Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Michael Gianaris for NY Senate District 12
Candidate Name: Michael Gianaris
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate District 12
Website: https://www.mikegianaris.com
1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
As a first-generation American, I have always dedicated my life in public service to leveling the playing field for everyday New Yorkers by holding powerful interests accountable and by pursuing social justice and equality for all. Whether it has been leading the fight against Amazon relocating to Long Island City, reforming the criminal justice system or fighting for tenants, I have always fought for the people of western Queens and am proud to represent the diverse and progressive community. As the Deputy Majority Leader, I have helped usher in the most progressive legislature in the history of New York and am grateful for the support and activism of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and its’ members who have helped yield such significant progress in our state.
2. Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidates for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
I have been proud to endorse numerous openly LGBTQ candidates throughout my time as an elected official. Most recently, I was proud to endorse my friend Tiffany Caban for Queens District Attorney and for City Council.
3. If applicable what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored?
I have proudly supported every significant piece of legislation and been an ally on every issue affecting LGBTQ rights during my tenure in the legislature including GENDA, ending “walking while trans” and “panic defense”, surrogacy rights, tenant protections and housing for people with HIV and AIDS and banning conversion therapy. One of my proudest moments as an elected official was casting a key “yes” vote for marriage equality after working alongside advocates to replace "no" votes at the ballot box (including my own victory).
4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer or professional basis?
I have always been proud to work closely with LGBTQ organizations throughout the state, city and borough of Queens including this club, the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, Queens Pride, LGBT Network, Ali Forney Center and more.
5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to?
Through my work securing a Democratic supermajority in the Senate and as Deputy Majority Leader, I have helped provide significant support to LGBTQ organizations throughout the state and city and am proud of their vital work on behalf of the issues we care about. Locally, I have been proud to support Queens Pride and the LGBT Network and have advocated for federal and other resources for additional institutions in western Queens.
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I am proud to consider myself an ally.
7. Have you marched in any Pride parades? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
I have proudly marched in the Queens Pride Parade every single year, have marched in the New York Pride Parade and have held numerous protest events against anti-LGBTQ discrimination and acts of hate (including the time when anti-LGBTQ graffiti was directed at me at my district office) where I fought to get these horrible incidents officially designated and investigated as hate crimes.
8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes, I currently employ (and have previously employed) openly LGBTQ individuals in senior-level staff positions.
9. If you receive the Jim Owles 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 LGBTQ issues, pro-choice legislation, criminal justice reform issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended and/or participated in?
Unfortunately, there have been several anti-LGBTQ incidents that have occurred in western Queens during my time as a legislator. These incidents necessitated a strong, public response to ensure that there is a crystal clear, zero-tolerance approach for hate and discrimination, especially in the thriving LGBTQ community in western Queens. I have stood alongside victims and their families to call for these incidents to be investigated and classified as hate-crimes. I was a leading critic of former President Trump and his policies, and in fact, as a direct result of my actions countering the Trump administration’s travel ban and anti-immigrant policies, I was targeted with anti-LGBTQ graffiti at my district office (described above) which is just another example of why standing up to hate and discrimination is so vital for those of us in elected office. I have been a leader in the effort to reform our criminal justice system and am proud to have authored laws that have both made New York a safer and more just place including laws increasing gun control, bail reform and investigations of wrongful convictions.
11. Have you ever been arrested in pursuit of legislation or for protesting an injustice? Please elaborate.
I have been part of demonstrations in pursuit of justice where protestors alongside myself have been maced and harassed by police merely for standing up for what is right and would be glad to join with advocates on the frontlines in similar situations again.
12. If you are an incumbent, what have you accomplished in your most recent term?
As Deputy Majority Leader, I was proud to help deliver the most successful and progressive legislative session in the history of New York state with increased tenant protections, criminal justice reforms, COVID-19 assistance, election reforms, funding for education and the arts and much more.
