LID September 19 2024 Candidate Questionnaires

Iwen Chu | State Senate 17

Office Sought: NY State Senate

Campaign Site: Stars and Stripes Club, 7321 15th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228

Endorsements so far:

Including but not limited to:

https://iwenchu.com/endorsement

Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in Albany? (100 words max)

I am running for re-election in State Senate SD-17 because this is my community. I moved here nearly 20 years ago with just two pieces of luggage, and I am proud to be their representative at the State level knowing on a personal level what their priorities are. There are real needs and concerns here that have gone unaddressed for too long. It’s an honor to serve Southern Brooklyn, and imperative that we don’t let misinformation sway voters to vote for someone who doesn’t truly have their best interests at heart.

What difference will you make for your community? (100 words max)

I am the conduit between the state and my locality. In my first term, I secured $30 million two years in a row for AAPI Equity Fund, helping us combat hate crimes and improve education about the AAPI community. I also delivered nearly $6 million in funding for local schools, as well as millions for countless local organizations. I am a ground up representative, listening to the needs of my constituents–many of whom don’t speak English and have never interacted with the government before–to get them the resources they need. That’s the difference I have made, and will continue to make here in Southern Brooklyn.

How will you support and empower the LGBTQ+ community? (100 words max)

As a strong supporter of the ERA, I believe that all civil rights protections go hand in hand. These are highly personal decisions, and I believe people should be able to make them without fear of interference or discrimination. That’s why I voted for legislation that would make New York a haven for transgender kids and families whose rights are under attack nationwide by ensuring they cannot be separated from their parent or guardian for their help in getting their kid gender affirming care, would prohibit law enforcement from cooperating with other states' investigations, protects the health information of people who come to New York to receive care, and protects physicians who legally provided it.

How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites? (100 words max)

I believe that representation matters. My district is a newly drawn, majority AAPI district. I am the first Asian woman elected to the State Senate. We are proof that it takes visibility to not only make progress on key issues affecting us, but to make it easier for others to follow in our footsteps. I will continue to raise the alarm on the unique problems facing my community, and am investing in the next generation–through my summer internship and Youth Delegation Program–to ensure we always have proper representation at all levels of government.

Although you are running for a state legislative position, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in local political communities. With that in mind, do you support the Brooklyn Can’t Wait slate of District Leader candidates and Brooklyn Can’t Wait’s reforms to make our local party more accountable, transparent, inclusive, and effective? (100 words max)

I am personally friends with many of the District Leaders who are committed to ensuring the local party is as transparent, accountable, and democratic as possible. District Leaders serve a crucial role in the representation of our community. I strongly believe that electeds at all levels of government must reach a hand down and across to colleagues, especially locally, so we can maintain a united front in serving the people.

Similarly, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in national political dialogue as well. With that in mind, do you support the effort by hundreds of local Democratic elected officials (including many LID leaders) to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a release of all hostages, and for the US to bring all its effort to bear toward a lasting and just peace in Israel/Palestine? (100 words max)

This issue deeply and personally affects many members of my community on both sides of the conflict. I am engaged in good-faith discussions with Jewish and Muslim community members about what we can do here at home to promote their safety and wellbeing. As a State Senator, I am fully committed to the work I can do tangibly as their elected representative to deliver crucial resources and support, including $70 million to secure our religious schools and $35 million to protect our places of worship and other at-risk sites from hate crimes.

Legislation:

[Please answer “yes” or “no” for each piece of legislation. Feel free to add additional discussion of your perspective on the legislation.]

Do you support the Gender Identity, Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act (GIRDS) (A709A/S2860)? Yes, I’m supportive of this bill.

Do you support the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) (A4021/S568B)? Yes, I am a cosponsor.

Do you support expanding New York’s Gender Affirming Care Shield Law (A7687/S7506)?

Yes, and I voted for this bill.

Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (SVSTA) (A8605A/S4396)?

Yes

Do you support the New York Health Act (A7897/S7590)? 

