over a decade.
Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes I have.
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?
There are too many to list, but I have marched, demonstrated and spoken at rallies and press conferences for each of these issues many times.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
Yes. I have been arrested three times for civil disobedience while marching to protect workers’ rights.
Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails?
Absolutely.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes. I will ensure that all levels of my staff (including interns) reflect the diversity of Manhattan, including regarding incarceration status.
Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism
I will continue to work to confront systemic racism in every arena, including: Health care: - Tackling the tragically high rates of infant and maternal mortality among Black women and children. - Tackling persistent racial disparities in the way medical treatment is delivered, including as relates to mental health diagnosis and recognition of chronic pain. Education: - Ending policies which have caused segregation in our public schools, including overreliance on academic screening. Criminal justice: - Ensuring real accountability for police misconduct, in part by creating a new body to set punishments that can not be overturned at will by the police commissioner. - Ending abusive practices of collecting and using DNA evidence. As I have consistently throughout my time in the City Council, I will continue to build a staff in the BP’s office that reflects the diversity of our borough, with strong representation of BIPOC New Yorkers.
Will you not seek, and refuse, the endorsement of Bill de Blasio?
I will not seek nor would I 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. I am currently a pre-intro co-sponsor of a bill, whose lead sponsor is Councilmember Dromm, that would remove the Koch name from the Queensboro Bridge.
What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
I am open to this proposal, considering the imperative of updating the portrayal of Columbus to include a fuller view of his reprehensible treatment of indigenous peoples.
Will you refuse contributions from real estate developers and all law enforcement unions or associations?
I have refused these contributions and have raised the maximum allowed for this campaign already.
Do you support reducing the budget of the NYPD and if so, by how much?
Police should be removed from addiction response, mental health response, school safety, and traffic enforcement. This will create opportunities for significant budget savings, which should be reinvested in social services in low-income communities.
How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?
There was an urgent need to approve the restored social service funds that were part of the FY21 budget (for food banks, CUNY, SYEP etc). The austerity that likely would have resulted from a budget that defaulted to the Financial Control Board would have been devastating. The NYPD reforms contained in the budget are merely a small step towards the larger goal of fixing systemic problems in the department, such as the need to create real accountability for police misconduct.
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.
a) Yes b) Yes c) Yes d) Yes
Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?
Yes. It is a corrupt institution that funnels taxpayer money into policing already disadvantaged communities (https://gothamist.com/news/lawmakers-say-nypd-vice-squad-is-a-hotbed-of-corruption-and-sexual-abuse).
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?
It is a public health imperative that police officers wear masks, both to directly prevent the spread of Covid and to set an example for others. The failure of the Department to enforce compliance is unacceptable. There must be consequences for officers who violate this directive.
What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
There will not be real accountability for police misconduct as long as the commissioner has discretion to disregard disciplinary actions recommended by the CCRB. These recommendations should be binding. Additionally, we should guarantee a minimum budget, give the executive director subpoena power, and give the public advocate an appointment on the board.
What is your position on the plan to close Rikers and create four borough-based jails?
The Rikers Island jail complex has been the scene of horrific conditions for too long. It is a stain on the conscience of our city. It must be closed. Smaller, modern, more humane, more accessible jails would be a major improvement. The Covid crisis, and in particular the fiscal strain it has caused, necessitate a reevaluation of the current borough-based jails plan.
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?
There must be added staffing to 311 call centers to reduce wait times. There must be technological upgrades so all the public can access the system via text message and send photos or video when appropriate. There also must be safeguards in place to ensure the 311 cases are closed unless they are truly resolved.
Do you support decriminalizing sex work? Will you pledge to oppose the Nordic model?
Yes. I support decriminalizing sex work. Sex work is work. I believe the Nordic model continues to push sex work underground, which only puts sex workers at more danger. Full decriminalization is the only way to keep sex workers safe.
Do you oppose school screening, which exacerbates segregation? Which screens in your school district(s) will you advocate to abolish?
New York City’s public schools are some of the most segregated in America, which is unacceptable. Over-reliance on academic screens for school admissions is a major driver of this problem. Most egregious are the screens required of 4-year olds to enter early childhood G+T programs which I would seek to abolish
Describe what reforms you would make to the control of the NYC public school system.
I believe that greater power needs to be granted to Community Education Councils, including greater say of budgeting, hiring decisions, and curriculum in their districts.
Do you support public funding of abortion?
Yes. Abortion is a human right and no one should have to forgo one because they can’t pay.
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 and yes. Access to safe consumption sites is a commonsense policy that helps addicts on the road to recovery and very literally saves lives (https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/10/10/do-safe-injection-sites-work). I have long been a supporter of safe injection sites, including the Corner Project site in Washington Heights (https://legalize.blog/tag/mark-levine/). As we expand access to safe consumption sites, we also must invest in existing needle exchange programs that are vital services to their clients (https://observer.com/2018/05/new-york-city-safe-injection-sites/).
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 never supported members of the IDC. I have actively worked against and endorsed against the IDC senator in my district (2016, 2018).
What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?
Nightlife is vital to the culture and economy of NYC. We need direct financial assistance to help save these venues from the devastation of Covid, and need a plan to ensure that they reopen as soon as safe to do so. Longer term, we need to ensure outdoor dining is made permanent, and we need to ensure that the City doesn’t unfairly punish these small businesses with excessive fines and fees.
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?
