Antonacci (R)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Onondaga County Comptroller (2008-Present)

Previous Work: Adjunct Professor, Le Moyne College; Lawyer in private practice; Ernst & Young

Education: BA, Le Moyne College; JD, Syracuse University; Holds a CPA License

On the Issues

• Approvals and Audits of Government Spending↓

  Proposes to investigate government spending more aggressively: "My main problem with the current comptroller is what he's not auditing, in particular the administration and the legislature, but in terms of local government, I won't be a 'gotcha auditor.' We need to help them out with basic things like reconciling their bank statements... There's no conversation for my opponent about lowering the cost of government... We can talk about consolidation all day, but until we talk about the actual cost of government, property taxes are going to continue to rise." Politics on the Hudson

  "[P]erformed countless audits [as Onandaga County Comptroller] to ensure the people's money is being spent properly and honestly."

  Plans to increase funding to infrastructure using money collected in fines: "[There should be more work] in infrastructure... There have been no solutions but "ask the federal government for more aid"... We're taking more money out of the community... We need to do things like take all the penalties money... and put that completely towards infrastructure." Politics on the Hudson

  Plans to work more closely with local comptrollers in auditing processes: "I would ask that my opponent, when he looks to get these statutes passed for these reforms, that we include a provision that local comptrollers can be involved in these type of audits because there's nobody that cares more about the local development companies and the IDAs in my community than me. I think it would be very beneficial for us to work together in these areas..." Politics on the Hudson

• Management of Pension Funds↓

  Proposes a move away from the current pension system: "We have to talk about the taxpayers who are continuing the pension fund... We're kicking the can down the road on other programs because our pension program is basically unsustainable and it is taking money out of our communities... We at least have to examine a 401k type plan. It would certainly be grandfathered in; it would not affect current retirees... But we need to go to a 401k type plan or the taxpayer is going to continue to fund this." Politics on the Hudson

• Reviewing the Budget Process↓

  On expanding the role of the comptroller in the budget process, particularly as pertains to education: "We need this position... to be more active in how we move this state forward, and I would urge him to get more involved in actually making decisions and making audits and reports that get to the hard of how government is run... You control a lot, and you should get more involved." Politics on the Hudson

• Participation in Campaign Finance Program↓

  Stated that he "will 'wholeheartedly' use the public financing system approved by lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this year." CNYCentral
  

  Received approval from NYS Board of Elections to participate in the matching public financing pilot program, if he meets the minimum campaign donation threshold of "$200,000 from 2,000 individual state donors who give between $10 and $175." Politics on the Hudson

  On term limits in conjunction with campaign financing: "I believe in term limits. I think there's one sure way, in addition to campaign finance reform... I think that term limits is something we should be evaluating as a way of cleaning up the corruption in Albany." Politics on the Hudson

Endorsements

Organizations: NYS Republican Party

Individuals: 

Portelli (G)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: 

Previous Work: Albany School Board

Education: 

On the Issues

• Positions↓

  Supports "progressive tax and budget policies," particularly in the way of "restoring revenue sharing with local governments and school districts, many of which are in fiscal distress and facing insolvency." Proposes to "retain, not rebate 100% of the Stock Transfer Tax ($12 to $16 billion a year in revenue in recent years)."

  Aims for "fossil fuel divestment from the state pension fund... [which] would also benefit the fund financially because fossil fuel companies are high risk investments."

  Proposes a "state bank (similar to North Dakota's) to finance public projects and economic development (including a clean energy transition) at lower cost than private lending because the state, not Wall Street, receives the interest. The State deposits its cash reserves in its own bank instead of Wall Street banks."

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Clifton (L)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Astorino (R)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate: Christopher Moss

Currently: Westchester County Executive (2010 - Present)

Previous Work: Station Manager at Sirius-XM Satellite Radio; Candidate for Westchester County Executive (2005); Member of Westchester Board of Legislators (2003 - 2005); Councilman on the Mount Pleasant Town Board, six years as deputy supervisor (1991 - 2003)

Education: BA, Fordham University

On the Issues

• Budget↓

  On the 2014 budget: "A state budget that raises spending by a nickel is a failed opportunity...New York is systematically dying because of over taxing and overspending, and, here again, we are adding to a taxpayer burden which is already the highest in the nation. ... I will use the budget process to identify savings to put back in the pockets of average New Yorkers, just like I did in Westchester...Until we strike a healthy balance between what we want and what we can afford, New York will continue to chase away jobs and remain on the losing path." Daily News

  [/item

  [item title="Economy↓"]

  Taxes:

  "Astorino froze or cut the county tax levy every year he has served, and he has reduced overall spending in the county by 5.2%, the most in real dollars of any county in New York State. [During his term as County Executive, Westchester received] the highest credit rating among counties in New York, and it has retained and attracted new businesses to the county, helping create 30,000 new private-sector jobs from 2010-2014."

  Stated that "New York State is the highest taxed, most regulated, least business friendly state in the America under Governor Cuomo," and that he plans to "revitalize New York's stagnant economy."

  Proposes to reform "New York's antiquated tax code and regulatory system, cut spending in real terms and reduce the cost of doing business in New York, ... attack high property taxes by providing real mandate relief to our local governments."

  "If we take our foot off their necks, reduce taxes in a meaningful way and be business friendly in this state as opposed to hostile to business, then we'll see the entrepreneurs set up shop here and have that next great idea happen in New York or just have companies decide to expand here. But it's not going to happen given the climate we have here and the taxes and the cost of living and the electrical rates. ... "Unless the state begins to reduce spending and live within its means and allow schools and local municipalities to really control their own costs, this will just continue to happen." The Citizen

  "I'll reduce or hold flat state spending in each of the next four years to begin to get state expenses and costs under control. I'll make the property tax cap permanent, eliminate the 18a tax assessment on utility ratepayers, and get rid of the estate tax." Press Release, September 19, 2014

  "We will cut income taxes across the board. I will direct my budget division and tax department on Day 1 to come up with a detailed plan for a flatter and fairer system that will have two brackets instead of eight and which will give New York one of the lowest tax rates in the Northeast, making New York much more competitive than it has been in over a generation. My inclination is for two rates - 4% for all income under $200,000 ($300,000 for married couples) and 6% for all marginal income above $200,000 ($300,000 for married couples). I also want to see New York's four-page tax form reduced to one single page. Taxes should be simple and transparent -- they should not be so complicated and convoluted that one has to hire an accountant or buy expensive software to figure out what they owe." Press Release, October 1, 2014

  Proposes to: "Cut the corporate franchise tax to 5.9% by 2019; Eliminate the estate tax by 2020; Make permanent the property tax cap; Eliminate the 18a tax assessment on utility bills... To help pay for these tax cuts we will pledge to reduce or hold flat state budget spending in each of the next four years, matching my record in Westchester. We'll eliminate most of the $1.7 billion in business tax credits starting with the $420 million New York Film Tax Credit." Press Release, October 1, 2014

  Industry:

  States that he "will rebuild our infrastructure and work with the private sector to form public-private partnerships, bringing manufacturing and high tech industries back to New York." 

  Favors natural gas exploration in New York State: "President (Barack) Obama absolutely favors natural gas exploration and is encouraging it. The Interior Department, the energy secretary have all said we should be exploring natural gas. Thirty states permit it, including many Democratic governors. There are those in the environmental community that feel very strongly that if there are proper regulations, as we should have, then we should do it. The economic boom that would be unleashed for the Southern Tier, Central New York and all of New York would be incredible. Literally tens of thousands of people would go back to work with all different skill sets. It could change families for generations. We could use all that billions of dollars in revenue that comes into the state and local municipalities to lower taxes or to help education. And it's clean for the environment and it would help lower our energy costs." The Citizen

  On tech startups: "We'll accelerate technology start-ups by modeling after what Silicon Valley does well - encouraging private capital; streamlining the tech-transfer process at state colleges and universities; passing a law that bans the enforceability of "non-compete agreements"; and supporting entrepreneurial networks... We have excellent colleges and universities and we need to retain that brainpower and empower them to start ventures in this city and in this state." Press Release, October 1, 2014

  On pension reform: "We'll reform the pension system by offering new public employees a voluntary pension choice between the current "defined benefit" plan and a "defined contribution" plan (like a 401K). SUNY has had such a choice since the 1960s and 71% of employees have chosen the 401K-style plan." Press Release, October 1, 2014

  On minimum wage: "Economically you can't have every area determine a different rate; we'd be cannibalizing each other. A $13 rate or a $15 rate in upstate New York will crush the economy up there which is already in a recession, and people will leave, and people will be fired. Unfortunately, they can't afford it... There's no set number in my mind—not like a $10.10, a $13, a $15—but I think we have to gradually raise it." WNYC 

  On tackling poverty by providing localized community support programs: "We need to redefine compassion in this country and as governor we'll redefine it in this state. We'll undertake an unprecedented effort to combat poverty but it will be guided by the goals of empowerment, self-reliance and opportunity - not by simply throwing more money into welfare programs... We will transform our public assistance programs, offer educational choice to the parents of children in failing schools, provide skills training and entrepreneurial assistance, and work with local Church and community leaders to help emphasize the critical, and often neglected, role of the father in the life of the child." Press Release, October 1, 2014

• Education↓

  Supports an "education tax credit." Vimeo  

  Believes that NYS needs "more charter schools ..., not fewer" and plans to "lift the cap on charter schools and provide students with opportunity to excel."