I grew up in Taiwan where Universal Health Care was rolled out in 1995. I saw firsthand how this healthcare system can benefit public health in general but also am aware of the financial costs to the government. I am for universal health care but in NY and in the US, health service price units are the key problem. If we don’t fix how much per service or per pill once it’s prescribed, the cost of this same standard health care practice compared to other first world countries is insanely overpriced. NY State should not be paying these inflated unit prices and not being able to use these funds to provide needed programs. I believe we need to fix the pricing system and thus, health care would be much more affordable then a single-payer system is achievable. 

Do you support the Repeal STI Discrimination Act (A3347/S4603)? Yes, I voted for this.

Do you support the Rest of State Housing Act (A2418/S183)? Yes

Do you support legislation that mandates Comprehensive Sexuality Education (A4606)?

I am open to this concept, and would be willing to discuss it further with my colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. 

Do you support legislation that ensures youth access to health care (A6761)?

I think this is an important issue for us to be thinking about, and especially as a mom, I’m open to conversations about how to improve access to care for minors without creating unintended consequences for parental rights. 

Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A4375/S351)?

Yes

Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students (A4576/S1532)? Yes

Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net?

Yes

Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act (A8923/S1099A)? Yes

Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools (A7672/S2428)? Yes

Do you support Good Cause eviction (A4454/S305)?

I was proud to vote for a budget this year which included a version of Good Cause, centered on shielding tenants from exorbitant rent hikes and wrongful evictions, while boosting affordability throughout the state and increasing the supply overall. My district is made up of families who have lived in their homes for years, sometimes generations. It’s crucial that we keep communities intact, and families off the street. Housing is fundamental in that effort.

Do you support legislation designed to make NY’s parole system more fair and less punitive – specifically the Elder Parole Act (A2035/S2423) and the Fair and Timely Parole Act (A162/S307)?  I am very committed to criminal justice reform and ensuring that our systems are fair and trustworthy. It’s also important that these discussions happen with all stakeholders, and take into account the deeply held concerns about public safety and violence in the Asian community. I’d like to have further discussions about these two bills to achieve both of those goals.

Do you support legislation that would criminalize dissent and protest, specifically the legislation that would make blocking a public road “domestic terrorism” (A8951A) and legislation that would make disrupting a public meeting potentially punishable by jail time (A8334)?

These bills have not come to the Senate yet, so I am not familiar enough with them to weigh in. But what I can say is I am very supportive of the right to peacefully assemble, and believe that freedom of speech is fundamental to our democracy. I would be very scrutinizing of any bill that could be used intentionally or unintentionally to curtail those freedoms.

Commitments:

If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo (will be provided) and full name on all materials and other places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of specific organizations (unions, etc) or elected officials)?

I would be happy to use LID’s logo whenever appropriate to do so.

Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of the…”

Whenever appropriate to do so, this has been my practice.
 

LID May 16 2024 Candidate Questionnaires

Chris McCreight | State Assembly

1) Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in Albany?

As the longtime Chief of Staff to Councilmember Justin Brannan, I am

looking to further all the progress this office has made. This includes continuing efforts

to improve living conditions at NYCHA, improve street safety, fully fund our public

schools, preserve and increase affordable housing stock, and bring back additional

resources to the district.

2) What difference will you make for your community? (100 words max) As a member of the

majority party in the Assembly, I plan on using my voice inside the room to ensure we as

a conference are promoting policies that benefit working New Yorkers. How will you support

and empower the LGBTQ+ community?

My job as a State Assemblymember would be to support laws protecting the LGBTQ+ community,

ensure state funding is adequate for causes related to the community including but not

limited to, healthcare, affordable housing, inclusive public education curriculums. I also

would be a public ally showing up in solidarity to events and rallies as well as calling out

anti-LGBTQ+ hate that may pop up.

How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites? (100 words max) It starts

by showing up and recognizing and supporting marginalized Brooklynites. I plan on

showing up in solidarity to events and rallies, co-sponsoring supporting legislation,

calling out hate of any form, and more.

3) Although you are running for a state legislative position, we recognize that our state

elected officials have an important voice in local political communities. With that in mind,

do you support the Brooklyn Can’t Wait slate of District Leader candidates and Brooklyn

Can’t Wait’s reforms to make our local party more accountable, transparent, inclusive,

and effective?

Yes, I am currently a District Leader and have the support of Brooklyn Can’t Wait.

Similarly, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in national

political dialogue as well.