13. For the following pieces of legislation, please answer if you are currently a sponsor or co-sponsor (if you are an incumbent), or if you will co-sponsor (if you are not an incumbent):
A. Fair and Timely Parole (S.1415A / A.4231A): A bill pending in Albany that would ensure access to the parole release process for incarcerated people in New York State. This bill insures that decisions on parole are not solely based on the nature of the original crimes but includes incarcerated peoples’ record of rehabilitation and assessment of current risk to public safety.
Yes, I am a sponsor.
B. Elder Parole (S.15A / A.3475A): A bill pending in Albany that would allow elderly incarcerated people who have served at least 15 years in prison an opportunity to appear before the Parole Board for a chance at release.
Yes, I am a sponsor.
14. If you will not co-sponsor any of the above legislation, why not?
N/A
15. Do you oppose the efforts to weaken bail reform as written
Yes, I am the author of the law.
16. Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails? If incumbent, when did you do so last?
Yes. I am proud to have worked with and provided resources to local groups working with individuals who are incarcerated or were recently incarcerated and have visited incarcerated individuals in state prison with Allen Roskoff as well as others held pretrial at Rikers Island.
17. Do you support legislation outlawing solitary confinement in all prisons statewide including city jails?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
18. When was the last time you were inside a correctional facility.
See above.
19. Do you believe sincere remorse and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole? This question is redundant. I would eliminate it.
I am proud to be a leader in the effort to reform our criminal justice system and am open to re-examining any practice that produces or results in injustice.
20. What do you believe should be done to ensure more clemencies are granted every year?
I am proud to be an advocate for re-examining wrongful convictions and over-sentencing. I am committed to continuing to work alongside advocates to end mass incarceration and unnecessary imprisonment.
21. Will you publicly call on the governor to use her clemency power for the many incarcerated New Yorkers who can safely return home? Will you tweet out your support for this or issue a public statement? Would you be willing to be critical of a governor who does not exercise their power to grant clemencies and commutations to those worthy of release? Have you ever spoken out in such a way?
Yes, and yes, I would be willing to be critical of a Governor who does not exercise their power correctly.
22. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests concerning clemency and parole?
Yes.
23. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
I have personally and professionally worked with incarcerated and recently incarcerated individuals to further their goals of gaining the skills necessary for employment.
24. Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing and employment?
Yes.
25. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you or will you co-sponsor the bill introduced by Julia Salazar (S.6419 / A. 8230), which fully decriminalizes sex work?
Yes I support decriminalization of sex work.
26. Will you actively oppose legislation (S.6040 / A.7069) that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of the decriminalization of prostitution? Explain in detail your views on full decriminalization, the Nordic model, legalization, and the existing criminalization approach.
Yes.
27. Do you support ending qualified immunity for police officers?
Yes.
28. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a “Sanctuary State”?
As a child of immigrants myself, I support efforts to protect immigrants. I am proud to have worked closely with and provided resources to groups who helped reunite separated families due to the Trump administration’s policies, have advocated for immigrant worker rights and protections in private businesses and fought against immigrant housing discrimination by providing funding for legal services to individuals and families facing eviction due to their immigration status.
29. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes.
30. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
I was the leading opponent of the IDC and their conservative, Republican-enabling agenda that held back progress for years. Working alongside advocates, I was instrumental in eradicating the IDC and ensuring that through their defeat, New Yorkers could finally see the significant progress achieved under the leadership of Leader Stewart-Cousins, myself and our caucus members.
31. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBTQ representation among your staff?
Yes.
32. Who did you support for office in the following primaries or special elections: A) Mayor in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Attorney General in 2018?
Maya Wiley, Hilary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, n/a, Letitia James
33. Have you made an endorsement in the current bid for Governor? If so, who?
No.
34. Do you support term limits for statewide office holders? For State Legislators?
I am proud to be a leader on the issue of election and government reform and am supportive of term limits.
35. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I am committed to combating racism and eradicating discriminatory policies.
36. 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 am a sponsor of legislation that would make SUNY and CUNY tuition-free for New Yorkers and will continue to fight against predatory lenders who target immigrant and working New Yorkers including usurious student loan providers.
37. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Do you or will you co-sponsor the New York Health Act? Please elaborate.
Yes, I am a sponsor.
38. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I have always supported full reproductive rights and services and have worked closely with organizations including Planned Parenthood to ensure access to these important services and information.
39. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry or law enforcement unions/associations?
Yes, I do not accept and am a leader in the effort to refuse money from both real estate and police unions.
40. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? What does this mean?
I am a leader in this regard and have worked tirelessly against the Trump agenda including speaking out against those who work with ICE.
41. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (S.3082 / A.5573)?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
42. 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? Will you co-sponsor S.856 / A.6032, which amends the Social Services Law to create a statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits and who face eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
43. What should happen to 421-a? Would you end it, mend it, continue it?
End it.
44. Do you support legalizing accessory dwelling units?
Yes.
45. Do you support more state funding for NYCHA? If so, how much?
Yes. While the Senate and I personally have provided increased funding to NYCHA, residents in public housing require significant additional support from all levels of government to ensure they are able to reside in safe, warm and secure environments.
46. Do you, or will you, co-sponsor the Climate and Community Investment Act? (S.4264A / A.6967) If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes, I am a sponsor
47. Do you support the New York Public Banking Act (S.1762A / A. 8290? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes, I am a sponsor
48. Do you support the New Deal for CUNY (S.4461 / A.5843)? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
49. 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 a city bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge? Do you authorize the use of your name for such a purpose?
Yes.
50. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
The process of reviewing what statues and monuments we hold as true representatives of our values and history as New Yorkers is underway and long overdue.
51. Do you support reducing the budget of law enforcement throughout the state, and if so, by how much?
While the State does not specifically fund local police departments, the state budget should reflect progressive priorities focusing on equality, economic and social justice, safety, tenant and immigrant protections, housing, criminal law reform and increased funding for education and the arts.
52. 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.
There should be more engagement from social service and mental health professionals as primary responders in these instances.
53. Should law enforcements "Vice Squads" be eliminated?
I am against the police using practices with a history of abusive implementation such as “stop and frisk.”
54. How would you recommend law enforcement officers be penalized for refusing to wear masks in public while on duty, in defiance of city and state rules?
It is vital that all New Yorkers work together to increase public health and safety to ensure the most expedient end to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those charged with enhancing public safety.
55. What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
Police misconduct investigations should be aggressively pursued in the interest of justice and I am open to a number of mechanisms for that to occur.
56. What will you do to support nightlife in New York State?
It is incumbent upon those of us in New York State government to ensure a thriving arts and culture scene including support for theater, music, dance, and safe and conducive environments for patrons to enjoy restaurants, bars and clubs.
57. Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
I am proud to have formed a small business advisory council in order to ensure that local small businesses and the community who frequent them can work together to ensure both thrive in harmony.
58. Do you commit to speak personally with liquor license applicants and license holders before opposing any bid for a liquor license? Likewise for an applicant seeking your support?
I have historically met with local businesses seeking liquor licenses and review each situation on a case-by-case basis.
59. What are the top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively?
I am committed to addressing inequality, achieving social change and fighting against powerful interests that seek to take advantage of everyday New Yorkers. We have taken a huge step forward under the Democratic supermajority that myself and advocates worked so hard for, but we have further to go to ensure that New York's future remains bright for all New Yorkers.
60. What additional information would you like members The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision concerning your candidacy?
I am proud to be a first-generation American, product of New York City public schools and a progressive leader with an uncompromising vision for a more equitable and just New York. I am proud to say I have always been and will continue to be an ally of and fighter for LGBTQ New Yorkers and am thankful for the support, advocacy and friendship of the leaders and members of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and appreciate all the work you do to make New York all that it is, all that it can be and more.
