Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Shanel Thomas-Henry for City Council District 21
Candidate Name: Shanel Thomas-Henry
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 21
Campaign Website: https://www.shanelforcouncil.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
My dedication to the community is unwavering. Over the past eight years, I have focused on creating economic opportunities through workforce development and providing access to
education and training for the next generation in STEM fields. On a civic level, I have actively participated not only on my community board but also with several nonprofits dedicated to supporting our most vulnerable residents. Community is deeply rooted in my heart, and this passion drives me to do more. While I have been engaged in activism and lived in the community for almost my whole life, I realize that to elevate my efforts and foster transformative policies that benefit all New Yorkers, I must embrace this new chapter in my journey to get things done. It is the combination of my work in the community and with successful workforce development programs, coupled with my life experiences growing up and raising my kids in the district- that make me the most qualified candidate to represent District 21.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
I have not worked directly with specific LGBTQ+ organizations but I have always ensured my community work is intersectional to include my neighbors of all gender and sexual orientation.
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?
I have attended WFP/NYIC rallies to stand up for the protection of our immigrant communities and denounce the Trump administration.
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?
Local government is more important now than ever before. With the loss of federal funds to our education system and more, institutions like the City Council and our City agencies are the last line of defense for the working families of New York City. With a city budget of over 110 billion dollars it is imperative that we mind the gap for our public healthcare, education, and transit systems to ensure working people are not pushed out by the rising costs or the fear of deportation. As a Council Member I will use my legislative power to enact laws that safeguard human rights protections for our LGBTQ neighbors, especially when it comes to gender affirming care and the safety of trans people nationwide. We are and need to continue to be a safe haven for all people.
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?
I will absolutely not seek their endorsement and I do pledge to denounce their homophobia and anti-choice positions.
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?
I believe this is the same as question 5. So my answer is the same, Local government is more important now than ever before. With the loss of federal funds to our education system and more, institutions like the City Council and our City agencies are the last line of defense for the working families of New York City. With a city budget of over 110 billion dollars it is imperative that we mind the gap for our public healthcare, education, and transit systems to ensure working people are not pushed out by the rising costs or the fear of deportation. As a Council Member I will use my legislative power to enact laws that safeguard human rights protections for our LGBTQ neighbors, especially when it comes to gender affirming care and the safety of trans people nationwide. We are and need to continue to be a safe haven for all people.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes
Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
No, but I would support these events in my community. As a mom of two young girls, I know Drag Story Hours is a great resource.
9. What proposals will you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I support our current sanctuary laws and the enforcement of it to protect my neighbors. As a City Council Member I will be a loud advocate for maintaining these laws and would vote to overturn any veto or challenge to such a law and any other laws that would strengthen protections for vulnerable New Yorkers like my neighbors in Corona/East Elmhurst.
10. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I have never opposed a shelter, I am actually quite involved in supporting our newest New Yorkers and the homeless as a local community leader. I grew up in the district and have lived there for almost my whole life. I view everyone as my neighbor and because of this I believe
everyone deserves a fair opportunity to succeed. Everyone deserves a roof over their head and access to a job to support their families. I will continue to bring this idea into my legislation and advocacy as a Council Member for some of the most vulnerable in New York City.
11. 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, I would support this resolution.
12. 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, I would support this resolution as well.
13. 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
14. Do you oppose the death penalty? Yes.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement? Yes.
16. 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?
Yes.
17. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
It is too often our Black, Latino, and AAPI New Yorkers who suffer the most violent consequences of our criminal justice system. For this reason, I do commit to a restorative rather
than retributive model of justice. Especially as someone who has done so much work in job creation, I know the power a job can bring to restoring someone's well-being.
18. 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.
19. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
Maya Wiley
20. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
I have not endorsed any candidate and do not plan to at the moment. I am focused on my race and ensuring that District 21 has the best representation in City Hall next year.
21. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
I would strongly take this into consideration
22. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
To address the housing and affordability crisis, I believe we need to do the following things.
Increase Affordable Housing Supply: Identify and develop vacant lots and consider zoning reforms to build more affordable housing, ensuring that there are options built for everyone– renters, homeowners, big families and seniors.
Lower the Rate of Rent-Burdnered New Yorkers: Call on New York State to initiate a rent-freeze on rent stabilized units and increase services to help lower the burden of rent, such as CityFHEPS, SCRIE, DRIE, and more.
Reform Housing Connect: Ensure that NYC HPD is fully staffed to restore trust and ensure transparency in Housing Connect and the City’s lottery system to make affordable housing more accessible to those who need it.
Reimagine Shelters & Support Services: Move beyond temporary hotel placements by providing long-term solutions and essential resources to help people transition to stable housing.
I voted no on City of Yes at my Community Board because I felt there was a lack of local consideration and that it did not go far enough for my specific community. As a Council Member, I would have a lot more authority to make sure my concerns were addressed in the proposal versus the authority I have now as a member of the CB’s Land Use committee. I would always work with my colleagues to get us to the best solution to serve the needs of every community and our city as a whole.
23. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I do not currently have plans centered on this, but when it comes to housing I am primarily focused on what is best for our working class families.
24. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
District 21 is my home, and my neighbors are my family. My early fundraising success is a testament to my strong local network on the natural, grassroots support I already have from the community. I have served on numerous local boards, including, but not limited to, the New York City Industrial Development Agency, Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens CDC, and Community Board 3. I believe this shows my dedication to the holistic betterment of my community and my commitment to co-governance which is one of the core values of being a progressive, community-forward leader.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I have also been endorsed by former Assemblymen Jefferion Aubrey, the Working Families Party, and Make the Road. Additionally, I continue to be the top fundraiser in the race with the most cash on hand of any candidate.
26. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
N/A