4) With that in mind, do you support the effort by hundreds of local

Democratic elected officials (including many LID leaders) to call for an immediate ceasefire

in Gaza, a release of all hostages, and for the US to bring all its effort to bear toward a

lasting and just peace in Israel/Palestine?

The 46th Assembly District is home to thousands of Jewish and Palestinian New Yorkers, including one of the largest

populations of Holocaust survivors in the United States. My job as an Assemblyman would not

directly involve foreign policy, but would include protecting all New Yorkers from hate

including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. That said, it is my belief that the United States must

be focused on three things: 1) The immediate release of all hostages, 2) The removal of the

terrorist organization Hamas from control of Gaza and 3) An end to the cycle of violence in the

region starting with a humanitarian ceasefire once all hostages are freed. 

5) Do you support the Gender Identity, Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act (GIRDS)

(A709A/S2860)? Yes

6) Do you support the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) (A4021/S568B)? Yes

7) Do you support expanding New York’s Gender Affirming Care Shield Law (A7687/S7506)?

Yes

8) Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act

(SVSTA) (A8605A/S4396)? No

9) Do you support the New York Health Act (A7897/S7590)? Yes

10) Do you support the Repeal STI Discrimination Act (A3347/S4603)? No

11) Do you support the Rest of State Housing Act (A2418/S183)? Yes

12) Do you support legislation that mandates Comprehensive Sexuality Education (A4606)?

Yes

13) Do you support legislation that ensures youth access to health care (A6761)? Yes

14) Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A4375/S351)? Yes

15) Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and

procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students

(A4576/S1532)? Yes

16) Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net? Yes

17) Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act

(A8923/S1099A)? Yes

18) Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools

(A7672/S2428)? Yes

19) Do you support Good Cause eviction (A4454/S305)? N/A

20) Do you support legislation designed to make NY’s parole system more fair and less punitive – specifically the Elder Parole Act (A2035/S2423) and the Fair and Timely Parole Act (A162/S307)? Yes

21) Do you support legislation that would criminalize dissent and protest, specifically the legislation that would make blocking a public road “domestic terrorism” (A8951A) and legislation that would make disrupting a public meeting potentially punishable by jail time (A8334)? No to A8951A, Yes to A8334

22) If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo (will be provided) and full name on all materials and other places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of specific organizations (unions, etc) or elected officials)? Yes

23) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of the…” Yes

Ken Gayle | Civil Court Judge Kings County, 6th Municipal District

Campaign Site: www.gayleforjudge.com

Endorsements So Far: District Leaders: Boykin, Boomer, Purcell; Assemblywoman Walker

Judicial Screening Results So Far: N/A

What is your current position/law practice? If you are currently a judge, what did you do prior

to becoming a judge? Attorney/Private practice

1) Why are you qualified to be a judge?

11+ years of practicing law. Also my temperament has

been described as judicial. My entire career has been committed to public service and my

community. I have served as an appointment to the Civil Service Commissioner’s Screening

Committee. I have appeared before the NYS Appellate panel. My practice focuses on serving

local small businesses, churches, non-profits and my neighbors. I have served for six years

as the VP of the Bed-Stuy RE Board the local board of our national group NAREB dedicated

to increasing A-A homeownership.

2) What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel

competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? Participate in

sensitivity trainings and continue to utilize existing LQBTQ issue and policy education.

3) What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?

Support relevant initiatives from the Unified Court System.

4) How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected

in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?

By personally asking litigants how they would like to be addressed and ensuring compliance with their

wishes.

5) Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGaL”) judicial screening

panel?  Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear

or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association? Yes

6) There are many aspects of the legal system that have contributed and continue to contribute

to inequality and injustice (mass incarceration, right-wing anti-democracy judges, etc.) What

would you do in your role as a judge to build a more just and fair legal system?

As a 46y/o African-American male, I have committed my life to breaking harmful stereotypes about

minorities and protected groups. Besides the symbolisms, I personally deal with race based

inequality daily and have become adept at identifying issues and addressing them. As a

judge I will remain focused on equality and how government ensures it citizens are treated

equal.

