Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Phelan Dante Fitzpatrick for City Council District 3

Candidate Name: Phelan Dante Fitzpatrick

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

As the operator of three small businesses in NYC, I know first hand the economic uncertainty facing working people, and our small business community. Currently I'm the only candidate in this race who is operating multiple small businesses in NYC. Being a gun violence survivor, and enduring racial and homophobic discrimination my entire life, like many others I'm trying to navigate my role and purpose in the city that’s been hit hard by the pandemic. Right now, we have people in office who spend more time politicizing movements, virtue signaling on their social media accounts, and campaigning for office than actually legislating for real change, that could impact the lives of thousands of New Yorkers. I’m also a gay single father, who’s trying to keep his head above water. Being a full time dad, trying to keep my businesses open, my employees paid, and campaigning for this position has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. When you feel that the representatives you have elected don't understand you, who don't share your values, recognize your struggles, who are making decisions that affect your life that aren’t in the best interest of your family business or employees, then not only is it your right to run for local office, it's your responsibility. Let your voice be heard. You don't have to be a policy expert to run for office, no one is, and you should be wary of anyone who says they have all the right answers to fixing problems, because no one does. I dont have the same type of experience that some of my opponents have. I’m not some political insider.. I don't attend black tie fundraisers, I don't have all the right connections to get all the good endorsements, but I do know the difference between right and wrong. I know the difference between what’s good for a few vs. what’s good for the many. I know how to listen, I know how to be thoughtful and kind, and I know how to be patient. All the qualities that make a good parent, make a good leader, and if i can say anything about myself, I consider myself a very good parent. I believe that diversity in representation is critical for our city, and when we have that diversity everyone gets taken care of, and considered. A lack of diversity in representation however has very serious consequences, mostly for those in our community who feel they don't have a voice, who are marginalized in every way, and left behind. I don’t want you to endorse me because I’m a gay candidate, and I don’t want you to endorse me because I’d be the first councilperson of color for my district. I want your endorsement because I’m unwavering in my love for this city, my community, and for the people who live in it. You should know that I'm dedicated to making sure that it succeeds, and that my family, as well as yours are taken care of. We have very big decisions to make about what kind of city we want to live in. We can't keep calling ourselves progressives if its only in ideology and not in action.

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

I have not endorsed any candidates officially yet because I was, until now, solely a business operator and citizen.

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

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

My work with the New York City Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is important to me. The center played a critical role in the history of queer liberation and has for decardes provided invaluable resources to queer New Yorkers. These community centers are important as they provide a safe space. For these community centers we must work toward greater inclusion. We must demonstrate the value of young queer lives by investing in programs and policies that serve them. We must restore funding for the NYC Unity Project and NYC’s resources for LGBTQ+ youth, including peer and professional support, health care and wellness, healthy relationships and so much more.

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?

Came out at 13 in Cleveland Ohio, (that was fun) and also the son of a proud queer black father.

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

Yes, I have marched in every Pride parade since I have lived in New York, over 20 years. It is an extremely important personal tradition of mine, and my daughters every year since she was born.

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

Yes. As the operator of 3 small businesses in NYC, over half of my current staff of 40 identify as LGBTQ+, and I have always understood that diversity in hiring is vital for the success of my business, and any business in NYC.

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 long been involved in local Black Lives Matter protesting in New York. The summer of 2020, especially in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and continued police violence against other innocent citizens and protesters, is what inspired me to announce my candidacy and platform of racial justice and police reform.

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

I have not been arrested, but I have experienced racial profiling at the hands of police. As a person of color, and a queer black man that has lived in NYC fr over 20 years, I have to say that im triggered by this question. I’ve had a number of experiences with the NYPD, that were not arrests, that were unwarranted, and these experiences always leave you feeling dehumanized. If you are a person of color who has been on the receiving end of racist policies like stop and frisk, it's hard to put into words the rollercoaster of emotions and the trauma that it can cause. One of these experiences was not very long ago, and was outside of a playground in the west village with my 2 year old daughter. I also think for future questionnaires, you should eliminate this question altogether. As a progressive democratic club, your questions should be based in My focus is on reforming our criminal justice system, focusing on re-entry and education. Decriminalization of Pot, the end of the school to prison pipeline and decarceration of our schools and rebuilding the trust between the NYPD and the New Yorkers that they are called to protect and serve.