  Has criticized Cuomo for not supporting a tax credit proposal incentivizing donations to private school scholarship funds as well as public schools. Capital New York

  Proposes to "promote vocational schools and enhanced job training programs to help develop and strengthen New York's workforce."

  Has criticized Gov. Cuomo's and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's emphasis on Pre-K, and believes that new funding should be allocated to the state's elementary schools instead. Observer 

  Common Core:

  Proposes to "replace [Common Core] with better standards, teaching and testing, all set and controlled at the local level."

  "I'm a product of public schools. I went to public schools, I was on the School Board, that was my public service, and my wife's a teacher, a special education teacher. So I believe very much in public education. Common Core is a disaster and has been since day one... When we do get out of it we're going to replace it with better standards... I'm concerned that it should not be the federal bureaucrats' decision on what happens in classrooms in New York State... Teachers are becoming automatons... There can be a more portfolio [based] approach... Vocational skills, I think should be back in the classroom." WNYC

  "We'll replace Common Core with better standards developed by New York education experts and with input from parents and teachers. The myth of Common Core is that the standards are high but many experts say they are not. The Mathematics and English Language Arts content experts on the Common Core validation committee refused to endorse the standards saying they were of poor quality. Dr. James Milgram and Dr. Sandra Stotsky HAVE endorsed my Education Plan... [I propose] to have direct elections for the Board of Regents; increase the availability of vocational training and STEM study in schools; better prepare a student to succeed in college, career and in life; and give students and parents more choices for school and for study." Press Release, October 1, 2014

• Election Reform↓

  Proposed a 10-point ethics plan, including the following:

  • "Term Limits - Limit statewide elected officials to two terms (8 years) and state legislators to four terms (8 years).
  • Prohibit Personal Use of Campaign Money - Establish clear guidelines to limit donations solely to election-related activities."

• Environment↓

  Hydraulic Fracturing:

  Favors natural gas exploration in New York State: "President (Barack) Obama absolutely favors natural gas exploration and is encouraging it. The Interior Department, the energy secretary have all said we should be exploring natural gas. Thirty states permit it, including many Democratic governors. There are those in the environmental community that feel very strongly that if there are proper regulations, as we should have, then we should do it. The economic boom that would be unleashed for the Southern Tier, Central New York and all of New York would be incredible. Literally tens of thousands of people would go back to work with all different skill sets. It could change families for generations. We could use all that billions of dollars in revenue that comes into the state and local municipalities to lower taxes or to help education. And it's clean for the environment and it would help lower our energy costs." The Citizen

  "I think that we need natural gas exploration in New York, specifically the Utica Shale and the Marcellus Shale [which] cover about two thirds of New York."  WNYC 

  "To rescue a large swath of Upstate New York we'll move forward with safe and clean natural gas exploration and extraction in the Southern Tier. President Obama supports hydrofracking. The EPA has said it's safe. We'll move forward with the proper environmental safeguards in place and join the 30 other states in harvesting this abundant energy resource beneath the ground." Press Release, October 1, 2014

  As Westchester Executive, Astorino:

  • "helped amend the County Charter to require the purchase of high-mileage, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles."
  • "collaborated with local partners to realize important gains in making Westchester County's Hudson River waterfront."
  • "proposed over $25 million of capital investments in each of the last two years for county parks."  
  • "the Materials Recovery Facility in Yonkers has expanded recycling to include #3-7 plastics [during his term]."
  • advocated "for solar energy usage, through providing tax exemptions to homeowners who retrofit their homes with solar panels." 

• Government Accountability↓

  Stated: "New York is the most corrupt state in the country under Andrew Cuomo."

  Stated: "The corruption by government officials in New York has reached a staggering level of embarrassment. The culture of corruption does not just affect the perpetrators, but average New Yorkers end up paying a stealth corruption tax as a result of these insider deals." Politics on the Hudson

  Plans to "demand the resignation of Sheldon Silver as Assembly Speaker. Mr. Silver used hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to silence victims of sexual abuse in Albany in order to protect his political cronies. What did Governor Cuomo do? He protected Silver from being criminally investigated."

  Proposed a 10-point ethics plan, which includes:

  • "Term Limits - Limit statewide elected officials to two terms (8 years) and state legislators to four terms (8 years).
  • Limit Legislative Session - Convene regular session the first week in January and end on April 1, when the budget is due; Special session throughout the year can be called by a petition request from two-thirds vote of both legislative houses or by the Governor as defined in the State Constitution.
  • Independent State Commission on Public Ethics (I-SCOPE) to replace J-COPE. Five members appointed by judiciary with independent budget to receive and investigate complaints of official misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault.
  • Strengthen FOIL - Require proactive online posting of records and information required for release under FOIL requests; Information would be posted on single statewide database managed by State Comptroller.
  • Defined Contribution Plan for Newly Elected - Require all newly elected officials to join SUNY's Defined Contribution Plan instead of the existing pension system.
  • Pension Strip - Loss of taxpayer-funded pension for any elected official convicted of public corruption.
  • Prohibit Personal Use of Campaign Money - Establish clear guidelines to limit donations solely to election-related activities.
  • Ban Conflict of Interest Member Items - No "member items" to any non-profit or business affiliated with a state elected official or an immediate family member.
  • Replace Per-Diem System and require receipts for travel, lodge and food.
  • End Taxpayer-funded Vanity - Prohibit any building, facility or capital project that was paid for with taxpayer money to be named for any current elected official." Lohud 

  Called for more rigorous investigation of the Andrew Cuomo's involvement in the Moreland Commission, including the appointment of a special prosecutor by the Attorney General: "This is beyond outrageous. Obviously, it's criminal... Every step of the way [the Commission] took orders from Andrew Cuomo... In a way, what Eliot Spitzer did was nothing compared to this." NY State of Politics 

  On regulations: "I'll sign an executive order on first day instituting a moratorium on any new regulation and a thorough review of the 750,000 regulations currently on the books. I'll also adopt the 2,219 regulatory reforms proposed last January by a bipartisan Senate panel. That includes repealing the Scaffold Law, reforming Workers Comp and the State Environmental Quality Review Act and eliminating incorporation fees for new small businesses." Press Release, September 19, 2014

  Astorino has called for more rigorous investigation of the Andrew Cuomo's involvement in the Moreland Commission, including the appointment of a special prosecutor by the Attorney General: "This is beyond outrageous. Obviously, it's criminal... Every step of the way [the Commission] took orders from Andrew Cuomo... In a way, what Eliot Spitzer did was nothing compared to this." (http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/07/astorino-calls-for-special-prosecutor-in-moreland-case/)

  "Speaking of cracking down... Chris and I will crack down on Albany corruption. We'll increase transparency and accountability and demand term limits for all state lawmakers and a loss of taxpayer-funded pension for any public official convicted of felony corruption. Let me say that again: I will deliver term limits for all state officials through a 2017 constitutional convention ballot issue. We'll also create a truly Independent State Commission on Public Ethics (I-SCOPE). Five members appointed by the judiciary with an independent budget to receive and investigate complaints of official misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault." Press Release, October 1, 2014

• Infrastructure↓

  Proposes to "rebuild our infrastructure and work with the private sector to form public-private partnerships, bringing manufacturing and high tech industries back to New York."

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  On the NYSAFE Act: "I would. I would absolutely move to repeal the law because it's a law that will not do anything to make us safer... If you really want to make our communities safer, then we should be treating violence as a disease. We should be really scrutinizing and
  strengthening the mental health system... Demonizing law-abiding citizens is not the answer to gun violence." The Citizen

For Gotham Gazette's exploration of his work in elected office, see The Astorino Record.

Endorsements

Organizations: Republican Party of New York State; Conservative Party of New York

Individuals: Former Massachusetts Governor Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney; Former Rep. Rick Lazio; Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (D-9); Former Governor George Pataki; Councilman Eric Ulrich (D-32); Carl Paladino; Texas Governor Rick Perry; Salsa Dancer, Willie Colon

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate

Hawkins (G)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate: Brian Jones

Currently: Political activist; Secretary of the Board, Eat to Live Food Cooperative

Previous Work: Co-founder of the US Green Party; Co-founder of the Clamshell Alliance; Candidate for Governor (2010); Candidate for Congress (NY-25) (2008); Candidate for US Senate (2006); UPS employee

Education: Dartmouth College

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  Hawkins proposes the following wage reforms:

  Proposes:

  • "A state $15/hour minimum wage, indexed to productivity.
  • Home rule for municipalities to set a higher than state level minimum wage.
  • Includ[ing] tipped workers in the minimum wage increase.
  • Enforc[ing] minimum wage and labor laws.
  • Increas[ing] funding and staffing for the Department of Labor in order to rapidly resolve the 14,000 case backlog of years old complaints about unpaid wages.
  • End[ing] wage theft, which amounts to $1 billion a year in New York City alone."

