Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Thomas P. DiNapoli for State Comptroller

Candidate Name: Thomas P. DiNapoli

Office Seeking Election for: State Comptroller

Website: https://dinapoli2022.com

1. Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified for the role you are seeking.

I have devoted decades of my life to public service as a staffer, local elected official, legislator and State Comptroller. I restored credibility and integrity to an office mired in scandal. I have diligently fulfilled the multiple responsibilities of the state comptroller's office with effectiveness and efficiency.

2. Please identify any openly LGBTQ candidates for public office you have previously or presently endorsed?
I have supported and worked with LGBTQ candidates and officials over the years. Most recent endorsements include Erik Bottcher, Lynn Shulman, Marsha Silverman and Robert Zimmerman.

3. If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBTQ community have you introduced or co-sponsored?

As an Assemblymember I supported legislation like SONDA and expansion of Hate Crimes to include sexual orientation. As comptroller though I cannot sponsor legislation, I have kept a focus on issues of concern to the community within the purview of my office. I have led shareholder proposals to move corporate America on diversity and inclusion on corporate boards and in the workforce. My office has conducted audits of NYC DOE and State Education on the implementation of the Dignity for all Students Act and NYPD on reporting of bias incidents. When I first assumesd office I successfully defended litigation challenging our office's recognition of Canadian same sex marriages with regard to pension benefits.

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

Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club.

5. If applicable, what LGBTQ organizations have you allocated funds to? Thecomptroller does not allocate funds. From my days in the Assembly, Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth and the Long Island Association for AIDS Care.

6. Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBTQ community? I consider myself an allyand friend of the community.

7. Have you marched in any Pride parades? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes. I’ve marched for years in the New York CityGay Pride parade, Queens PridePride, andthe St. Patrick’s for All Parade.

8. Have you employed openly LGBTQ individuals previously? Do you employ any currently? Yes and yes.

9. If you receive the Jim Owles 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 reform issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended and/or participated in?
Over the years I have participated in many such events in support of LGBTQ issues and on behalf of reproductive rights.

11. Have you ever been arrested in pursuit of legislation or for protesting an injustice? Please elaborate.
No.

12. If you are an incumbent, what have you accomplished in your most recent term?
I have grown the state pension fund during a time of great volatility to protect the retirement security of 1.1 million New Yorkers. Issued hundreds of audits and reports on key issues to make government more effective. Efficiently managed the state payroll, contracts and payments systems. Advanced transparency on government spending with our Open Book New York and Federal Funding tracker websites. Managed a 2800 person state agency through the challenge of the pandemic.

13. For the following pieces of legislation, please answer if you support and how you have publicly indicated such support:

A. Fair and Timely Parole (S.7514A / A.4231A): A bill pending in Albany that would ensure access to a fair parole release process for incarcerated people in New York State. This bill ensures that decisions on parole are not solely based on the nature of the original crimes but centers incarcerated peoples’ record of rehabilitation and assessment of current risk to public safety.

B. Elder Parole (S.15A / A.8855): A bill pending in Albany that would allow elderly incar- cerated people who have served at least 15 years in prison an opportunity to appear before the Parole Board for a chance at release.

With regard to these and other questions on specific legislation I generally do not endorse specific bills. The comptroller's role is distinct from the legislature and the governor who have direct decision making powers on legislation. To preserve our independent oversight role and the credibility of our audit and reporting work, it is not appropriate for the comptroller to state a position on every legislative or budget proposal.

14, If you do not support any of the above legislation, why not?See above. I would add that after meeting with advocates, I have issued reports on the increase in the share of older incarcerated individuals in our prison system. The 2022 report urged policymakers to examine safely reducing the population of incarcerated individuals age 50 and over. Reports like this thoughtfully inform the debate on proposals like elder parole in a way that is appropriate to our role.

15. Do you oppose life without parole sentences and other extreme prison sentences that don’t allow incarcerated peoples’ cases to be reassessed regardless of how much they change?

As a legislator I supported life without parole as an alternative to the death penalty which I oppose.

16. What is your position on the recent revisions to bail reform? No position, see #13

17. The recent changes to bail reform will criminalize people for crimes of poverty. If someone is arrested for allegedly stealing diapers twice, judges are allowed to set bail and keep the person incarcerated pre-trial. Do you agree with this change to the bail law?
Noposition. See #13

18. Do you commit to visiting constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons and city jails? If incumbent, when did you do so last?