Candidate Name: Michael Gianaris
Office Seeking Election for: Re-election, New York State Senate, 12th District
Website: mikegianaris.com
1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
As a first-generation American, I have always dedicated my life in public service to leveling the playing field for everyday New Yorkers by holding powerful interests accountable and by pursuing social justice and equality for all. Whether it has been leading the fight against Amazon relocating to Long Island City, reforming the criminal justice system or fighting for tenants, I have always fought for the people of western Queens and am proud to represent the diverse and progressive community. As the Deputy Majority Leader, I have helped usher in the most progressive legislature in the history of New York and am grateful for the support and activism of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and its’ members who have helped yield such significant progress in our state.
2. Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidates for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
I have been proud to endorse numerous openly LGBTQ candidates throughout my time as an elected official. Most recently, I was proud to endorse my friend Tiffany Caban for Queens District Attorney and for City Council.
3. If applicable what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored?
I have proudly supported every significant piece of legislation and been an ally on every issue affecting LGBTQ rights during my tenure in the legislature including GENDA, ending “walking while trans” and “panic defense”, surrogacy rights, tenant protections and housing for people with HIV and AIDS and banning conversion therapy. One of my proudest moments as an elected official was casting a key “yes” vote for marriage equality after working alongside advocates to replace "no" votes at the ballot box (including my own victory).
4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer or professional basis?
I have always been proud to work closely with LGBTQ organizations throughout the state, city and borough of Queens including this club, the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, Queens Pride, LGBT Network, Ali Forney Center and more.
5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to?
Through my work securing a Democratic supermajority in the Senate and as Deputy Majority Leader, I have helped provide significant support to LGBTQ organizations throughout the state and city and am proud of their vital work on behalf of the issues we care about. Locally, I have been proud to support Queens Pride and the LGBT Network and have advocated for federal and other resources for additional institutions in western Queens.
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
I am proud to consider myself an ally.
7. Have you marched in any Pride parades? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
I have proudly marched in the Queens Pride Parade every single year, have marched in the New York Pride Parade and have held numerous protest events against anti-LGBTQ discrimination and acts of hate (including the time when anti-LGBTQ graffiti was directed at me at my district office) where I fought to get these horrible incidents officially designated and investigated as hate crimes.
8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes, I currently employ (and have previously employed) openly LGBTQ individuals in senior-level staff positions.
9. If you receive the Jim Owles 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 LGBTQ issues, pro-choice legislation, criminal justice reform issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended and/or participated in?
Unfortunately, there have been several anti-LGBTQ incidents that have occurred in western Queens during my time as a legislator. These incidents necessitated a strong, public response to ensure that there is a crystal clear, zero-tolerance approach for hate and discrimination, especially in the thriving LGBTQ community in western Queens. I have stood alongside victims and their families to call for these incidents to be investigated and classified as hate-crimes. I was a leading critic of former President Trump and his policies, and in fact, as a direct result of my actions countering the Trump administration’s travel ban and anti-immigrant policies, I was targeted with anti-LGBTQ graffiti at my district office (described above) which is just another example of why standing up to hate and discrimination is so vital for those of us in elected office. I have been a leader in the effort to reform our criminal justice system and am proud to have authored laws that have both made New York a safer and more just place including laws increasing gun control, bail reform and investigations of wrongful convictions.
11. Have you ever been arrested in pursuit of legislation or for protesting an injustice? Please elaborate.
I have been part of demonstrations in pursuit of justice where protestors alongside myself have been maced and harassed by police merely for standing up for what is right and would be glad to join with advocates on the frontlines in similar situations again.
12. If you are an incumbent, what have you accomplished in your most recent term?
As Deputy Majority Leader, I was proud to help deliver the most successful and progressive legislative session in the history of New York state with increased tenant protections, criminal justice reforms, COVID-19 assistance, election reforms, funding for education and the arts and much more.
13. For the following pieces of legislation, please answer if you are currently a sponsor or co-sponsor (if you are an incumbent), or if you will co-sponsor (if you are not an incumbent):
A. Fair and Timely Parole (S.1415A / A.4231A): A bill pending in Albany that would ensure access to the parole release process for incarcerated people in New York State. This bill insures that decisions on parole are not solely based on the nature of the original crimes but includes incarcerated peoples’ record of rehabilitation and assessment of current risk to public safety.