  Proposes establishing a state-owned bank: "Create a state-owned bank to finance public projects and private businesses at lower cost than private banking. Between 35% and 40% of the cost of public projects is interest on borrowing. When the state owns the bank, it gets this interest back, which it can use finance more projects at less cost than borrowing from private investors. The state bank would be capitalized by the deposits of state tax revenues, a portion of state pension funds, and private individuals, businesses, and pension funds that want to invest in the future of New York. This capital would then be invested in productive ventures in New York State that benefit the people."

  "State policy should support the development of unionized worker- and consumer-owned cooperatives in place of corporate welfare giveaways to investor-owned businesses. Cooperatives distribute the net income ("profit") created by the co-ops' members in proportion to each members contribution. For worker co-ops the contribution is labor. For consumer co-ops the contribution is purchases. Co-ops therefore create a just and fair distribution of the net income of the business in contrast to investor-owned businesses where the investors capture all the profits.

  The state bank should have a technical assistance arm to provide business planning, technical assistance, and mentoring for the development worker and consumer cooperatives.

  The state should partner with labor unions in creating unionized co-ops that combine worker or consumer ownership with collective bargaining in a way makes the workplace more participatory and accountable to workers and protects the needs of workers as both owners and workers of the co-op.

  Cooperatives are how we can own our own jobs because they locally owned, democratically controlled, and have no incentives to move jobs
  and capital out of state."

• Education↓

  Proposes to:

  • "Eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment and the state-mandated local tax cap."
  • Provide "100% Foundation Aid for public schools."
  • Provide "fully funded, full day, and developmentally appropriate Universal Pre-K and Kindergarten with certified and unionized educators."
  • "Opt out of high-stakes testing for students, teachers, and schools."
  • "Opt out of Common Core and Race To The Top."
  • "Opt into common standards, curricula, and diagnostic tests written by professional teachers in the schools, not by outside corporate contractors."
  • "Opt into teacher and school evaluation based on collaboration."
  • Support "state legislation to reduce class sizes and case loads."
  • Provide "free tuition at CUNY, SUNY, and Community Colleges."

  "We're saying opt-out of high-stakes testing, which is the road to privitization, it's designed to fail schools and turn them into private charters. We say opt out of Common Core, let our teachers--not some corporate contractors--write the test." Youtube 

   

• Election Reform↓

  Hawkins voluntarily capped his individual donations at $2,600 to match the permissible maximums in federal elections. He also does not accept contributions from for-profit corporations and businesses. NY State of Politics

  Proposes "ending the loss of voting rights for felons and parolees. Denying voting rights is not much of a punishment. Encouraging felons to participate in civic affairs can be part of rehabilitation and reintegration into society after serving time." 

   

• Environment↓

  "We want to commit to one hundred percent clean energy by 2030." Youtube

  "The Green New Deal starts with the Economic Bill of Rights that Roosevelt called for in 1944 in his State of the Union Address asking that Congress enact legislation so that everyone... who's willing and able to work could have a job, living wages, good education, affordable housing, healthcare. Now, the Green New Deal part is that we've got to deal with the climate crisis and ecological crisis and affordable energy... The state energy draft plan is too little too late. They call for eighty by fifty—eighty percent reduction below 1990 levels of carbon emissions by 2050. The climate science says that's too little too late." WCNY

  "We need a smart grid, so... every home, every business, every office, can be a power plant with solar rooftops, wind generators. You build out that infrastructure with a smart grid so you can sell your surplus and buy when you need it. You get distributed generation... It's sunshine. The sun shines, the wind blows, the waves lap at our shores—that is basically free energy once you set up the system to capture it. That reduces energy costs... Building out that clean energy system with commercially available technology, in fifteen years, it's a $600 mil investment, and would create 4.5 million jobs." WCNY

  "We want clean energy from the abundant energies of the sun, wind, and water - energy that is so widely distributed that every home and business can capture, use, store, and share it. We want a future without the coal, oil, and gas burning that is heating up our only planet." 

  Proposes to "build in 15 years a full clean energy system based on distributed renewable energy production, hydrogen fuel cell energy storage, electrified transportation, solar-based heating and cooling, and an interactive smart grid."

  Proposes to ban all new Fossil Fuel Infrastructure. "No new gas pipelines. No Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities. No railway tank cars, tank trucks, or liquid cargo barges carrying Bakken fracked shale oil or Alberta tar sands bitumen through New York State."

  Proposes to shut down Indian Point entirely, combined with "a rapid phase out [of] all New York nuclear power plants."

  "It is time to democratize the utilities and fossil-fuel industries under public ownership and democratic control. The road to solar power is public power. We need a public energy system to realize the goal of 100% clean energy by 2030."

• Health↓

  Proposes "a publicly-funded, single-payer health care program for all New Yorkers," in which all medically necessary services [are] covered," without co-pays or deductibles.

• Housing↓

  Proposes the following:

  • "Repeal the Urstadt Law.
  • Statewide income-based tax credits for renters.
  • Statewide income-based property tax circuit breaker for homeowners.
  • Provide rent stabilization coverage for all Mitchell-Lama and project-based Section 8 buildings that have left government supervision.
  • Moratorium on home foreclosure.
  • Require refinancing of mortgages at homes' current market values.
  • State funding for underfunded public housing authorities.
  • Build new high-quality, mixed-income public housing."

   

  "We need to make housing affordable for all New Yorkers, not just the rich, the landlords and the gentrifiers. In addition to a rent freeze, we need all levels of government to take action to ensure affordable housing, including expanding rent subsidies and building and improving public housing. Families should not have to pay more than 30% of their income for housing." 

• Labor↓

  Proposed numerous initiatives as part of his "Green New Deal," including:

  • Public jobs for the unemployed in public works and public services to meet community-defined needs;
  • A state-funded and locally-planned full employment program;
  • A state $15/hour minimum wage, indexed to productivity;
  • Home rule for municipalities to set a higher than state level minimum wage;
  • Including tipped workers in the minimum wage increase;
  • Enforcing minimum wage and labor laws;
  • Increasing funding and staffing for the Department of Labor in order to rapidly resolve the 14,000 case backlog of years old complaints about unpaid wages;
  • Ending wage theft, which amounts to $1 billion a year in New York City alone.
  • A living income above poverty for all who cannot or should not work.

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  "The Governor should appoint a Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission charged with examining and addressing the impact of the War on Drugs and Mass Incarceration in New York State, including the devastating and lingering impact on people and communities of color. The Commission would assess the impact, hear from the people affected, and recommend policies to end mass incarceration and repair its damages."

  "New York State should raise the age of adult criminal responsibility to 18. New York and North Carolina are the last two states that automatically send children who turn 16 into the adult criminal justice system. More than 30,000 youth were treated as adults in New York's criminal justice system in 2013. More than 600 children from 13 to 15 years old were also sent into the adult criminal justice system for certain offenses last year. Children's brains, characters, and personalities are still developing. They should be sent into the juvenile justice system for offenses. Children incarcerated in adult facilities are more likely to suffer physical and emotional abuse. Children prosecuted as adults to return to prison at higher rates than those prosecuted in juvenile courts. Treating children as adults in the criminal justice system undermines the goal of rehabilitating youth and protecting public safety."

  Proposes to "opt into affirmative action to reduce school segregation by race and class, such as regional inter-district transfer programs."

• Recreation and Culture↓

  When asked what sort of ball he would throw if elected: "I would throw a Jubilee Ball to celebrate canceling the debt of students and predatory mortgages. People could bring their loan papers to shred into confetti and write their balloon payments on actual balloons. We'll end prohibition of cannabis, so people can celebrate as they see fit. It'd be a zero waste event. No water bottles. Hydration station water fountains, composting. Food served would be sourced from within 300 miles of the Jubilee Ball. Beer would be served in the Ommegang Brewery Beer Garden. The performers we would invite would include Arcade Fire, Immortal Technique, Chuck D, Ozomatli, Rebel Diaz, Erykah Badu, Kathleen Hannah and the Julie Ruin, Ani DiFranco, Las Cafeteras, Eddie Vedder, Nirvana with Krist Novoselic and Joan Jett, Natalie Merchant, Tom Morello, Rubblebucket Orchestra, Thunderbody, Sophistafunk, Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde, Pussy Riot, and the Rude Mechanical Orchestra."  Noisey

• Transportation↓

  Proposes to "build an electrified rail and vehicle transportation system that includes convenient and affordable intra-urban mass transit, inter-urban rail for intermediate distances, and high-speed rail for long distances."

  Proposes to "fully fund the MTA capital program to maintain the good repair of the New York City region's mass transit system." 