No but I am open to visiting.

19. Do you support legislation outlawing solitary confinement in all prisons statewide including city jails? Will you work to ensure that the HALT Solitary Confinement Act, which went into effect on April 1, is fully and effectively implemented?

HALT is state law and I support its implementation.

20. When was the last time you were inside a correctional facility? About 13 years ago.

21. Do you believe sincere remorse and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?

Both should be considered.

22. Do you support the frequent, year-round use of executive clemency? Yes.

23. Will you publicly support calls to release 200 incarcerated New Yorkers within 200 days of the Governor taking office?

That's the Governor's prerogative.

24. Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals? Yes.

25. Do you support Clean Slate legislation (S1553C / A.6399) that allow for the automatic sealing of certain convictions and protect against the discrimination of formerly incarcerated people in housing and employment?No position. See #13.

26 Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work? Do you support the bill introduced by Julia Salazar (S.6419 / A. 8230), which fully decriminalizes sex work?
Some in sex work are victims of abuse and some even of human trafficking. Some do it out of economic necessity. I do not support the criminalization of sex workers. No position on the bill.

27. Will you actively oppose legislation (S.6040 / A.7069) that would implement the dangerous Nordic model instead of the decriminalization of prostitution?
No position on the bill. Whatever the legislative remedy we must ensure that sex workers are not victimized or fall prey to human trafficking.

28. Do you support ending qualified immunity for police and other law enforcement individuals? No.

29. What proposals will you advocate for to protect immigrants and further New York as a “Sanctuary State”?

Immigrants, including the undocumented, should have access to crucial government benefits and services. I have put forward a number of reports that document the contributions of the immigrant communities to the strength of New York. I released a report on the benefits of the Dream Act which advocates and legislators cited as supportive of the bill's eventual enactment. I spoke out against Trump era anti immigrant policies including ending DACA.

30. Do you support New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act (A.4321a/S.6471)? No position. See # 13.

31. Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces? No position.

32. Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates

I have not and do not support the IDC.

33. Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBTQ representation among your staff? Yes.

34. Who did you support for office in the following primaries or special elections: A) Mayor in 2021 B) President in 2016 and 2020 C) Governor and Attorney General in 2018?
A: No endorsement
B. Clinton and Biden

C. Cuomo and No endorsement

35. Do you support term limits for statewide office holders? For State Legislators?

No and No

36. Describe any legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination.
I have stepped up our efforts to promote change in workplaces by elevating DEI initiatives in our pension fund's corporate engagements. For example, I have introduced shareholder proposals at a number of companies to require independent racial equity audits. This is to address concerns about discriminatory treatments of Black and Brown employees, employment policies and impact of operations on disadvantaged communities. Just this week, I secured an agreement from Amazon to undertake such an audit, a significant first step.

37. 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 increased funding for community colleges, CUNY and SUNY.My office is working on an updated report on student debt burden in New York which I expect will better inform this discussion.

38. Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Do you support the New York Health Act? Please elaborate.
When I was in the Assembly I voted in favor of the New York Health Act when it first came up for a vote. Many of our allies in labor and public retiree groups have raised concerns about the current version of the bill. Those concerns should be addressed through dialogue.

39. Do you oppose efforts to change laws that banned private contract labor for incarcerated people? Please elaborate.
Yes. New Yorkers who are incarcerated shouldbe treated humanely, not ascommodities.

40. Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I support reproductive rights from access to abortion, including medicaid funding, to access to contraceptives and comprehensive family planning education and services.

41. Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real es- tate industry or law enforcement unions/associations?

No.

42. Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes.

43. Will you commit to not hire any vendors or consultants who are complicit in union-busting? Yes

44. Do you support the legislation to prohibit evictions without good cause (S.3082 / A.5573)? Please explain.
No position. See #13. I would add that during the continuing impact of the pandemic we must provide housing protections for families/people at risk of homelessness.

45. Will you push for the passage of Home Stability Support (HSS) to bridge the difference between the public assistance shelter allowance and fair market rents for NY's 95,000 homeless? Do you support S.856 / A.6032, which amends the Social Services Law to create a statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits and who face eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions?

No position.See #13.