Janice Robinson | Civil Court Judge Kings County, 6th Municipal District

Office Sought:

Civil Court Judge Kings County – 6th Municipal District

Campaign Site:

Moore Consultancy Corp – 1655 Bedford Ave Ste 200 Bklyn NY 11225

Endorsements So Far:

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Senator Zellnor Myrie,

Assemblymember Robert Carroll, Council Member Crystal Hudson, Council Member

Mercedes Narcisse, Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman, Council Member

Shahana Hanif, District Leader Akel Williams, Former Assemblymember James

Brennan, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Party, Central Brooklyn Independent

Democrats, Real Action Community Democrats

Judicial Screening Results So Far:

Approved - Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) Screening

1) What is your current position/law practice? If you are currently a judge, what did you do

prior to becoming a judge?

Senior Litigation Counsel – Travelers Insurance Company

2) Why are you qualified to be a judge?

As a civil litigator for the past 20+ years, my practice brings me to the courthouse

regularly. Appearing before many of the judges in Kings County has given me a unique

perspective and made me very aware of what makes a judge effective. The right

temperament, professionalism, knowledge of the law, the ability to listen, respect for the

litigants, and, for Kings County, the ability to move cases along in a civil part that easily

has a calendar of 100 cases or more on any given day.

3) What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court

personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community?

To respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community, judges and court personnel

must be aware of whether the person (s) they are interacting with is a member of that

community. The onboarding process for all court staff, including judges should include

training specifically geared towards addressing the specific needs of the LGBTQ

community. Training on gender identity, expression and orientation will help increase

awareness and understanding and aid in creating a more welcome environment within

the judicial system. Having a trained “LGBTQ court advocate” can also help litigants feel

more at ease and assist with navigating the system without the barriers or hurdles that

often come with misunderstanding and judgement.

4) What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the

interventions?

I would gladly serve on any committee tasked with the development and

implementation of an onboarding process that includes this specialized training. I would

also encourage partnership with others to enlist the guidance and participation of

organizations dedicated to the equal treatment of the LGBTQ community (Legal Aid,

Legal Services NYC, NYCLU etc.)

5) How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are

respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?

If allowed to do so, I would make it a requirement in my part and included in my court

rules. The court personnel in my court room would also be instructed to do the same.

6) Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGaL”) judicial

screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for

failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?

Yes

7) There are many aspects of the legal system that have contributed and continue to

contribute to inequality and injustice (mass incarceration, right-wing anti-democracy

judges, etc.) What would you do in your role as a judge to build a more just and fair legal

system?

In my role as a judge, the most important and impactful thing I can do is remain

engaged, aware and concerned with the issues facing those that have been continually

marginalized and disenfranchised. I support and would work to provide more

community access to the court as a tool to educate Brooklynites about the judicial

system. Making sure the community is aware of the various court resources that are

currently available. Helping to secure more attorneys who are willing to volunteer their

time in the interest of unrepresented litigants. Overall, doing my part to make for a

better judicial system on and off the bench.

Turquoise Haskin, Esq. | Civil Court Judge, Countywide

Endorsements So Far:
Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Kings County Democratic Party,

IND and CBID

Judicial Screening Results So Far:

LeGal Judicial Screening Panel- Highly Approved

Kings County Democratic Screening Committee- Qualified

1) What is your current position/law practice? If you are currently a judge, what did you do

prior to becoming a judge?

I am a Principal Court Attorney to a Kings County Supreme Court

Justice. I concurrently serve as a Special Referee of Uncontested Matrimonial Matters.

I volunteer as a Small Claims Arbitrator in Kings County Civil Court.

2) Why are you qualified to be a judge?

I am qualified to be a judge because I have extensive experience as a Court Attorney in both

Kings County Civil Court and Supreme Court. I have worked on thousands of cases that affect

hard-working Brooklynites, including personal injury, medical malpractice, mental hygiene,

foreclosure, labor law, commercial landlord-tenant, uncontested matrimonial matters and breach

of contract cases. I have also assisted transgendered individuals with name change

applications.

My work involves complex legal research, writing and analysis, resolving multitudes of

challenging disputes, and effective case management. I am well respected by the bench and

bar for my legal acumen, settlement skills and zeal for public service.

I also have experience in private practice, and at key governmental agencies, such as the NYC

Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York State Attorney

General’s Office, which have provided me with great insight on how a judge should lead in the

courtroom from a practitioner’s perspective.

