Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Sandy Nurse for City Council District 37
Candidate Name: Sandy Nurse
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 37
Campaign Website: N/A
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
Prior to this position, I did a lot of grassroots work in my community. I founded two organizations in Bushwick, Brooklyn: BK ROT, an environmental justice youth jobs program, and co-founded Mayday Space, a grassroots organizing center in her district. I also worked as a carpenter and carpentry instructor for many years, hosting workshops for women, youth and LGTBQ folks who were interested in power tools. I served on Brooklyn Community Board 4.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
I am not a member of any LGTBQ clubs. I have endorsed my colleagues Tiffany Caban and Chi Osse in the past, and canvassed for Lynn Schulman. I have supported LGTBQ marches, actions and supported with discretionary funding a handful of LGTBQ organizations.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Yes
4. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump?
All of Trump’s first term I helped organize countless actions, including a civil disobedience in his stupid hotel in the city. This term I am focused on protecting my neighbors through sharing their legal rights with them, supporting immigrant justice organizations and standing with the Queer Caucus in the Council on their letters.
5. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
Fight like fucking hell! Put my body on the line if need be.
6. Will you seek or accept endorsements of individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, such as Ruben Diaz Sr., Fernando Cabrera or Erick Salgado? Will you pledge to denounce their homophobia and anti-choice positions in the event you receive an endorsement from such individuals?
Hell no. Good lord, never.
7. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
As a Council Member, I will fight with the legislative and budget powers we have to protect all New Yorkers and specifically our most vulnerable. I will continue to condemn the egregious statements and actions of the GOP members of the Council. As an individual, I will continue to show up at protests, participate in civil disobedience and organize in my community.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion? Yes.
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
We have not had one in our district. I would welcome one!
10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I support Council Member Hanif’s bill to codify our Sanctuary City laws and keep ICE off of Rikers.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I do not support shelters in our Industrial Business Zone in ENY, which the city keeps putting up. It’s a dark, barren area that is not safe or dignified, in my opinion, for families. My bill Local Law 34, just provided data on the homeless sweeps the city is conducting, showing abysmal results and no permanent placements for homeless people, despite $3.5M spent and 10,000 agency staff being deployed.
12. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2970, introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text urges the NYS Legislature to pass the New York for All Act, which would ensure state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement. If not, please explain.
Yes
13. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2917, introduced by Council Member Crystal Hudson? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text endorses the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a “universal right to counsel” for indigent New Yorkers who are subject to removal proceedings under federal immigration law. If not, please explain.
Yes
14. Will you join our efforts to pass legislation mandating 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? The legislation is commonly known as the New York Elder Parole Bill.
Yes
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Absolutely.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes
17. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
I visit Rikers many times per year.
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes
19. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
Yes
20. . Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
I support 4 progressives at the moment. I will announce them after petitioning.
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
Cuomo and Eric Adams. I have not officially endorsed anyone.
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
It’s not my hill to die on, but if people want support I am ok with that.
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
I voted for City of Yes. I am already seeing the benefits on two housing applications that were able to add 3-4 more three bedroom apartments at the lower end of the AMI index. This is a very good thing.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
This questions needs to be more specific. I’m not sure what exactly you are referring to.
25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
My public record, public positions and voting record in the Council accurately reflect my political ideology as very left.
26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I want to highlight my work in defending and amplifying the 700+ survivors who filed cases against the city for the sexual assault they endured while at Rikers and the 500+ survivors who filed cases against the city for the sexual assault they endured as juveniles - children - while under city care. We have seen very little vocal support from organizations or political clubs for these survivors.
27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
Not at this time.