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

Yes. I believe that a majority of these people are willing to turn their lives around and should be given that opportunity. I think that inmates should be allowed to cast a vote.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?

I do presently.

Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism

There are many steps to dismantling systemic racism and establishing a just world for all New Yorkers. A shift in consciousness around the idea of safety needs to happen. We need to change our thinking about what it means to be safe. The criminal justice system in the US and in NYC is broken. It is not a justice system at all, it is a carceral system. The NYPD policies and practices that result in the disproportionate and horrifying number of Black and Brown people harassed, ticketed, arrested, imprisoned, and murdered is a profound failure in moral and organizational leadership. As the most dangerous institutional to Black and Brown lives, the NYPD must be reformed with a mind towards reduction of scope and funding. Educational reform is another area essential to combating racism in New York. Reduced funding in schools with majority Black and Brown students is indicative of the intense segregation in the New York Public School system. I plan to allocate better funding for these schools to bring resources to these resource-lacking schools. I am also an advocate for allocating funding for curricula relevant to the communities of the school, oriented towards racial and social justice, working-class and labor history, LGBTQ+ studies, multilingual education and immersion, and vocational training. My experience in business has shown me the importance of economic power in uplifting disadvantaged communities. The wellbeing of the workers that enable our business to function is my top priority. Listening to them, focusing on their needs, and helping them navigate the chaos of the current world is of utmost importance to me. I will also act on their interests and make sure all small businesses in my district are supported and protected. That includes funding a Small Business Restart & Recovery program to aid our small and minority-owned businesses.

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

I will not seek the endorsement of Bill de Blasio. The mayor has proven again and again that he is out of touch with the wants and needs of regular New Yorkers. New York taxes still favor the rich and public money is funneled into policing to protect these moneyed interests. His continued support of enlarged police budgets and plans to build borough-based jails at the cost of nine billion dollars are thoroughly wasteful and destructive, and something I cannot ever support.

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 would. Ed Koch’s legacy of neglect and disregard for the AIDS epidemic, which took the lives of many throughout New York, is not one that should be rewarded and remembered with a bridge in his honor. However, I think that an estimated 4 Million dollars that it would cost to rename the bridge, with an additional 3 million to fix spelling errors could be used in much better ways, specifically to fund the LGBT unity project, which provides jobs for runaway queer youth, that has been defunded by our current city councilman, and also Vocal, who isn’t strictly LGBTQ affiliated, but works with members of our community who are HIV positive. They have been stripped of over 2 million dollars for their headquarters, and I find their work to be vital in our community.

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

The Columbus statue should definitely be removed. It is essential for any critical review of entrenched racism that all facets of society representing it be considered, and if necessary, removed. A monument to New York’s indigenous societies would be a fitting replacement.

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

Yes I will and I do. I would neither accept donations nor accept meetings with a lobbyist from either any of the police unions or from REBNY.

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

The New York Police Department’s budget needs to be reduced as its overall scope should be. It has proven for years its inability to protect the lives of the citizens of New York. The increasing militarization of the police department is alarming because of this, and this militarization must end. The NYPD must also be taken out of schools. In addition to dangerous, public-facing outlets, the NYPD also receives considerable funding to operate marketing initiatives and other non-essential public relations work. These would be cut to save money and lower police overhead. Any defunding of police will cut all costs, especially these non-essential outlets.

How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?

I was certainly disappointed by the FY21 budget. Mayor DeBlasio and the City Council failed to live up to their promises. Gutting New York public schools in order to pour money into the NYPD exhibits where the mayor and Speaker Johnson’s priorities lie, and they are not with the people, especially children, of New York. I would have certainly opposed this budget.

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.