Endorsements

Organizations: Green Party of New York State; New Progressive Alliance; New York Badass Teacher's Association; United Opt Out; International Socialist Organization; Socialist Alternative; Solidarity

Individuals: CUNY Graduate Center Professor Stanely Aronowitz; Co-Director, Campaign for Peace and Democracy Joanne Landy; Political Activist Ralph Nader

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate

McDermott (L)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate: Christopher Edes

Currently:

Previous Work: Candidate for Congress (NY-3) (2012); Real estate broker and developer (2001-2008); President of the Hauppauge School Board (1987-1989)

Education:

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  "As I look around at the places I visit on my quest to become Governor of New York State, I see firsthand the damage, heartache & suffering that has come from our states faltering economy. Things are bad all over–all of us are feeling it, and it's time for someone to stand up and make a change. It's time for US to make a change.

  No matter how many times I hear about the economic 'recovery', all I see is a cover-up. There is no recovery and we all know it.
  When I left New York some years ago, I left as a successful real estate broker who saw a thriving economy in his rear view mirror. I never thought that when I returned, it would be a painful shell of what it formerly was. Though the banking scandals and real estate bubble of only a few years ago may have caused this mess to happen, people aren't able to get back into their homes nor back into business because of some very simple and clear to point out problems...and the first one is over regulation.

  Government, once again sticking its hand into what it does not understand, has caused a situation in New York (and especially on Long Island) a situation so odious that no one can get anywhere in the matters of business. Government has yet to understand that by only freeing the producers of this nation from regulations can they go on to live their dreams and make the products that benefit us all. Imagine if Steve Jobs or Jeff Bezos had to deal with the regulations we have here, now, when they created Apple Computers & Amazon.com respectively. Could they even have created these two empires (as some would call them) that have come to benefit the people by untold millions? I have to wonder.
  Until government gets out of the way, our States prosperity will never return, and nor will the countless number of young people who have been leaving our state in what many have called (rightfully) an exodus in the hopes of looking for the jobs and futures that this great state
  once had. I think it can have it again and I know we can do it together."

• Education↓

  Opposes Common Core and pledged to end it:

  "Common Core is one of the most important and personal issues in my opinion. Not only because of the enormity of the backlash towards it that has come from countless parents across New York, but because I am one of those parents opposed to it. My daughter Gracie, my youngest, is forced to deal with this debacle of overreach and I have come to see it at the proverbial straw that has broken the camel's back. Do what you want to me, but stay away from my daughter--stay away from our children!

  The system we had before wasn't the best, but at least parents could help their children with it. This nightmare even removes us from this equation as the 'problems' that Common Core puts before our children are so convoluted and (quite frankly) bizarre that we can't help our children with them. Only the schools, the teachers–the State–are able to help our children out, setting into motion the further degradation of the bonds between us and our children, an outcome that I cannot help but believe was part of the reason behind the creation of Common Core in the first place.

  Our children are our most important gift and once again government and big corporations have found a way to further drive us away from each other. I cannot help but think of these words from John D. Rockefeller: 'I do not want a nation of thinkers, I want a nation of workers.'
  Can Common Core give our children any future but this one? I think not, and neither do you, which is why I pledge to put a stop for it once and for all."

• Health↓

  Opposes the Affordable Health Care Act mandate:

  "Obamacare quite roundly epitomizes one of the major realities of our entire nation that I stand against: corporatism, the control of our nation by unaccountable corporations who use the power of government to make us buy their (often defective) products. As Glenn Greenwald wrote for The Gaurdian (in an extraordinary article you all must read): "'Whatever one's views on Obamacare were and are: the bill's mandate that everyone purchase the products of the private health insurance industry, unaccompanied by any public alternative, was a huge gift to that
  industry...'

  And a gift it was. Our nation once had the best healthcare system in the world. Kings, Queens & the wealthiest of the world once came to our shores for their major healthcare needs, but decades of government bureaucracy, the corporate revolving door & favors/kickbacks to the medical industry (Medicare Part D, anybody?) have turned our healthcare industry into a shell of its former self, and this mandate has without a doubt sounded the death nail for it if we do not some way work together to get rid of it.

  Fortunately, people across the nation, Democrat & Republican alike, have realized what a boondoggle this legislation is and the time is right to simply get rid of it. Not 'fix' it or 'modify' it, but simply throw it out into the trash and get things back to what they were before the cronyism started destroying our means for protecting our people's health.

  As governor I will end New York's participation in this disaster and look to the free market to offer the best solution–as it always has (until governments decide to stick their hands into things). As bad as things look now we can get out of it."
  

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  Stated that the NYSAFE Act must be repealed:

  "The rage over The SAFE ACT isn't about guns, it's about rights! What if it was the 1st Amendment being trampled on or the 4th in such an egregious way.  Many of you reading this may not like guns but you cannot be for penalizing honest Americans for a crime they did not commit! We live in an age of violence–yes, but has going after the law-abiding ever made things better? I think not, and if you think hard enough, you'll realize that this is true.

  The SAFE ACT must be repealed and thrown into the trash bin of history with a myriad of other ill-conceived 'measures' to 'keep us safe' from that which is supposedly lurking in the dark." 

  Has promised to "propose, promote, and sign legislation to remove all red light cameras in New York State." 

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate

Cohn (Sapient)

Currently:

Previous Work:

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Lieutenant Governor Running Mate

Koppell (D, WF)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Record in Office

Currently: Attorney, G. Oliver Koppell & Associates

Previous Work: NYC Council Member for the 11th District (2002-2013); NY Attorney General (1994); NY State Assembly Member (1970-1994)

Education: BA, Harvard University; JD, Harvard Law School

On the Issues

*Source for G. Oliver Koppell's issue stances, unless marked otherwise: Gotham Gazette Questionnaire

• Top 5 Legislative Priorities↓

  
  In his own words:
  1. Increasing the minimum wage immediately to $10.10 and to $15 in the near future.
  2. Women's Equality agenda, involving economic justice, non-discrimination, and the right to choice
  3. The NY DREAM Act
  4. Comprehensive campaign fi94pxce reform, including public fi94pxcing
  5. Expanded mass transit development; Energy conservation; Restrictions on hydrofracking
  

• Budget↓

  
  In addressing how to utilize NYS' multibillion dollar surplus, stated: "Surplus should be used to address urgent problems, including deteriorated infrastructure, healthcare needs, including deficit of NYC HHC, increases to education aid to reduce class sizes, and potentially to make the tax system more progressive."
  

• Civil Rights↓

  
  Would vote yes on the full, ten-point Women's Equality Agenda.
  Opposes the strategy of removing the 10th point in the WEA, which deals with abortion access, in order to push for passage of the other 9 points with less controversy.
  

• Economy↓

  Supports minimum wage increase to $15, indexed to inflation. Huffington Post

  Supports a statewide minimum wage at $10.10.
  Stated that municipalities such as NYC should be able to set their own minimum wage.
  In addressing developing a NYS jobs program, stated: "New York State should provide for increased job training and use workers to enhance infrastructure reconstruction and development."

• Education↓

  Supports implementing Common Core state standards with changes.
  Supports maintaining the cap on charter schools.
  Stated that government should pay for co-locations of charter schools in public school buildings.
  Supports statewide universal pre-kindergarten.
  In addressing how the legislature can ensure that adequate funding is distributed to all school districts to comply with the Campaign for Fiscal Equity decisions, stated: "The legislature must reform the school funding formula and provide enough money to meet the mandates."

• Environment↓

  Opposes hydrofracking and supports a moratorium on it. Website

  Stated that municipalities should not decide, via zoning processes, whether hydrofracking occurs in their jurisdiction.

• Good Government↓

  Supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits.

  Supports instituting a public-matching campaign-fi94pxcing systems statewide.

  Stated that Governor Cuomo should not have dissolved the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption.

  Supports implementing the following reform measures to increase voter participation and reduce barriers to voting:

  • Early voting,
  • No-excuse absentee ballots,
  • Reforming special elections,
  • Instant runoff voting,
  • Granting voting rights to parolees,
  • Consolidating state and federal primaries.

  In addressing how to properly monitor and enforce ethics laws and appropriate conduct of legislators, stated: "A special permanent investigator or investigation commission should be established with term appointments and non-partisan requirements. Full disclosure should be required for all legislators, including, with safeguards, clients and business interests of legislators."

  In addressing legislative oversight of public authorities such as the MTA and Port Authority, stated: "The legislature should have regular hearings on MTA and Port Authority operations. There should be a special consumer advocate to represent utility consumers."

• Health↓

  
  In addressing challenges with the NYS Health Exchange rollout and the high cost of Medicare, stated: "It is too early to full evaluate the operations of the health exchanges. The legislature should have oversight hearings and develop responses to problems identified."
  

• Housing and Development↓

  
  Supports mandatory inclusionary zoning but is "not prepared to support a specific ratio for all projects."
  Opposes reforming the Scaffold Law from absolute liability to comparative negligence.
  Supports reforming the Urstadt Law.
  In addressing the affordable housing needs in the state and city, stated: "We need to provide State funding to enable the development of more affordable housing. The State should also mandate inclusionary zoning so that affordable units are made available."
  In addressing the rising cost of commercial rents and the loss of local retail businesses, stated: "Zoning changes should encourage more commercial space availability. Second-floor commercial development should be encouraged, as in Hong Kong."
  