3) What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court

personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community?

What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the

interventions?

The court should be a forum where all are welcome to seek legal redress openly and freely. It is

important for judges and court personnel to receive implicit bias training, and participate in

diversity and inclusion courses, to foster an environment of equality and respect. My staff and I

will attend such seminars to ensure that all attorneys/litigants are treated with dignity and

respect. I would like to attend diversity and inclusion courses/events with my staff. Moreover, I

would refer litigants to the Help Center (rm 404) at Civil Court, so that they can be informed of

all resources that they can utilize.

4) How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are

respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?

I will review court filings to ensure that I use the proper pronouns when addressing litigants. I

will also employ gender neutral language to respect all litigants.

5) Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGaL”) judicial

screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for

failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?

I was advised by LeGal judicial screening committee that candidates’ ratings are valid for two

election cycles. Consequently, the “Highly Approved” rating that I received last year is valid this

year for the 2024 election.

6) There are many aspects of the legal system that have contributed and continue to

contribute to inequality and injustice (mass incarceration, right-wing anti-democracy

judges, etc.) What would you do in your role as a judge to build a more just and fair legal

system?

I will carefully assess the facts and the applicable law for each case, to make a fair and just

determination. In a criminal context, when applicable, a judge can consider alternatives to

setting bail and incarceration, such as supervised release and drug treatment programs.

Tehilah H. Berman | Civil Court Judge, Countywide

Endorsements So Far:

Brooklyn Democratic Party, Independent Neighborhood Democrats, and Jim Owles Liberal

Democratic Club.

Judicial Screening Results So Far:

I was found “Qualified” by the Judicial Screening Committee of the Kings County Democratic

Party.

What is your current position/law practice? If you are currently a judge, what did you do

prior to becoming a judge?

Principal Law Clerk to the Hon. Katherine A. Levine, Justice of the Supreme Court Kings

County.

1) Why are you qualified to be a judge?

I am qualified based upon my many years of broad legal experience. Upon graduating from

Brooklyn Law School in 1993 at age 23 until 2004, I practiced in the areas of employee benefits

and ERISA, general labor law, and employment law. My years of handling complex ERISA

issues in multifaceted transactional deals shaped me as a diligent and thorough attorney, able

to work on numerous issues at a time. As a mother of four young men, now ages 24 to 17, I

adjusted the trajectory of my professional life, from being an ERISA specialist to years at home,

then to pro bono criminal appeals and post conviction proceedings (2010-2014), and finally to

public service as a Principal Law Clerk to a Justice in the Civil Court (2015-2016) and Supreme

Court Kings County (2017-present). I have had experience researching in multiple areas of the

law over the past 30 years, think in a logical and unbiased manner, and write clearly and

succinctly. I possess the proper judicial demeanor - I will listen to every litigant carefully and

treat every person in the court fairly and free of bias, and with utmost consideration and respect.

I will ensure equal justice to every person who appears before me and work to combat inequity

in the justice system.

2) What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court

personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community?

What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?

Sensitivity training is required to ensure that the judiciary and court staff are educated and fully

understand the concerns of the LGBTQ+ community, and that the court is safe and inclusive. I

will promptly address comments made in front of me by litigants or court personnel that evince

bias or discrimination and, if necessary, inform the department of the court designated to handle

such matters. In instructing the jury at the beginning and conclusion of trials, I would emphasize

that implicit bias and prejudice related to sexual orientation and gender identity may never play

a role in their determination of the facts.

3) How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are

respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?

I will ensure that preferred pronouns are respected in my courtroom and on documents

prepared by litigators by addressing litigants and court staff with their preferred pronouns in oral

and written communications. Upon observing any form of misgendering or misidentifying by

other litigants or court employees, I would promptly correct them with utmost sensitivity toward

the affected individual, and, if necessary, report to the department of the court designated to

handle such matters.

4) Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGaL”) judicial

screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for

failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?

YES and YES.

5) There are many aspects of the legal system that have contributed and continue to

contribute to inequality and injustice (mass incarceration, right-wing anti-democracy

judges, etc.) What would you do in your role as a judge to build a more just and fair legal

system?