I am in favor of removing them from all of the above. It is not a crime to suffer from economic instability. It is not a crime to be drug-addicted. It is not a crime to be schizophrenic. The fact that police remain a strong presence at crises or in areas associated with these issues proves that police forces are used to contain and hinder rather than protect the people of the United States. Police presence in schools is another example of the hard-handed American approach to complex social issues such as youth criminality and poverty. Controlling students with armed guards and arresting them rather than rehabilitating them shows how little lawmakers care for the plight of these students. This school culture does little more than prepare students for prison by introducing them to such repressive and unforgiving consequences at a young age. The question of traffic enforcement is one that requires more creative solutions. The vast majority of traffic offenses investigated by the NYPD go unresolved, bringing into question the value of police supervision in these situations. Investment in NYC or NYS Department of Transportation to build safer bike lanes, more pedestrian friendly spaces and walkways, and updated transit access would lower traffic levels, thus reducing the need for police-led traffic enforcement.

Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?

Yes. Vice squads are antiquated units intended to enforce some sort of twisted morality as much as they are to prevent crime. NYPD’s Vice Squad has proven that it is also a center of corruption, exploitation, and criminal activity in behavior spanning the past several decades. As a supporter of NYPD reduction at-large, I think the first steps in this process should be removing the most dangerous and corrupt elements of the organization, with the Vice Squad as one of the first.

Should Dermot Shea be fired immediately?

Yes.

Should the NYPD Commissioner require confirmation by the City Council?

Yes. As an appointee of the mayor, the police commissioner answers to no one but them. Therefore, the control of much of the department’s activity and its senior officers falls under a position ruled not by the will of the people, but at the mayor’s pleasure. In order to bring the NYPD under the control of the public they serve, the commissioner’s position should be confirmed by the City Council.

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 that officers guilty of this negligence be handed suspensions or similar punishments to prevent them from further endangering the public. Repeat offenders should have their employment terminated. In a system that has already proven dangerous to the public, this irresponsibility is a clear sign that certain NYPD officers fail to understand that they are not above the law, and need to be held accountable for any disregard for public health and safety. Why should these individuals be allowed to continue to “protect and serve.”

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

Yes I would. Power over public safety should ultimately fall in the hands of the public. Although the CCRB is responsible for investigating complaints of misconduct by the NYPD, and is supposed to be an independent agency, it doesn’t even have the power to conduct thorough investigations. Officers are known to skip interviews with CCRB investigators, evidence like body cams are withheld, as well as additional access to evidence. The most important aspect of its lack of authority is its inability to impose discipline, which only lies with the police commissioner, who has full discretion to overturn CCRB disciplinary recommendations, which has happened in 70% of the infractions in the past 20 years. The only way to ensure power in oversight is to make CCRB determinations binding, and hold offenders accountable for their actions. They also should be funded appropriately, as they have their work cut out for them.

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

I support the plan to close Rikers Island, but reject the mayor’s borough-jails. As long as any prisons are still open and used to hold the city’s disadvantaged and minority populations, the inequality that persists between rich and poor, white and not will continue to. We are safer when we invest in the social services that help us to take care of ourselves and one another. Think of what we could do for our communities with 9 Billion dollars, which is what is estimated to cost New Yorkers for this proposal.

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?

Any agenda for a recovery at the federal, state and local level is going to depend on our efforts to reduce the impact of mass incarceration. The economy wasn’t working for black and brown people before the lockdown, and it's no secret that people of color who have been convicted of a crime are the most affected. Involvement in the criminal justice system and any time in prison limits a person's ability to earn a living wage their entire life. And to give that some perspective, the total amount of money lost each year by people who have a criminal conviction is 370 billion dollars. So when we talk about black people's inability to graduate high school, go to college, buy a house this is the biggest contributing factor. And allowing the economic consequences of a conviction or imprisonment to last a lifetime is a moral failure. I believe that all non-violent drug offenses should be reviewed and all marijuana offenses should be expunged. All inmates in prison presently because of non-violent, marijuana offenses should have their release prioritized.

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?

A critical shortcoming of the 311 system is its lack of adequate interpreters for New York’s many non-English speakers. This is especially problematic in communities with large percentages of elderly people, who are sometimes unable to find access to healthcare or emergency response systems. A widening of translator roles to include more common languages spoken in New York would make the 311 system more accessible to more of New York.