• Immigration↓

  
  Would vote yes on the DREAM Act.
  Opposes non-citizen voting.
  Supports drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants.
  

• Infrastructure↓

  
  Stated that the biggest infrastructure needs in the district are: "better safeguards against storm damage, both on the coast and inland; numerous roads and bridges need to be rehabilitated; many subway stations need comprehensive rehabilitation; elevators and escalators at subway stations need to be provided."
  

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  
  Supports broken windows policing.
  Supports the legalization of marijuana.
  In addressing whether there is a role for state government in overseeing the conduct of municipal police forces, stated: "The State can play a role in mediating controversies. State District Attorneys should investigate and prosecute improper police conduct."
  

• Transportation↓

  
  In addressing road safety, and the appropriate approach to balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, stated: "I support the lower speed limit recently enacted. I support separate bikeways isolated from motor traffic, as on several NYC avenues. For pedestrians, I support timed crossing signals at all intersections with beepers at main intersections for the blind."
  

Endorsements

Organizations: Working Families Party; Northwest Bronx for Change; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; Amsterdam News; Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club; Te94pxts PAC; Janel Towers Te94pxts Association; Public Employees Federation; New York Times; Sierra Club; The New York Times; Yonkers Tribune; 504 Democratic Club; Janel Towers Te94pxts Association; Americans for Democratic Action (ADA); Blue America; The New York Carib News; KidsPAC

Individuals: Gustavo Rivera, NYS Senate (D-33); Liz Kreuger, NYS Senate (D-28); Betsy Gotbaum, Former NYC Public Advocate; Michael McKee, Treasurer of Te94pxts PAC; Bill Samuels, Former Fi94pxce Chairman, NYS Senate Democratic Campaign Committee

Record in Office

NYC Council Committee Assignments:

Attorney General: 

Lundgren (G)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Chair, Bronx County Green Party

Previous Work: Candidate, Bronx Borough President (2013); Candidate, NY State Senate District 34 (2012); Candidate, NY State Assembly District 82 (2010)

Education: Coursework, NY Institute of Technology

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Blake (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements:

Currently: Director of Public Policy and External Affairs, Green for All; Senior Advisor, Operation Hope

Previous Work: Senior Advisor, Reshma Saujani's 2013 Campaign for Public Advocate; Director, White House Outreach to Small Businesses; Director, White House Outreach to African-Americans

Education: BS, Northwestern University

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  Supports a statewide minimum wage at $15.

  Stated that he "will push for full funding of nonprofit job training programs that are committed to a 100% gun ban and non-violence in our communities."

• Good Government↓

  Supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits. Citizens Union Questionnaire

  Supports instituting a public-matching campaign-fi200pxcing system statewide. Citizens Union Questionnaire

  Supports reforming voting by instituting:  

  • Same day voter registration,
  • Early voting,
  • Reforming special elections,
  • Instant runoff voting,
  • Consolidating state and federal primaries. Citizens Union Questionnaire

• Housing and Development↓

  Stated that he "will demand immediate repairs to public housing."

  Stated that he will "promote development projects that give renters access to supermarkets and transit."

  Stated that he will "fight for a rent freeze."

  Stated that "[d]evelopers should use local labor and include at least 20% minority - and women-owned contractors."

Endorsements

Organizations: New York Communities for Change; 1199SEIU; Amsterdam News; Community Voices Heard Power; Voices of Community Activists & Leaders Action Fund; Progressive Power Coalition; Te200pxts PAC; Citizens Union; NY Daily News

Individuals: Bobby Tolbert, VOCAL-NY Action Fund Board Member; Kristina Andreotta, NYC Campaigns Manager, Citizen Action of NY

Jones (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals:

Michael (D)

	Marsha Michael (D)
	Campaign Website Facebook Twitter

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Principal Law Clerk, New York State Supreme Court, Criminal Term

Previous Work: Clerk, Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term

Education: BA, Binghamton University; JD, Albany Law School 

On the Issues

*Source for Marsha Michael's issue stances, unless marked otherwise: Gotham Gazette Questionnaire

• Top 5 Legislative Priorities↓

  
  In her own words:
  1. The renewal and strengthening of the State's rent regulation law when it comes up for reauthorization next year is a critical priority for New Yorkers from all walks of life.
  2. It is essential to improve services and support programs for our seniors so they can live healthy and productive lives.
  3. We must enhance economic opportunities for families throughout the Bronx with a special emphasis upon communities that have experienced persistently high rates of unemployment.
  4. It is critical to invest in educational opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages so they can achieve the greatest possible success in today's competitive economy.
  5. We must finally enact the New York State DREAM Act.
  

• Budget↓

  
  In addressing how to utilize NYS' multibillion dollar surplus, stated: "The reported budget surplus gives us an extraordinary opportunity to make a long overdue commitment to investing in the expansion of educational opportunities for all New Yorkers."
  

• Civil Rights↓

  
  Would vote yes on the full, ten-point Women's Equality Agenda.
  In addressing the strategy of removing the 10th point in the WEA, which deals with abortion access, in order to push for passage of the other 9 points with less controversy, stated: "We should make every effort to ensure that WEA is enacted as a comprehensive piece of legislation that protects the full array of women's rights of all kinds."

  Stated that she "will fight for strong laws to insure equal pay for equal work, to stop employment discrimination, to end sexual harassment and to protect domestic violence victims." Campaign website

  Stated that she "will work to secure more funds for our senior centers and to protect and expand senior services." Campaign Website

  
  

• Economy↓

  
  In addressing what the dollar amount should be set as the statewide minimum wage, stated: "Clearly the minimum wage needs to be increased by a substantial amount. As a member of the state Assembly, I would meet with advocates and economists before making a commitment to support a specific amount."
  Stated that municipalities such as NYS should be able to set their own minimum wage.
  In addressing developing a NYS jobs program, stated: "The development of a jobs program would make an important difference in the lives of New Yorkers throughout our City and our State as a whole. Such a jobs-related initiative could be tied to the construction of new affordable housing - potentially by a Quality Affordable Housing Bond Act - that would create tens of thousands of jobs while addressing our housing crisis."
  

• Education↓

  
  Supports implementing Common Core state standards with changes.
  In addressing caps on charter schools, stated: "I would like to hear more from the residents of the 79th Assembly District before making a commitment on this issue."
  In addressing whether government should pay for location of charter schools in private space or for co-locations of charter schools in public school buildings, stated: "I look forward to reviewing these options and discussing them with local residents and educators before upon being elected to the New York State Assembly."
  Supports statewide universal pre-kindergarten.
  In addressing how the legislature can ensure that adequate funding is distributed to all school districts to comply with the Campaign for Fiscal Equity decisions, stated: "We should start by seeking to utilize the State's apparent budget surplus to invest in the educational needs of our children. Funding formulas must also be reformed so that New York will finally achieve full compliance with the terms of the CFE settlement."

  Stated that she "will work to increase funds in the State budget for our schools and more after-school programs." Campaign website
  

• Environment↓

  
  Opposes hydrofracking in NYS.
  Stated that municipalities should decide, via zoning processes, whether hydrofracking occurs in their jurisdiction.
  

• Good Government↓

  
  Supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits.
  Supports instituting a public-matching campaign-fi200pxcing systems statewide.
  Stated that Governor Cuomo should not have dissolved the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption.
  Supports implementing the following reform measures to increase voter participation and reduce barriers to voting:

  • Early voting,
  • No-excuse absentee ballots,
  • Reforming special elections,
  • Consolidating state and federal primaries.

  In addressing how to properly monitor and enforce ethics laws and appropriate conduct of legislators, stated: "While the vast majority of state lawmakers are law abiding public servants - I look forward to working with legislative colleagues from both sides of the aisle to ensure that ethics rules achieve their stated goal of protecting the public trust."
  In addressing legislative oversight of public authorities such as the MTA and Port Authority, stated: "As a member of the state Assembly, I would look forward to supporting legislation that ensures public transit riders, utility consumers and those who utilize important transportation links have representatives and advocates on the boards of these important entities."
  

• Health↓

  
  In addressing challenges with the NYS Health Exchange rollout and the high cost of Medicare, stated: "I am deeply concerned about the impact the recommendations of the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) have had on the healthcare services that are available to low income New Yorkers. The impact these cuts have had on the Health and Hospitals Corp. and other healthcare providers has been devastating and I look forward to joining efforts to reverse these dangerous policies."
  

• Housing and Development↓

  
  Supports mandatory inclusionary zoning at the 50-50 ratio.
  Opposes reforming the Scaffold Law from absolute liability to comparative negligence.
  Supports reforming the Urstadt Law.
  In addressing the affordable housing needs in the state and city, stated: "I believe we need to look into the possibility of enacting a Quality Affordable Housing Bond Act that would support the construction of additional affordable housing. But while such a move is being considered we also need to renew and strengthen the existing rent regulation law and provide the funding needed to have an effective Te200pxt Protection Unit at the state level."
  In addressing the rising cost of commercial rents and the loss of local retail businesses, stated: "I look forward to working with small business owners to craft legislation that would protect the economic viability if their businesses."

