Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Michael Weinstock for US Congress NY-03

Candidate Name: Michael Weinstock

Office Seeking Election for: US Congress, Congressional District 03 (Queens, Long Island)

Campaign Address: PO Pox 2013, Great Neck, NY 11022

Campaign Website: weinstockforcongress.com

Campaign Telephone:

Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter):
https://www.facebook.com/weinstockforcongress/
https://twitter.com/Weinstock2020

Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): Michael Weinstock

Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district:
I was homeless as a high school student. I became a volunteer firefighter and the men and women of the fire dept encouraged me to go to college and law school. Upon graduation, I became a sex crimes prosecutor in Brooklyn.

If elected, I will become the first openly gay person to represent NYC in Congress and the first 9/11 firefighter elected to Congress.
Do you now support or have you ever supported openly LGBTQ candidates for public office? Of course.

If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly).
What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? Victory Fund

If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
Empire State Pride Agenda, The Jim Owles Gay Pride Awards Gala.

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community? Yes. I'm openly gay

Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes - Manhattan and Queens, 4 years.

Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently? N/A

If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements? Of Course!

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? Ive marched in two pro choices rallies in Washington DC

If elected or re-elected will you become a member of the “Squad?" - No. Congresswoman Omar's remarks about 9/11 and tweets about Jews make me extremely uncomfortable.

Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest. No.

Will you advocate for legislation to mandate 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? Yes

Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility? Absolutely.

Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
All of these factors should be considered when considering parole.

Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole? No.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals? Yes

Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Yes

If an incumbent, did you vote for HR 1865 in 2018? Will you introduce and or support legislation to amend HR 1865 so that sex between consenting adults, with monetary exchange, is legalized? This would include the use of ads and on-line contact. No.

Do you support a national law legalizing gestational surrogacy? Wii you introduce such legislation? Yes.

What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and to further New York as a Sanctuary City? I STRONGLY oppose ICE officers arresting people in New York City. I do everything possible to protect immigrants in New York City.

Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
No - I am an observant Jew and I had a phenomenal experience attending a Catholic school AND I want more public funding for school breakfasts and lunches in Yeshivas and Catholic schools. (There are plenty of poor kids in religious schools).

Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces? No.

Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates. No.

Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community? Yes

Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff? Yes

Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018? N/A

Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I will do everything possible to improve school systems, particularly in educationally and economically disadvantaged communities.

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 strongly support cancelling loans for graduates in public service.

Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Yes.

Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I am unapologetically pro-choice.

Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate? Yes

Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda? Yes

What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?