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

Yes I do. The decriminalization of sex work should no longer be a question. There are scores of peer-reviewed studies conducted that demonstrate powerfully that the decriminalization of sex work is a matter of human rights. The criminalization of the commercial exchange of sexual services exposes sex workers to abuse and exploitation. We must decriminalize sex work. Additionally, the Nordic model is an imperfect solution to curbing crime associated with sex work. Decriminalizing the workers’ activity but punishing solicitors maintains the underground nature of sex work that makes it so dangerous for those involved. In order to combat the violence, exploitation, and dangers to public health we must no longer push this activity into the shadows, but allow those engaging in it access to public resources.

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

I think we can all agree that Education is critical for social and economic equity. And as a city, we have to start being honest with ourselves about the fact that our schools are segregated… The opportunity to receive a quality education has NEVER been distributed equally throughout our neighborhoods, so many of our public schools aren’t equipped to prepare students for college or careers. And that's largely because year after year, we continue to defund them. We defund our teachers, our guidance counselors, our after school programs, and why? Well because most of these underfunded schools have a majority of black and brown students. And Proposing to scale down resources for a public institution is nothing new, any public school principal in NYC can tell you a lot about that.. When were in hard financial times like we are now, ALL public institutions are fighting to keep their share of the budget pie. They are competing for smaller amounts of local and state funds. But in this competition, I’d argue, police departments and schools have a special relationship and because their funding often accounts for the largest shares of city budgets. BUT, overspending on law enforcement usually means depriving schools. We want a strong student-centered school climate, and transformative parent and community engagement that is completely NYPD FREE.. We want schools with curricula that are not engaging, relevant and rigorous. We need to support high-quality teaching and not high stakes testing; social, emotional, health and mental health services as well as wraparound supports for every child in nyc.

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

Centralized mayoral control has failed. An elected and representative Board of Education accountable to voters and communities will democratize education policy creation and add an important layer of accountability in school governance. Educators, school leaders, and parents in individual schools and cohort group schools must be empowered to enact the instructional practices and organizational policies that best serve their individual communities. Schools are community-based organizations and parents are ideal ambassadors for schools in their communities.

Do you support public funding of abortion?

First, it is important for me to state clearly that I understand an individual’s Constitutional rights to privacy and personal autonomy to include reproductive rights, specifically a woman’s right to choose. As a father, it is my responsibility to ensure that my daughter, and all of our daughters have total autonomy over their bodies, and their minds. I commit to doing the same as the New York City Council Member representing District 3. I believe that access to high-quality health care is a right, and I will ensure anyone I represent has these rights.

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 would. Making abortions illegal would not prevent abortions but prevent them from being performed safely. In my support of public abortion funding I support not only the legalization of abortions but an increase in safe spaces and funding for sexual health.

Do you smoke or otherwise consume weed?

I don’t smoke, but I fully support marijuana legalization. New York State and New York City need the revenue generated from cannabis taxation. We can follow the example of cities and states like Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, and California. We must push to legalize. An important aspect of marijuana legalization is decriminalization. There are far too many unjustly incarcerated individuals, many of them wrongfully incarcerated because of non-violent marijuana drug offenses. These individuals must be released, their records must be expunged, and we must invest in restoring their place in society through robust reentry and skill development programs. In order to restore communities destroyed by a failed war on drugs, we must invest in the individuals most harmed by these failed racist and classist drug policies.

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?

No, as I am a private citizen and have not (yet) had the opportunity to lend my voice to a public supporting of an organization.

What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?

I would make more small businesses loans available. Securing financial support for a business revitalization initiative that includes funding a Small Business Restart & Recovery program to aid our small and minority-owned businesses will be necessary in the aftermath of the pandemic. We understand that the employees of these establishments are working people and productive New Yorkers and are committed to ensuring their safety and prosperity for being on the frontlines in such a dangerous time.

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

YES. If elected I will endorse a plan to analyze and study the economic impacts of legislation before a vote to ensure it will not hurt jobs, and small business owners. Engaging stakeholders will be a priority in any considerations of policy.

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, these business owners are important contributors of jobs and entertainment in our communities. Our commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders and community members are represented should extend to the City that brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and employs thousands.

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! Dancing should always be encouraged.

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

Yes. Amazon does not need additional tax breaks or corporate giveaways. As it is, Amazon contributes very little to New York outside of sub-par jobs for its residents. We should be charging Amazon more for their land and ability to conduct business, not welcoming them into New York

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

Council members play an integral role in fighting for the rights of tenants and to secure affordable housing for all New Yorkers. It is the council’s job as representatives of their constituencies to protect them from exploitative business practices. All development proposals must be carefully reviewed to ensure that the interests of working New Yorkers are represented on the city council and in their decisions.

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

Yes. Recidivism exists among so much of our incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated population because there is no system to integrate them into society. Lack of security in living is a contributing factor to many’s continued struggles once they leave prison, and we should be helping these individuals rather than turning our backs on them.

Do you oppose the removal of the nearly 300 homeless individuals from the Lucerne hotel due to pressure from some local residents?

Yes. While these men all deserve the chance to inhabit their own space eventually, the Lucerne Hotel has proven to be a comfortable and safe place for these unfortunate individuals to live during the ongoing pandemic. Housing stability is the most important factor in guaranteeing one’s freedom from poverty, and evicting these men because of the complaints of a few neighborhood groups denies these men the little security they had in their temporary residence. Turning our back on these people now will keep them homeless, and relocating them once again might put them at risk if more typical, dorm-style housing is used as in pre-COVID practice.

What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?

To protect immigrants we must protect workers by extending labor rights to all workers regardless of immigration status or occupation. All New Yorkers deserve the right to unionize, workplace protections, and fair wages, inclusive of safeguards against federal audits and raids. We must ensure inclusion of all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, in expansions to healthcare coverage on the local and state levels, including the New York Health Act. Additionally, we can expand sanctuary protections across New York State to end cooperation between state and local law enforcement with ICE; prevent local state agencies from collecting or sharing an individual’s immigration information with federal agencies; ban state and local resources from being used to aid federal immigration enforcement; and guarantee access and provision of legal counsel to undocumented immigrants facing deportation.

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 I support a single-payer system. As a city, New York can lobby Albany to begin pursuing a state-level healthcare system.

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?

Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively

Saving small businesses and rebuilding a NYC economy that cares for and supports working people Increase support for women and minority run businesses and entrepreneurs in the rebuilding effort Criminal justice reform and community restoration–we must invest in restoring communities that have been generationally undersrved in schools, in employment, in housing.

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?

I intend to represent the residents of District 3 with integrity and a commitment to building a New York City that cares for and serves working class New Yorkers. I will exercise my power as a councilmember in the service of all New Yorkers. I commit to engaging regularly with the community, to listening to their concerns, and spending time working to understand the myriad perspectives that make up the vibrant district that we call home.

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

To represent the many vs the few, to take action by working with other council representatives, and other elected officials, but to also stand strong with equity always at the epicenter of decision making. To understand the difference between doing what's right for the many, vs doing what is good for a few.

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?

Not only do I commit to working with Jim Owles during the campaign, but I will need your help and the help of our progressive LGBTQ community. To help me make decisions for the community that is deeply rooted in equity. I'm not a policy expert and I would be wary of any candidate who says they always have the right answer. The role of a city councilperson is to represent the voices of the many not the few. Historically the voices of my LGBTQ community have always been strong and I will rely on that strength when I am elected.

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?

I'm not blind to the fact that many of you may have already decided who to endorse in this race. I'd like to say that my experience so far with many of the local democratic clubs has been inclusive, and that I've been given the same consideration as some of the other more recognized candidates. However, I hope that some of you will be able to see that the lack of diversity in representation in our community has had serious consequences for our minority communities, who have really been left out of the discussion, and not given a seat at the table, which is what I've experienced so far not only In my life, but in this race. For most of my life, as a queer black man, someone has been telling me in one way or another that I just don't have what it takes to do a job, that I don't have the right kind of experience that fits an idea of a councilperson, or a leader. This isn't the first time, and it won't be the last. I will however continue to surpass peoples expectation's, of who they think I am, and the potential of who I can become, with your help and your guidance. Thank you for the opportunity to seek your endorsement.