  Stated that she will "act to extend rent regulations and increase access to truly affordable housing." Campaign website

  Stated that she will "work to have long needed NYCHA repairs made without more delays." Campaign website

  
  

• Immigration↓

  
  Would vote yes on the DREAM Act.
  In addressing non-citizen voting, stated: "I am open to considering the adoption of such a reform if it is proposed in the state Assembly."
  Supports drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants.
  

• Infrastructure↓

  
  In addressing the biggest infrastructure needs in the district, stated: "I am particularly concerned with maximizing the investment in our schools to ensure that the overcrowding of our schools is eased and our children are provided with the best possible learning environment."
  

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  
  On broken windows policing, stated: "We need to fully consider a range of potential reforms of the so-called 'broken windows' strategy of policing and I look forward to being a part of that process."
  On the legalization of marijuana, stated: "I am a strong supporter of decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana and would actively support such a policy as a member of the New York State Assembly."
  In addressing whether there is a role for state government in overseeing the conduct of municipal police forces, stated: "l look forward to working closely with the residents of the 79th Assembly District as well as advocates and my legislative colleagues to develop a strategy that makes it possible for state government to play a constructive role on this issue."
  

• Transportation↓

  
  In addressing road safety, and the appropriate approach to balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, stated: "Mayor de Blasio's Visions Zero plan is an important initiative and I look forward to working with his administration to ensure that our City has the resources that are needed to make it a success."

Endorsements

Organizations: Hotel & Motel Trades Council (HTC), Bronx Democratic Committee, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU); Working Families Party; Teamsters Joint Council 16; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; DC37, AFSCME; NYSUT; Public Employee Federation (PEF); United Brotherhood of Carpenters; NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Empire State Pride Agenda

Individuals: Letitia James, NYC Public Advocate; Bronx County Democratic Party Chairman Carl Heastie; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.; Bronx Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene; Council Member Vanessa Gibson; 79th Assembly Male District Leader Tee Lawton

Ricks (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Comedian

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals:

Rodriguez (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Member, DC37 Local 372; Parent Coordinator Fannie Lou Hammer Middle School

Previous Work: Parent Coordinator, Accion Academy; Account Executive, Cablevision

Education: 

On the Issues

• Good Government↓

  Supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits. Citizens Union Questionnaire

  Supports instituting a public-matching campaign-fi200pxcing system statewide. Citizens Union Questionnaire

  Supports reforming voting by instituting:

  • Same day voter registration,
  • Early voting,
  • Reforming special elections,
  • Instant runoff voting,
  • Consolidating state and federal primaries. Citizens Union Questionnaire

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals:

Hamilton (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Director, State Senate 20th District Office; Attorney, NYC Department of Finance; District Leader (D-43); President, Lincoln Civic Block Association; President of the Rosa Parks Independent Democratic Organization

Previous Work: Legal Counsel, State Senate District 20 Office; Vice President of Community Board 8, Crown Heights

Education: BS, Ithaca College; JD, Seton Hall University; MBA, Long Island University

On the Issues

Source for Jesse Hamilton's issue stances, unless marked otherwise: Gotham Gazette Questionnaire

• Top 5 Legislative Priorities↓

  In his Hamilton's own words:

   

  1. Raise the minimum wage to $15/hour in New York City and at least $10.10/hour statewide.
  2. Pass the DREAM Act so all our children have an opportunity to pursue higher education.
  3. Pass the Women's Equality Act, because women deserve equal pay for equal work, discrimination-free workplaces, and the opportunity to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions
  4. More funding for our schools which have been chronically underfunded by a biased education funding formula. We need at least $2 Billion more annually for New York City schools.
  5. Affordable Housing. We must leverage every resource at our disposal to make sure development projects include housing that is truly affordable for low income residents.

   

• Budget↓

   

  In addressing how to utilize NYS' multibillion dollar surplus by, stated: "We need to fully fund our schools and infrastructure projects across the state. Infrastructure improvements to transit can create jobs and get our people and our economy moving again."

   

• Civil Rights↓

   

  Would vote yes on the full, ten-point Women's Equality Agenda.

   

  Opposes the strategy of removing the 10th point in the WEA, which deals with abortion access, in order to push for passage of the other 9 points with less controversy.

   

• Economy↓

  Supports a statewide minimum wage at $10.10.

  Stated that municipalities such as NYC should be able to set their own minimum wage.

  In addressing developing an NYS jobs program, stated: "Our labor unions have tremendous apprenticeship programs that can serve as a great pipeline to jobs that can help build and maintain the middle class. We should work with our brothers and sisters in labor to examine ways to expand these programs and create living wage jobs."

  Supports "encouraging collective bargaining, increased unionization, and shared employee ownership." Website

• Education↓

  Opposes implementing Common Core state standards.

  Supports maintaining the cap on charter schools.

  Stated that government should not pay for location of charter schools in private space or for co-locations of charter schools in public school buildings.

  Supports statewide universal pre-kindergarten.

  In addressing how the legislature can ensure that adequate funding is distributed to all school districts to comply with the Campaign for Fiscal Equity decisions, stated: "We must correct the funding formula so that low-income school districts receive the aid they need for our children to succeed."

• Environment↓

  Opposes hydrofracking in NYS.

  Stated that municipalities should decide, via zoning processes, whether hydrofracking occurs in their jurisdiction.

• Good Government↓

  Supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits, only if public financing of campaigns is implemented.

  Supports instituting a public-matching campaign-financing systems statewide.

  Stated that Governor Cuomo should not have dissolved the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption.

  Supports implementing the following reform measures to increase voter participation and reduce barriers to voting:

  • Same day voter registration,
  • Early voting,
  • No-excuse absentee ballots,
  • Reforming special elections,
  • Instant runoff voting,
  • Granting voting rights to parolees,
  • Consolidating state and federal primaries,
  • Lowering the voting age.

  In addressing how to properly monitor and enforce ethics laws and appropriate conduct of legislators, stated: "There must be a strict procedure in place to determine is [sic] misconduct has occurred, and if so, it should be dealt with in the most serious manner possible."

  In addressing legislative oversight of public authorities such as the MTA and Port Authority, stated: "We must make sure that state authorities answer to those they are supposed to serve. The MTA must do a better job of providing service and we must never see a repeat of what happened with the public utilities post Superstorm Sandy."

• Health↓

  In addressing challenges with the NYS Health Exchange rollout and the high cost of Medicare, stated: "The initial creation of the healthcare exchanges took entirely too long, but overall, compared to other states, New York's rollout was relatively successful."

• Housing and Development↓

  Supports mandatory inclusionary zoning at the 50-50 ratio.

  Opposes reforming the Scaffold Law from absolute liability to comparative negligence.

  Supports reforming the Urstadt Law.

  In addressing the affordable housing needs in the state and city, stated: "We must examine mandatory inclusion zoning and make sure that anytime state dollars, via tax cuts or subsidies, are provided to a project, that the project is providing a tangible public good in the form a truly affordable housing."

  In addressing the rising cost of commercial rents and the loss of local retail businesses, stated: "We should consider a program similar to the rent regulations on residential tenants. We cannot have our small businesses, who are the economic engine of our economy, continue to be pushed out by skyrocketing commercial rents."

  Advocates for investments in public housing, increasing "services for NYCHA residents, making sure our senior centers and community centers are fully funded and more money is allocated for repairs. ...I will work to end the cycle of displacement of residents from their homes and fight to protect the affordable units in our community." Website

  Supports "offering tax abatements & exemption to property owners" in order to develop and maintain an "accessible, affordable and integrated housing stock." 504 Democratic Club

  Stated that he worries about "downsizing" longtime tenants of Tivoli Towers, and "agressive tactics in housing and development." DNA Info

• Immigration↓

  Would vote yes on the DREAM Act.

  Supports non-citizen voting.

  Supports drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants.

  Supports creation of a "universal ID for all New Yorkers." Website

• Infrastructure↓

  Stated that the biggest infrastructure needs in the district are: "We need more classroom seats and more affordable housing. We must work to leverage state resources so development projects create affordable housing units."

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  Supports broken windows policing.

  Supports the legalization of marijuana.

  In addressing whether there is a role for state government in overseeing the conduct of municipal police forces, stated: "Yes. If the localities prove themselves incapable of oversight, then the state should step in."

• Transportation↓

  In addressing road safety, and the appropriate approach to balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, stated: "We must lower the speed limit, create more pedestrian plazas and walkways and make our streets more bicycle friendly."