Yes. I will work to ensure that the perspectives of the owners and workers in these establishments are not disregarded by community boards. I will also work to ensure that community board meeting times do not exclude people who work evening shifts.
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.
Did you oppose the de Blasio/Cuomo proposal (and giveaways) for bringing Amazon’s HQ2 to Long Island City?
I opposed the excessive giveaways to Amazon and have been a vocal critic of their labor practices, impact on small businesses, and other faults. Tech companies have compelling reasons to want to locate in New York City--even without billions in tax credits. This view is vindicated by the recent news that the four largest tech companies have expanded the footprint in the city over the past year, without special giveaways.
What role do you believe the local member should play in the approval of development proposals before the Council?
I believe that member deference should be the default position in the Council, but it’s not sacrosanct. There can be extreme instances when the Council as a whole -- for the benefit of citywide priorities -- might go in a different direction than the local member prefers.
Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing?
Yes. Continuing to punish people even after their sentences are over is cruel and prevents them from getting back on their feet.
Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?
Yes. It remains a public health imperative that we keep people out of congregant shelters due the significant risk of Covid spread. Hotels offer a much safer setting. We should ensure that New Yorkers in these temporary shelters have maximum access to social services. We should not move them around like pawns--an action which would only increase the risk of Covid spread.
What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?
New York was the first city to create a deportation defense system and provide lawyers to New Yorkers facing deportation, but this program, which is funded by both the city and state, has faced budget cuts and restrictions ever since. The Manhattan borough president can introduce and lobby for legislation in the City Council, and I plan to support legislation to fully fund this program (the Liberty Defense Project) and provide lawyers for immigrants facing deportation. I also plan to use the funding allotted to my office to help provide grants to nonprofits working on the frontlines to support immigrant communities, especially those that have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, I hope to strengthen New York’s status as a sanctuary city by working with hospitals and healthcare providers to implement protocols that they should follow when ICE illegally enters a New York hospital (as it did in Brooklyn in 2020). Lastly, I will host events for members of the community, including Know Your Rights trainings that focus on what to do if ICE shows up at your workplace, you face discrimination from an employer or healthcare provider, or other anti-immigrant harassment occurs.
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. Healthcare is a human right and every New Yorker should have access to the healthcare they need. I support national single-payer healthcare and the principle of everyone in New York State having single-payer insurance. As Chair of the NYC Council Health Committee, I held a hearing on Resolution 470 calling on the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.4738-A/S.4840-A, legislation that would establish the New York Health program, a universal single-payer health plan for all New York State residents. Our hearing brought the single-payer issue to the forefront of my health committee agenda and led to the adoption of this important resolution. This term, I have introduced and held a hearing on Intro 1668, legislation to expand NYC Care so that New Yorkers without health insurance would have more options to receive primary care, including at FQHCs. I have also been successful at securing increased funding for the City Council’s “Access Health” initiative, which funds nonprofits that do targeted outreach and enroll uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers into a variety of different healthcare plan options. New York City should establish a task force to utilize current outreach processes to identify individuals eligible for Medicaid who are not yet enrolled and enroll them, including people eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act expansion. I would continue to work with New York City Health + Hospitals to expand their existing efforts to educate residents about their Medicaid eligibility. Outreach to shelters and NYCHA buildings would be a critical plank in my effort to expand care. For people not currently eligible for Medicaid, the same task force should provide assistance for enrollment under discounted Affordable Care Act plans where appropriate. Beyond insurance, the city should continue to enhance efforts to educate residents about their right to free emergency medical care. Outreach could be further used to help identify military veterans and connect them with care at New York's extensive system of veterans' hospitals at no additional cost to the city or state.
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?
a) I supported Bill de Blasio in 2013 b) I supported Letitia James for public advocate in 2013 and Melissa Mark-Viverito in 2019 c) I supported Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and Joseph Biden in 2020 d) I supported Letitia James for attorney general and Jumaane Williams for Lt. Gov. in 2018
Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively
1. An equitable and science-based strategy to end the Covid pandemic and improve the City’s response to future pandemics 2. A dramatic increase in the supply of affordable housing 3. An unprecedented effort to save small businesses
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?
- Expand early notification requirements to community boards for land use proposals to include not just large projects (EIS) but small ones as well (EAS) - Increase units of appropriation so that the City Council and the public have greater transparency on the administration’s budget proposals - Give the public advocate the power to appoint a member of the CCRB - Guarantee minimum budgets for the Public Advocate and Borough Presidents.
Please explain your vision for the present powers of the office you are seeking and how you intend to exercise them?
The job of a borough president is to stand up for the unique interests of the borough, using the many levers of the office: legislative, budget, land use, appointments, etc.. The office provides a powerful platform for organizing to implement a bold vision for the borough. This is what I’ve done consistently in the City Council, including leading a three-year organizing campaign to pass legislation making NYC the first place in America to grant a right to counsel to tenants facing eviction in housing court.
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?
Absolutely. I would welcome the opportunity to consult regularly with Jim Owles and other progressive LGBTQ groups. I hope the club continues to keep holding leaders accountable for enacting progressive policies.
If you receive the endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes! I would be proud to display a Jim Owles club endorsement on all my literature.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsement decisions?
I am proud that my campaign is building a coalition as diverse as the borough, not just in Manhattan north of 96th St., but in every neighborhood from top to bottom. As a Spanish speaker, I have a unique opportunity to communicate broadly and appear almost every day in Spanish news media.