Yes, I am a sponsor.
B. Elder Parole (S.15A / A.3475A): A bill pending in Albany that would allow elderly incarcerated people who have served at least 15 years in prison an opportunity to appear before the Parole Board for a chance at release.
Yes, I am a sponsor.
14. If you will not co-sponsor any of the above legislation, why not?
N/A
15. Do you oppose the efforts to weaken bail reform as written
Yes, I am the author of the law.
16. Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails? If incumbent, when did you do so last?
Yes. I am proud to have worked with and provided resources to local groups working with individuals who are incarcerated or were recently incarcerated and have visited incarcerated individuals in state prison with Allen Roskoff as well as others held pretrial at Rikers Island.
17. Do you support legislation outlawing solitary confinement in all prisons statewide including city jails?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
18. When was the last time you were inside a correctional facility.
See above.
19. Do you believe sincere remorse and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole? This question is redundant. I would eliminate it.
I am proud to be a leader in the effort to reform our criminal justice system and am open to re-examining any practice that produces or results in injustice.
20. What do you believe should be done to ensure more clemencies are granted every year?
I am proud to be an advocate for re-examining wrongful convictions and over-sentencing. I am committed to continuing to work alongside advocates to end mass incarceration and unnecessary imprisonment.
21. Will you publicly call on the governor to use her clemency power for the many incarcerated New Yorkers who can safely return home? Will you tweet out your support for this or issue a public statement? Would you be willing to be critical of a governor who does not exercise their power to grant clemencies and commutations to those worthy of release? Have you ever spoken out in such a way?
Yes, and yes, I would be willing to be critical of a Governor who does not exercise their power correctly.
22. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests concerning clemency and parole?
Yes.
23. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
I have personally and professionally worked with incarcerated and recently incarcerated individuals to further their goals of gaining the skills necessary for employment.
24. Do you support legislation to prohibit discrimination against formerly incarcerated people in housing and employment?
Yes.
25. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Are you or will you co-sponsor the bill introduced by Julia Salazar (S.6419 / A. 8230), which fully decriminalizes sex work?
Yes I support decriminalization of sex work.
26. Will you actively oppose legislation (S.6040 / A.7069) that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of the decriminalization of prostitution? Explain in detail your views on full decriminalization, the Nordic model, legalization, and the existing criminalization approach.
Yes.
27. Do you support ending qualified immunity for police officers?
Yes.
28. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a “Sanctuary State”?
As a child of immigrants myself, I support efforts to protect immigrants. I am proud to have worked closely with and provided resources to groups who helped reunite separated families due to the Trump administration’s policies, have advocated for immigrant worker rights and protections in private businesses and fought against immigrant housing discrimination by providing funding for legal services to individuals and families facing eviction due to their immigration status.
29. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes.
30. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
I was the leading opponent of the IDC and their conservative, Republican-enabling agenda that held back progress for years. Working alongside advocates, I was instrumental in eradicating the IDC and ensuring that through their defeat, New Yorkers could finally see the significant progress achieved under the leadership of Leader Stewart-Cousins, myself and our caucus members.
31. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBTQ representation among your staff?
Yes.
32. Who did you support for office in the following primaries or special elections: A) Mayor in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Attorney General in 2018?
Maya Wiley, Hilary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, n/a, Letitia James
33. Have you made an endorsement in the current bid for Governor? If so, who?
No.
34. Do you support term limits for statewide office holders? For State Legislators?
I am proud to be a leader on the issue of election and government reform and am supportive of term limits.
35. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I am committed to combating racism and eradicating discriminatory policies.
36. 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 am a sponsor of legislation that would make SUNY and CUNY tuition-free for New Yorkers and will continue to fight against predatory lenders who target immigrant and working New Yorkers including usurious student loan providers.
37. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Do you or will you co-sponsor the New York Health Act? Please elaborate.
Yes, I am a sponsor.
38. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I have always supported full reproductive rights and services and have worked closely with organizations including Planned Parenthood to ensure access to these important services and information.
39. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate industry or law enforcement unions/associations?
Yes, I do not accept and am a leader in the effort to refuse money from both real estate and police unions.
40. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? What does this mean?
I am a leader in this regard and have worked tirelessly against the Trump agenda including speaking out against those who work with ICE.
41. Will you cosponsor the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (S.3082 / A.5573)?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
42. 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? Will you co-sponsor S.856 / A.6032, which amends the Social Services Law to create a statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits and who face eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
43. What should happen to 421-a? Would you end it, mend it, continue it?
End it.
44. Do you support legalizing accessory dwelling units?
Yes.
45. Do you support more state funding for NYCHA? If so, how much?
Yes. While the Senate and I personally have provided increased funding to NYCHA, residents in public housing require significant additional support from all levels of government to ensure they are able to reside in safe, warm and secure environments.
46. Do you, or will you, co-sponsor the Climate and Community Investment Act? (S.4264A / A.6967) If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes, I am a sponsor
47. Do you support the New York Public Banking Act (S.1762A / A. 8290? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes, I am a sponsor
48. Do you support the New Deal for CUNY (S.4461 / A.5843)? If you are an incumbent and do not currently co-sponsor this bill, why not?
Yes, I am a sponsor.
49. 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 a city bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge? Do you authorize the use of your name for such a purpose?
Yes.
50. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
The process of reviewing what statues and monuments we hold as true representatives of our values and history as New Yorkers is underway and long overdue.
51. Do you support reducing the budget of law enforcement throughout the state, and if so, by how much?
While the State does not specifically fund local police departments, the state budget should reflect progressive priorities focusing on equality, economic and social justice, safety, tenant and immigrant protections, housing, criminal law reform and increased funding for education and the arts.
52. 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.
There should be more engagement from social service and mental health professionals as primary responders in these instances.
53. Should law enforcements "Vice Squads" be eliminated?
I am against the police using practices with a history of abusive implementation such as “stop and frisk.”
54. How would you recommend law enforcement officers be penalized for refusing to wear masks in public while on duty, in defiance of city and state rules?
It is vital that all New Yorkers work together to increase public health and safety to ensure the most expedient end to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those charged with enhancing public safety.
55. What reforms would you make to the Civilian Complaint Review Board? Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding?
Police misconduct investigations should be aggressively pursued in the interest of justice and I am open to a number of mechanisms for that to occur.
56. What will you do to support nightlife in New York State?
It is incumbent upon those of us in New York State government to ensure a thriving arts and culture scene including support for theater, music, dance, and safe and conducive environments for patrons to enjoy restaurants, bars and clubs.
57. Do you commit to speak with restaurant and nightlife industry representatives before taking a position on any policies that affect their businesses?
I am proud to have formed a small business advisory council in order to ensure that local small businesses and the community who frequent them can work together to ensure both thrive in harmony.
58. Do you commit to speak personally with liquor license applicants and license holders before opposing any bid for a liquor license? Likewise for an applicant seeking your support?
I have historically met with local businesses seeking liquor licenses and review each situation on a case-by-case basis.
59. What are the top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively?
I am committed to addressing inequality, achieving social change and fighting against powerful interests that seek to take advantage of everyday New Yorkers. We have taken a huge step forward under the Democratic supermajority that myself and advocates worked so hard for, but we have further to go to ensure that New York's future remains bright for all New Yorkers.
60. What additional information would you like members The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision concerning your candidacy?
I am proud to be a first-generation American, product of New York City public schools and a progressive leader with an uncompromising vision for a more equitable and just New York. I am proud to say I have always been and will continue to be an ally of and fighter for LGBTQ New Yorkers and am thankful for the support, advocacy and friendship of the leaders and members of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and appreciate all the work you do to make New York all that it is, all that it can be and more.