Endorsements

Organizations: Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats; 32BJ SEIU; New York Communities for Change; Tenants PAC; Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 1180; Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association; the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12; District Council 37 (DC 37); United Federation of Teachers (UFT); New York State United Teachers (NYSUT); Transportation Workers Union (TWU); AFL-CIO; Uniformed Fire Officers Association; Metal Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 46; Local 14 Operating Engineers; Local 94 Operating Engineers; Independent Neighborhood Democrats; Stars and Stripes Democrats; Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform

Individuals: Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President; Velmanette Montgomery, NYS Senate (D-25); former Congress member Ed Towns (D-11, D-10); former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; Brad Lander, NYC Council (D-39); Steve Levin, NYC Council (D-33); Darlene Mealy, NYC Council (D-41); Vincent Gentile, NYC Council (D-43); Alan Maisel, NYS Assembly (D-59); Karim Camara, NYS Assembly (D-43); Nick Perry, NYS Assembly (D-58); Felix Ortiz, NYS Assembly (D-51); Joan Millman, NYS Assembly (D-52); Rhoda Jacobs, NYS Assembly (D-42); Annette Robinson, NYS Assembly (D-56); Maritza Davila, NYS Assembly (D-53); Steve Cymbrowitz, NYS Assembly (D-45); Bill Colton, NYS Assembly (D-47); Peter Abate, NYS Assembly (D-49); Alec Brook-Krasny, NYS Assembly (D-46); Jo Ann Simon, Candidate for NYS Assembly (D-52); John Liu, Former NYC Council Member and Comptroller, Candidate for NYS Assembly (SD-11); Bill Thompson, Former City Comptroller and Mayoral Candidate

Philpotts (D)

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations:

Individuals: 

Sampson (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Record in Office

Currently: NY State Senator for the 19th District

Previous Work: Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society of New York

Education: BA, Brooklyn College-CUNY; JD, Albany Law School

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: Brooklyn Democratic Party

Individuals: 

Record in Office

NYS Senate Committee Assignments:

NYS Senate Caucuses: 

Indictments: 

Smitherman (D, WF)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Political Coordinator, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Previous Work: Staff Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of New York

Education: Queens College-CUNY

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: Working Families Party; 1199SEIU; Brooklyn Young Democrats; CWA District 1; UAW Region 9A; United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500; Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union; DC9 Painters; The Met Council on Housing; Local 46 Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Iron Workers; Teamsters Joint Council 16; 32BJ SEIU; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; Amsterdam News; Empire State Pride Agenda; Citizens Union; NY Daily News

Individuals: NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo; NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio; NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer

Weir (D, C)

Currently: Acting President, Canarsie by Choice; Member of South Canarsie Civic Association; Advisor, Canarise Bridges Advisory Council; President, Canarsie Civic Association

Previous Work: Local #3 I.B.E.W. Union Representative; Auxiliary Police Officer; PTA President

Education: BA, New York Institute of Technology; Additional studies at Baruch College and Pace University

On the Issues

*Source for Elias Weir's issue stances: Gotham Gazette Questionnaire

• Civil Rights↓

  
  Would vote yes on the full, ten-point Women's Equality Agenda.
  

• Economy↓

  
  Supports a statewide minimum wage at $15.
  Stated that municipalities such as NYC should not be able to set their own minimum wage.
  

• Education↓

  
  Supports implementing Common Core state standards with changes.
  Supports maintaining the cap on charter schools.
  Stated that government should not pay for location of charter schools in private space or for co-locations of charter schools in public school buildings.
  Supports statewide universal pre-kindergarten.
  

• Environment↓

  
  Opposes hydrofracking in NYS.
  Stated that municipalities should not decide, via zoning processes, whether hydrofracking occurs in their jurisdiction.
  

• Good Government↓

  
  Supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits.
  Supports instituting a public-matching campaign-fi94pxcing systems statewide.
  Stated that Governor Cuomo should not have dissolved the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption.
  Supports implementing the following reform measures to increase voter participation and reduce barriers to voting:

  • Same day voter registration,
  • Early voting,
  • No-excuse absentee ballots,
  • Reforming special elections,
  • Instant runoff voting.

  [item title="Housing and Development↓"]
  Supports reforming the Scaffold Law from absolute liability to comparative negligence.
  Supports reforming the Urstadt Law.
  

• Immigration↓

  
  Would vote yes on the DREAM Act.
  Opposes non-citizen voting.
  Opposes drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants.
  

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  
  Supports broken windows policing.
  Supports the legalization of marijuana.
  

Endorsements

Organizations:

Individuals: 

Laussell (R)

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations:

Individuals: 

Comrie (D, WF)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Queens Deputy Borough President

Previous Work: Candidate, Queens Borough President (2013); NYC Council Member, District 27 (2001-2013) (Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman, Land Use Committee); Board Member, Community School Board District 29

Education: Bachelor's Degree, University of Bridgeport, CT

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: Queens County Democrats; Council of School Supervisors & Administrators Local 1; Working Families Party; Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club; Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union; United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500; Communications Workers of America Local 1182; CSA; Mason Tenders; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1056 and 1179; American Federation of School Administrators; AFL-CIO; Teamsters Joint Council 16; 1199SEIU; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; Amsterdam News; Empire State Pride Agenda; Public Employees Federation (PEF); Citizens Union; The New York League of Conservation Voters; Transport Union Workers Local 100; NY Daily News

Individuals: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio; Joe Crowley, US House of Representatives (NY-14); I. Daneek Miller, NYC Council (D-27); Donovan Richards, NYC Council (D-31); Gregory Meeks, US House of Representatives (NY-5); Rory Lancman, NYC Council (D-24)

Smith (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Record in Office

Currently: NY State Senator for the 14th District (2000-present)

Previous Work: National advance staff for Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro; City Hall assistant to former Mayor Edward I. Koch; Chief aide to former City Councilman Archie Spigner; Senior aide to former Congressman Floyd H. Flake; Founder of Smith Development Corporation; President of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica

Education: BS, Fordham University; MBA, Adelphi University

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: District Council 37

Individuals:  Former Congressman Rev. Roy Flake

Record in Office

NYS Senate Committee Assignments: 

NYS Senate Caucuses: 

Fraud and Bribery Charges: In April 2013, Smith was arrested by the FBI on federal fraud and bribery charges after allegedly plotting to give money to the NY Republican party in order to get on the GOP ticket for the 2013 Mayor's race. Attempts by Smith to push his trial past the date of the 2014 Democratic Primary were denied by a judge in early March, who decided to hold the trial on June 2nd. Also on trial are former Queens GOP Vice Chairman Vince Tabone and ex-city Councilman Dan Halloran.

Liu (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Record in Office

Currently: Adjunct Professor, Baruch College-CUNY

Previous Work: Candidate, NYC Mayor (2013); Comptroller, (2010-2013); NY City Council (D-20) (2002-2010)

Education: BS, SUNY Binghamton

On the Issues

• Civil Rights↓

  Supports passage of the Women's Equality Act.

• Economy↓

  "Why should a police officer, a teacher, or a firefighter have to pay nearly the same income tax rate as a billionaire like [former] Mayor Bloomberg? A tax that is basically flat makes no sense. New York City needs a progressive local income tax that restores fairness and puts money in the pockets of low- and middle-income families." Huffington Post

  "Tax competition among jurisdictions is something we do have to consider when setting tax policies. But do we really believe that high-income earners care so little about New York City that an effective tax increase of less than 1 percent will make them leave? Most high-earning residents love the city and would not abandon it just because our tax system is re-tuned to be more equitable. Moreover, the wealthy want safe streets, clean parks, and good schools just as much as the rest of us do. ... By providing tax relief to middle- and low-income families we can strengthen the city's economy, build up our middle class, and narrow the divide between rich and poor." Huffington Post

• Education↓

  "The education policies of the Senate status quo are holding our kids back. When I get to Albany, I'll work with partners like [the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, which recently endorsed Liu] to relentlessly pursue reforms that will make our schools better for students, parents, teachers, and administrators." Press Release, Liu Campaign, June 16, 2014

   On specialized high schools, via Huffington Post in 2012:

  • "First, the City should examine the effectiveness of current support programs like the Specialized High School Institute and the summer Discovery program, which are directed at low-income students who want to prepare for entrance into the Specialized High Schools. Secondly, the Specialized High School Test should be analyzed by an objective third party to see if the exam shows any signs of predictive bias. Third, the City needs to boost math education among minority students and do it as early as third grade, rather than playing catch up in middle school when performance gaps have already widened. Fourth, the City should market the Specialized High Schools in communities of color to ensure that more students and their parents know about the great opportunities these schools present. Finally, we should expand the number of Specialized High Schools by creating new ones like the Math, Science, and Engineering School at City College of New York."
  • "Entrance to the New York City Specialized High Schools should be dependent on a well-rounded assessment of a student's knowledge and skills, rather than on the ability to perform well on a single test. The exam as it is encourages the widespread ""teaching to the test"" that so many educational experts deplore."
  • "Another factor that ought to be considered in the admissions process is geography. Specialized High Schools should serve students from every neighborhood -- even the most economically disadvantaged. Geographic diversity could be achieved by reserving a seat for the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, or the top five percentile, of every public middle school graduating class in the City."

