Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Sara Lind for City Council District 6

Candidate Name: Sara Lind

Office Seeking Election for: City Council District 6

Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district

I started my career as a lawyer for Skadden where I had a profound experience that shaped my fundamental views. I was working on litigation for mortgage backed securities companies who were trying to make a quick buck after the crash (that they helped create.) At the same time, I was working pro bono with asylum seekers who had absolutely nothing trying to work their way through our convoluted immgration system. Here we are, more than 10 years later and not much has changed. Even before COVID hit there was an extreme disparity growing between the haves and the have nots. Since I’ve moved to NY, I've been on the ground in the community working to create a more just, equitable, 21st century city. I serve on CB7 where I pushed to reprioritize the budget to put money that was originally earmarked for a kayak dock toward NYCHA, the SLT at PS 166 where I’ve been working to figure out how to maximize in-person learning safely, I chair the BTF and have a plan to overhaul Broadway as part of our economic recovery, and I most recently served as Executive Director of 21 in ‘21, an org dedicated to achieving true equality in City Council. I have detailed plans ready to go for affordable housing, economic recovery, and climate change that will make an immediate impact coming out of COVID - and will prepare us for the realities we face today and for a long time after.

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

I have not officially endorsed any candidates yet. However, I have supported my Assemblyman Danny O’Donnell, along with Brad Hoylman. I would like to endorse Lynn Schulman and Crystal Hudson, along with potentially other City Council candidates. Also, I’ve been endorsed by Seth Rosen who was previously in my race but dropped out. It meant so much to me to have his support. Additionally, I grew up in Wisconsin and first met Tammy Baldwin in college and have been a huge supporter of hers ever since!

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

N/A

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

In high school and college I was very concerned about the AIDS epidemic and I did a lot of volunteer work around the issue. I brought a sex-ed class to my high school because we didn’t have any class that talked about the real issues and how to keep ourselves safe. In college I organized events to raise money for AIDS research. As an attorney, I represented a man from Uganda who came to the US seeking asylum because he feared for his life in Uganda given that government’s violently anti-LGBTQ legislation. I have long been a donor to the Human Rights Campaign, I have marched in every Pride parade for years, and at both Amplify Her and 21 in ‘21 I have worked to promote LGBTQ candidates.

Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community?

No, but I experience my sexuality as being very fluid and don’t like to apply labels to myself. I am certainly an ally and am proud to be in the fight for equal rights.

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

I have marched in Pride every year since 2015.

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

Previously and currently - my current campaign manager is non-binary and bisexual

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?

Too many to count! All of the women’s marches, many BLM protests, many protests in front of Trump Tower, protests in front of Schumer’s office against family separation, the Las Tesis action in front of Harvey Weinstein’s trial and at the Women’s March, and more.

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

No

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

Yes. As an attorney I represented an incarcerated man in a §1983 action who was suing the state for violation of his First Amendment rights while incarcerated. Through that process I saw how deeply and frequently his civil rights were violated.

Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?

I am committed to hiring a diverse staff across many different axes and would definitely hire formerly incarcerated individuals. I would also work to ensure that city agencies and other municipal employers are hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.

Describe your legislative and policy vision for combatting systemic racism

Combating systemic racism touches every policy issue in my campaign platform. Since I’m a mom, I’ll start with childcare. I’d like to see an Elizabeth Warren-type childcare plan rolled out citywide and expand UPK to U3K. Getting children in an early education environment gives them a leg up, and it allows mothers to stay in the workforce. Both will pay dividends for years to come in and across generations. I also have a specific plan to integrate the public school system. It's a disgrace that NYC has the most segregated system in the nation. You can read my full plan on my website, but some highlights include: -Shift the integration of schools from middle school to the primary school level -Enrich student learning at all levels, students who are advanced and students who need extra help, in one diverse classroom. -Establish baseline funding for education requirements so that students’ success is not tied to PTA fundraising -Demand the DOE fund a nurse, social workers/services, and healthy lunch in every school And, I support free CUNY because in today’s economy, education shouldn’t stop at 12th grade. We need to have an accessible, high quality option for higher education. I also have a specific housing first plan that you can read about on my website, which includes upzoning for affordable housing in high opportunity neighborhoods. I’d like to see this plan provide homes for homeless families with school age children because without a stable home, upward mobility is damn near impossible. I’ve called for the retrofitting of public buildings - including schools and NYCHA, to be retrofit to net zero - and incentivizing development moving forward to meet Net Zero standards. Additionally, we need more alternative forms of transportation so that all New Yorkers can reliably and safely get where they need to go across the city. We must Legalize Marijuana and expunge records. I’d like to Right-size the NYPD budget back to at least 2010 levels - with commensurate changes to NYPD roles - and invest that money in the community instead, which includes: -Fund schools and ensure kids have access to after school and summer programs, that all schools have nurses and social workers, and that schools are well-resourced and have the equipment they need. Give every New Yorker access to quality healthcare, mental healthcare and addiction treatment instead of perpetuating the problems by cycling individuals through jails and prisons. -Create jobs through city infrastructure projects, vocational training programs, and streamlining ‘red tape’ for MWBE small businesses owners.

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

Yes

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

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

I am in favor of removing the statue along with any statues of Confederate generals, slaveholders, etc. I think that representation matters and when we are literally putting on a pedestal people who committed genocide that affects our collective psyche. In terms of what could replace it, I would be interested in putting up a monument to Indigenous Peoples. Alternatively, we could have up and coming artists display installations on a rotating basis, with a priority for BIPOC artists.

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

Yes

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

Yes, to 2010 levels.

How would you have voted on the FY21 City Budget?

I would have voted for the budget because not passing a budget would have meant that determinations of spending would have been left to the Mayor and budget office and I don’t believe that would have been a better result. The budget funded critical CBOs and city services that our communities have needed more than ever during this public health crisis. However, if I had been in office I would have used my negotiating power before the vote to work for a better outcome. And if elected, I would work during my term to right-size the NYPD’s budget and use those funds to properly invest in our communities.

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.

Yes - all of the above.

Should the NYPD Vice Squad be eliminated?

Yes, I can think of many other areas of crime that are more important, and more overlooked, than the sex work they are supposed to be monitoring and instead are abusing. For instance, I’d rather see a special force dedicated to rape and domestic violence.

Should Dermot Shea be fired immediately?

Yes

Should the NYPD Commissioner require confirmation by the City Council?

Yes

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?

These officers should be suspended without pay.

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

Yes, either the CCRB or another independent investigative group should determine outcomes. Otherwise I’m afraid we won’t see any accountability or change in process and procedures.

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

I support this plan. We should absolutely close Rikers. And while our goal should be to reduce the jail population dramatically, while any individuals are in jail they should be in buildings that are humane. The current borough jails are outdated and inhumane and should be replaced.

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?

Yes

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?

311 is a joke. We should use data collected from 311 to figure out what the most common complaints are to see how we can streamline a response to those issues. More broadly, we need to overhaul our emergency systems so that people can more easily navigate the services they need. I’ve called to: Reorganize our emergency response system to include mental health experts that respond to mental health crises. Create an alternative to 911 that can be used for mental health emergencies. Give DHS more authority to address street homeless outreach. Staff schools with social workers and safety officers under the DOE. Move traffic enforcement to the DOT so that routine traffic stops do not involve contact with armed officers. Staff the subway with Transit Ambassadors and decrease use of armed officers on the trains. Increase funding for Parks Department unarmed Parks Enforcement Patrol and decrease use of NYPD in parks.

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

Yes

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

G&T is unnecessary and perpetuates segregation. We should get rid of it so that we can enrich student learning at all levels, students who are advanced and students who need extra help, in one diverse classroom.

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

I support an elected School Board and Council oversight of the DOE.

Do you support public funding of abortion?

Yes

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

Do you smoke or otherwise consume weed?

Sometimes

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?

I have not supported them. In 2018 I was a Manhattan Borough Director with Amplify Her and we worked actively against the IDC. In particular I volunteered with Biaggi’s campaign and knocked doors in the Bronx.

What will you do to support nightlife in NYC?

Right now it is imperative that we do what we can at the city level to get our local nightlife employers and employees financial relief so that clubs can remain open once things get back to normal.

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

Yes. I’m close with Andrew Rigie of the Hospitality Alliance and seek his input regularly.

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

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. And personally, I absolutely LOVE dancing!

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

I oppose the way de Blasio and Cuomo handled the entire process. They sat behind closed doors, without community input, and overcompensated on unnecessary giveaways. That said, I am all for finding ways to bring good paying jobs to New York. Specifically jobs that promote labor unions and spark surrounding businesses like coffee shops, restaurants, etc.

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

I believe we should reform the ULURP process and replace developer-led rezonings and member deference with comprehensive land-use planning that incorporates community engagement and plans for a city that centers fair housing, equity, integration, access to healthcare, sustainability and a thriving economy. I was thrilled to see the new Comprehensive Planning proposal and will watch very closely to see how this develops.

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

Yes

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

Yes and I have been active with the Open Hearts Initiative. In fact, I helped draft and promote the initial change.org petition that spawned the Open Hearts Initiative! We were active in supporting the men before any of our local elected officials became vocal about it. I have been trolled relentlessly for my support of the men (and even personally threatened) but I have not wavered.

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

As an attorney, I practiced immigration law including representing many asylum seekers. I believe it’s critical that immigrants are able to build stable, thriving lives for themselves here. As a sanctuary city, NYC should have laws in place to make sure retaliation or denial of services (due to immigration status, etc.) is illegal.

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.

I support Universal healthcare, but I believe this should be provided at the federal level rather than funding through the state budgets as the federal government is the only level of government that can carry a deficit and can tax all US billionaires.

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?

I was not here in 2013 but I probably would have supported Christine Quinn I worked for Dawn Smalls in the 2019 PA Special Election Hillary and Biden (though I was a Kamala supporter in the primary) Cuomo and Tish James

Top 3 issues you aim to address locally and legislatively

Economic Recovery Affordable Housing Climate Action

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 was excited to see the Speaker’s recent proposal for comprehensive planning for the city and I believe an overhaul of ULURP and our zoning processes are long overdue.

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

One of the most important powers is passing the budget. Where we put our money matters, and the wrong things have been prioritized for too long. Oversight of city agencies is also important - especially during this public health crisis. We need to make sure the agencies have the resources they need to be held accountable to the people they serve. Land Use is also a priority of mine given I want to upzone for affordable housing in high opportunity neighborhoods.

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?

Yes I would work with Jim Owles and I would be grateful for guidance on policy issues and would look forward to partnering together on issues.

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?