46. What should happen to 421-a? Would you end it, mend it, continue it?
No position.

47. Do you support legalizing accessory dwelling units?
The question of legalizing accessory dwelling units should be addressed at the local level, taking into consideration local needs and requirements.

48. Do you support more state funding for NYCHA? If so, how much? )
NYCHA funding has historically been the responsibility of the federal government and the City.If state funding would be advanced, the comptroller's office would have a role to play in auditing how the funding would be spent.

49. Do you support the Climate and Community Investment Act? (S.4264A / A.6967)? Please ex- plain.

For reasons previously stated I do not endorse specific bills.I do support establishing a price on carbon and expanding support for clean and renewable energy.

50. Do you support the New York Public Banking Act (S.1762A / A. 8290)? Please elaborate. No position.

51. Do you support the New Deal for CUNY (S.4461 / A.5843)? Please elaborate.I do not endorse specific bills. I do support more support for CUNY.

52. 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 re- name the former Queensboro Bridge? Do you authorize the use of your name for such a pur- pose?
Yesand yes.

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

Opposed.

54. Do you support reducing the budget of law enforcement throughout the state, and if so, by how much?

Budgeting for law enforcement is largely the responsibility of local municipalities. I believe each locality should determine the most appropriate funding level with input from stakeholders. I do not support a state mandate to reduce law enforcement funding.

55. Are you in favor of removing police from any of the following? a) Schools; b) Mental health re- sponse calls; c) Homeless outreach and social services; or d) Traffic enforcement.
These choices are best made by local communities with input from stakeholders.

56. Do you support New York City’s current initiatives to remove homeless New Yorkers from the subways and dismantle homeless encampments?

Homelessness is a persistent and vexing challenge.Clearly we need to do more and that includes safe and supportive housing and mental health services. Sadly, as a number of my audits have shown, too many of the programs we fund for outreach services for homeless individuals are poorly administered. If elected again, I will continue to make this a priority for examination.

57. Should law enforcements "Vice Squads" be eliminated? No position.

58. How would you recommend law enforcement officers be penalized for refusing to wear masks in public while on duty, in defiance of city and state rules?
Public facing employees should follow scientifically based masking requirements. Each locality should establish appropriate disciplinary steps for their workforce.

59. Would you support state legislation to make CCRB disciplinary determinations binding? No position.My office currently has an audit underway on the functioning of the CCRB.

60. What will you do to support nightlife in New York State?
During my current term, I have issued reports documenting the economic importance of the entertainment, recreation and restaurant sectors to the city and state. During the pandemic, I have advocated for more government support for these sectors which are a key component to nightlife. Nightlife is a key economic driver and an important reason why people want to be in New York.

61. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs is promoting the idea of creating a third party so that if a progressive candidate wins the primary race there would be a chance to defeat them in the general election. Do you oppose this effort?
I will not participate in the Fair Deal party.

62. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs uses his title and organization to bash and demagogue against progressive Democrats to the point that he is now supporting a candidate who claims com- memorating a Klan leader “has nothing to do with race.” Do you call for his removal.

The state chair serves at the pleasure of the Governor. That is a question for the gubernatorial candidates.

63. What are the top 3 issues you aim to address legislatively?

Again, I'm not a legislator but these are among my priorities: Maintaining the reputation as an independent, credible voice in ethically fulfilling the unique role that the comptroller's office plays in state government; fully implement the pension fund's climate action plan to reduce the risk of climate change and to participate in the opportunities in the emerging low carbon economy and achieve a net zero GHG emissions portfolio by 2040; restoration of the independent contract review that was removed from the comptroller during the prior gubernatorial administration; defend defined benefit public pensions from attempts at privatization or attempts to change to defined contribution plans; track the long term financial plan of the state budget to keep focus on aligning recurring spending with recurring revenue.

64. How much money do you presently have in your campaign account?
Approximately $1.7 million.

65. What additional information would you like members The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision concerning your candidacy?

I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for endorsement by Jim Owles which is a leading progressive voice in New York politics. I have been pleased to support the Club's events over the years and I appreciate that even if each of us may not agree on every issue, we have enjoyed an open and understanding dialogue. It has been the highlight of my career to serve as state comptroller. I love my job and value the work of the dedicated civil servants in my agency who have worked hard every day, especially during the pandemic, to fulfill the mission of our office to serve the people of New York. I respectfully request your endorsement and I would be honored to receive it.