  Proposes a Community Education Reform Plan to:

  • Reform implementation of the Comon Core by requiring annual reporting from the commissioner of the State Education Department, establish an appeals process of test scores, and develop accomodations for English language learners and students with disabilities.
  • Reduce overcrowding and eliminate trailer learning
  • Change mayoral control to mandate increased input from parents and communities. Press release

• Government Accountability↓

  As former NYC Comptroller, created My Money NYC, which includes several tools to track city government spending:

  • CheckbookNYC.com, launched in 2010, is a searchable database of NYC government's contracts and expenditures.
  • Open Audit, allows members of the public can propose audots for the Comptroller's office to undertake.

  Supports greater checks on the Queens Public Library system:

  • "I applaud our Public Advocate, Letitia James for calling into question the actions of the trustee board, again proving herself a fierce watchdog for this city. Public Advocate James is exactly right – we need judicial intervention to halt the proposed vote, that if passed, would represent another flagrant abuse of taxpayer funds."
  • "By shining a light on recent revelations of excessive expenditures by the Queens Public Library Director, Borough President Melinda Katz has shown a steadfast commitment to protecting taxpayer money for the people of our communities. President Katz is doing the right thing by holding Galante accountable and leading the fight to protect our Borough's scarce resources."
  • "It is time for the courts to step into this mess. The Queens Public Library is not a personal piggy bank."

Endorsements

Organizations: Queens County Democrats; Village Independent Democrats; Hotel & Motel Trades Council (HTC); NYC Coalition of Operating Engineers; United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1500; IBEW Local 3; NYC School Prinicipals and Administrators; United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of Amerca (UAW) Region 9A; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 1; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3; NY Machinists Union; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; Amsterdam News; Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 46; Daily Kos; NY Communities for Change; NY Daily News; Te94pxts PAC; Steamfitters Local 638; Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York and Long Island; National Organization for Women PAC; Teamsters Joint Council 16; People for Quality Education; New York Times; Queens Tribune; Queens Courier; Queens Times; Queens Gazette; New York CaribNews; Queens-Politics; The New York Metropolitan Area Joint Board, the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board and the New York-New Jersey Regional Joint Board of Workers United SEIU

Individuals: NYS Assemblyman Sheldon Silver (D-65), Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; Congresswoman Grace Meng; Congressman Joseph Crowley; Congressman Gregory Meeks; Former Congressman Gary Ackerman; State Senator Liz Krueger; Candidate for Lieute94pxt Governor Tim Wu; 

Record in Office

NYC Comptroller:

NYC Council Committee Assignments: Chair, Transportation Committee; Member, Education, Consumer Affairs, Health, Land Use, Contracts, Oversight & Investigations, and Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Committees

NYC Council Caucus Membership: Black, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus

Disqualification of Mayoral Campaign: Liu associates were convicted for illegally eliciting donations during Liu's mayoral bid. No charges were brought against Liu himself. Liu appealed on the grounds of personal damages to his repuation and career prospects. The court has not yet made a decision.

Gilman (G)

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  Proposes raising the minimum wage to $15. Twitter

Endorsements

Organizations:

Individuals: 

Joyner (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Court Attorney, NYC Civil Court; Member, Community Board 4

Previous Work: Community Liason (D-79); Associate Editor, Buffalo Journal of Gender, Law, and Social Policy

Education: BA, Stonybrook University SUNY; JD, Buffalo University SUNY

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: Hotel & Motel Trades Council (HTC); RWDSU; Bronx Democratic Committee; Local 1199; Working Families Party; 1199SEIU; Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC; Teamsters Joint Council 16; 32BJ; Empire State Pride Agenda

Individuals: Letitia James, NYC Public Advocate; Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President; Carl Heastie, Bronx Democratic Party Chairman & Assembly Member; Vanessa L. Gibson, Council Member (D-16)

Mack (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: First Lady, Gospel Hill Baptist Church Inc.; Strategic Fi94pxcial Consultant, Legal Shield; Member, Bronx Democratic Club

Previous Work: Residential Coordinator, Abbott House; Manager, Cerebral Palsy Association of NYS; Bank Officer, JP Morgan Chase

Education: BA, College of New Rochelle; Courses for MA, Mercy College 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Palomino (D)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Adolescent Sexual Health Program Coordinator at BronxWorks

Previous Work: United Nations Association-USA, Organizer for Obama for America, We Are the Bronx Fellows, Transportation Alternatives Bronx Activist Committee, Bronx Museum of the Arts Advisory Council

Education: BA, St. John's University; MA, St. John's University

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club

Individuals: 

Acosta (R)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Eggleston (C)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: 

Previous Work: 

Education: 

On the Issues

• *Research Ongoing↓

  *Research ongoing

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: 

Garland (R)

On the Issues

Endorsements

Currently: Business Management Consultant

Previous Work: US Commerce Department; Candidate, NYC Council (D-5, 2013)

Education: Georgetown University School of Foreign Service; MBA, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School; MA, Foreign Affairs, University of Pennsylvania

On the Issues

• Economy↓

  Proposes "elimination of the City portion of sales taxes on merchandise purchased in stores along the [2nd Avenue] construction corridor, and...a moratorium on state sales taxes until construction is completed."

  "Talk of taxing the rich to help the middle class, though it may sound popular to the vast number of New Yorkers who struggle to make ends meet, is not a responsible policy position. Those at the top end of the income spectrum, though in a position to pay more in income taxes through a progressive taxation system, will find creative ways to avoid doing so. Already, there are many such individuals who keep a residence in New York City but keep their permanent residence elsewhere in order to avoid the high tax burden currently in place. Economics and common sense indicate that those most able to contribute to New York City's tax base will continue to emigrate and find creative ways of avoiding taxes if the tax burden continues to climb."

  Proposes "to increase the pool of taxable income rather than raising taxes and ultimately diminishing revenue" and "to create a better balance of industries in a private sector that still relies too heavily on fi94pxcial services, which has undergone fundamental shifts in its business model in the past five years."

• Education↓

  Proposes for a short-term solution to school overcrowding that "synagogues, churches and other public facilities throughout the district that are predomi94pxtly empty during school hours on weekdays" should "be employed as interim school facilities. This would also provide a source of income for non-profit organizations that may be struggling fi94pxcially."

  Proposes for the long-term solution school overcrowding to "advocate for comprehensive public school facilities in future large scale development projects as a requirement of developers seeking the 421–A abatement. He will also fight for the delivery of that space to be 'finished' and include appropriately dedicated space for physical education. In other parts of the city, developers have delivered 'raw' space for public schools, which has done little to alleviate the fi94pxcial burden on the Board of Education."

• Housing↓

  "[A] significant portion of affordable housing is being held and retained by individuals whose economic circumstances have vastly improved, or who are even wealthy. This is not the purpose of affordable housing. There should be periodic means testing to prevent such exploitation, allowing those with modest incomes to have access to those units."

  Proposes to "work with developers seeking to build in the 76th Assembly District to more effectively implement the current provisions of 421-A tax abatement program... [to] increase the percentage of affordable housing units throughout New York City." 

• Policing and Criminal Justice↓

  "New York City's drastic reduction in crime over the last twenty years has been the result of good policy and hard work by 'New York's Finest.' Bad policy in the next four years can easily reverse this progress. David wants to ensure that all abuses of "stop-and-frisk" are quickly identified and eliminated; however, he believes the policy should continue as an effective tool of crime reduction."

• Sanitation↓

  Opposes the 91st street marine waste transfer station, and plans to "propose legislation banning dumps from all residential communities throughout New York City. ...He will lead the charge in the City Council to ban Transfer Stations in all residential communities, not build new ones."

• Transportation↓

  Proposes a "residential parking permit program to resolve [residents' difficulty finding street parking]. Those who pay income tax in New York City should be able to acquire residential street parking permits, as they currently do in Brooklyn and in long-standing programs in Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago."

  Proposes "to work with the Department of Transportation to better time light signals and improve traffic flow" by the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.

  Proposes "to initiate a program to allot taxicabs for peak vs. non-peak hours. ...[T]here is an abundance of empty taxis available when they are not needed (during non-peak hours), but few to none during commuter rush hours. David's plan is ration taxis based on need at various times of day, and not have excess vacant taxis creating additional pollution and traffic during non-peak hours."

  Supports bike lanes and CitiBike but calls for better enforcement and education surrounding biking laws and pedestrian safety.

  Proposes "that avenues serving as major commercial routes be maintained and repaved more frequently and proactively," to address noise pollution resulting from trucks and cargo.

  To address infrastructure concerns regarding the construction of the Cornell-Weill Technology Center on Roosevelt Island, plans to "propose legislation that only awards New York City taxpayer dollars to contractors using barge transportation for all construction materials associated with the project."

  Proposes "to more proactively enforce the current terms of the [2nd Avenue] construction contracts and seek out potential amendments that will aid in restoring quality of life in the neighborhood surrounding the project."

Endorsements

Organizations: 

Individuals: