Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Robert Zimmerman for US Congress NY-03
Candidate Name: Robert Zimmerman
Office Seeking Election for: US Congress NY-03
Website: https://zimmermanforcongress.com/
1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
I believe my life experiences uniquely qualify me for this position. I found my voice in political activism as a result of growing up as a closeted gay kid in the suburbs. Political activism gave me a voice and sense of mission in my life– bringing me to my Congressman's office, where I later became a senior staff member and worked on Capitol Hill for a number of years, to serving as a Democratic National Committee member and an advocate for progressive causes on national TV networks. I built my business, now in its 33rd year, in the same community in which I was raised. My background of service and knowledge of the issues facing our District give me the unique experience necessary to navigate Capitol Hill and deliver results for the communities of NY-03.
2. Do you now support or have you ever supported an openly LGBTQ candidate for public office?
Yes.
3. If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly).
N/A
4. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I have been honored for my advocacy by the LGBTQ Network of Long Island and Queens and have financially supported a number of LGBTQ non-profit organizations across NY and nationally. I have also sponsored many school districts’ Gay Straight Alliance programs.
5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to?
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, God’s Love We Deliver, Broadway Cares-Equity Fights AIDS, Gay Men’s Health Center, among many others.
6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?
Yes
7. Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes, I have marched and participated in Pride marches across Long Island over many years.
8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
I have not asked about the sexual orientation or gender identity of my employees.
9. If you receive the 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 issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended?
I have attended dozens of public protest events over many years in support of LGBTQ rights, civil rights, abortion access and reproductive freedom, and against the Trump Administration.
11. Will you advocate for legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals aged 55 and older who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release?
Yes
12. Will you advocate for legislation that would ensure those appearing before the New York State Parole Board are considered for release from prison based on who they are today and not exclusively based on the nature of their crime?
This is state level legislation and not applicable to my Congressional campaign.
13. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility? When was your last visit to visit incarcerated constituents?
Yes; N/A (non-incumbent)
14. Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
No
15.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Yes
16. Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work?
I would need to review the specific legislation in question before deciding whether to support. In any effort to decriminalize sex work, my priority would be ensuring the rights and safety of sex workers. Thus, I would want to make sure that any legislation encourages victims of crimes to report them to law enforcement and access important health services. I would also work to ensure that programs are implemented to ensure sex workers do not face barriers to transitioning to other forms of employment.
17. Will you oppose any legislation that promotes the Nordic model
I would need to study this further before determining whether to support or oppose.
18. What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I believe in legislation that creates a pathway to citizenship for undocumented people, as well as legislation that increases the number of judges for asylum cases so the process moves more quickly and comprehensively. In addition, I believe in granting immediate citizenship for DACA and TPS recipients.
19. Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
I support requiring any institution that receives public funding to abide by federal civil rights and anti-discrimination statutes.
20. Do you support the establishment of safe consumption spaces?
I am committed to supporting policies to combat the scourge of the opioid epidemic, which has tragically impacted so many families in my district.
21. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No; no
22. Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
Yes
23. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Yes
24. Who did or do you support for office in the Democratic primary in the following races A) mayor and comptroller in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Lt. Governor 2022
A) Scott Stringer and Corey Johnson
B) Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden
C) Kathy Hochul and Brian Benjamin
25. Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination
I support legislation including H.R.40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, authored by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee and Con.Res 19, authored by Rep. Barbara Lee, to address the ongoing legacies of slavery in our country.
26. 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 support making 2-year community college and trade and vocational schools free for all Americans, prosecuting predatory lenders, canceling all student loan debt up to $50,000 by Executive Order, and canceling interest on all student loans.
27. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes. I support Medicare for All.
28. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I am unequivocally pro-abortion rights and have been a longtime national advocate on behalf of Planned Parenthood. Ensuring the continued right to an abortion and other reproductive health care in the face of right-wing attacks is among the central issues of my campaign for Congress.
29. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate?
I do no accept Corporate PAC money in my campaign.
30. Will you refuse money from police and corrections unions?
No
31. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
I do not accept funds from executives in the fossil fuel industry or those who served in the Trump Administration
32. What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
I hope that you consider my record and life experiences as an advocate and community leader in my district.
33. If you resign in the middle of your term, will you let the voters decide? Do you plan to serve your term and not send a vacancy to the county committee?
Yes
34. Who are you supporting for Speaker/Democratic leader in 2023?
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
35. 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
36. What is your position on removing the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle and if so, what should replace it?
I do not support removing the statue.
37. What is your position on FOSTA/SESTA, passed in 2018? Do you or will you sponsor the Safe Workers Study Act which has been introduced by Elizabeth Warren and co- sponsored by Reps. Barbara Lee and Ron Wyden and a host of other sponsors including Bernie Sanders.
I support FOSTA/SESTA to address the crime of human trafficking, protect and ensure rights for victims, and hold those who perpetrate and facilitate sex trafficking accountable under the law.
38. Do you support the class-wide scheduling of Fentanyl-related substances, which groups like Human Rights Watch have argued would worsen pretrial detention, mass incarceration, and racial disparities?
I would need to study this policy change further.
39. Do you support the Green New Deal?
Yes
40. President Biden has not granted a single pardon or commutation. When have you publicly demanded that Biden do more on this issue? Will you pledge to publicly speak out about this in 2022?
Yes, I will speak out about this in 2022.
41. Do you commit to not supporting Joe Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema? Will you consider supporting a primary opponent?
I would consider supporting a primary challenger depending on who the candidate is and their positions on the issues.
42. Some members of congress indicate they will only support incumbents regardless of their politics and regardless of who is presenting them a primary. Are you one of them?
No
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