As a judge in the Civil Court, Criminal Court, or Family Court, I would ensure that all individuals,

regardless of their background, receive equal treatment under the law. If I were in the Criminal

Court, I would advocate for restorative justice practices and community-based programs that

prioritize rehabilitation and healing over punitive measures and incarceration, especially for

nonviolent offenses. Furthermore, I would protect due process rights and prevent wrongful

convictions by conducting fair trials, properly instructing the jury, and issuing fair and reasonable

decisions. I understand that under-represented communities have, in the past, been prone to

receiving disparate treatment in the courts, but I am committed to combating this disparity.

LID February 12 2024 Candidate Questionnaires

 Victoria Kelly | District Leader | AD 49

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

If re-elected, I would continue to work with reform minded colleagues to advance the changes

outlined in the Brooklyn Can’t Wait pledge. Though I was not a BCW candidate in 2022, I

have formed friendships and working relationships with many BCW endorsed leaders to

discuss issues, judicial endorsements and party reform. I would definitely be willing to

caucus with reform minded leaders, as I have informally done over the years.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I’d be willing to come speak to clubs, engage with leadership and rank and file members and

join any internal communication channels.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes, I can commit to continuing to participate with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait coalition and

supporting your external efforts to create change within the party.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes- we need to for transparency and to be able to function as we should.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

I have been a leader since 2016, and have seen the party effectively use its resources to help

democrats win elections in difficult general elections though we have not done that in years.

The party should commit to spending money to help candidates and also towards off-cycle

organizing, through voter registration drives, civic engagement and other party building

activities. I think the party should listen the candidates and campaigns to address their needs

and pitch in where needed.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

As the largest democratic party in the state, possibly the country, we need a robust

fundraising operation that includes multiple levels of donations. To professionalize and have

funds to adequately invest in campaigns and party building, we do need to have high dollar

fundraising as we have typically done. We should also start a grassroots fundraising effort to

show that our party is people powered as well.

Regarding transparency, the Fundraising and FInance committee’s should provide regular,

thorough reports to the Executive Committee and County Committee.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

We need to repeal the rule changes from a few years ago that limited county committee

engagement and cut the number of meetings that we formally come together. On the local

level, I would engage my county committee members and CC members from across the

borough to volunteer for close campaigns.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes, I am willing to commit to limiting the number of proxy votes. No one person should be

able to hold a majority of votes, or stockpile hundreds of proxies.

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

The longer I am a district leader, the more sure I am that the current process of judicial

screening and electing judges in our way is flawed. Should judges be “made” through

favoritism of political parties? Absolutely not. Barring any dramatic action on the state level to

develop another system, we can make a lot of progress within our own systems to reform the

process and make it more transparent. Last year's forums and questionnaires were a good

start and I understand that some clubs had feedback and more input on how that process

could play out. We should absolutely fold those suggestions in moving forward. Since first

being elected, I’ve seen progress on opening this portion of the work up to more folks

(through club forums, district leader meet & greets, etc) but we absolutely must continue it.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

There is only one real young democratic club in Brooklyn and that is the Brooklyn Young

Democrats. Period. Full Stop. I can commit to not working with the other club.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

My role as a district leader would be to uplift and amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+

community and make sure that they are represented in the party and their concerns and

issues are addressed.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

Yes, 100%. I certainly try in my professional and private life, and commit to using inclusive

language.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

I think my goals to being a state committee member would be to work with the party to invest

in the Asian American communities in our city that are turning to the right, and to bring change

to our party to make sure that we are investing in down ballot races. 2022 was a terrible year

for democrats in southern Brooklyn and while certainly not entirely the state party's fault, they

had warning and could have listened to organizers on the ground to help.

I am pro-choice and believe the abortion is healthcare and a right. I also am supportive of

gender affirming care and making it easier to access and afford it throughout our state.

The 49th Assembly District is facing many of the same climate related issues, though certainly

not as drastic as some coastal communities, we are all facing dramatic weather patterns and

changes. I am supportive of the offshore wind farms being built that have significant impacts

on Sunset Park and Red Hook. THey are crucial to our climate goals across the state. We can

do more, and we need to push our leaders to invest in climate efforts through the budget and

other legislation.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I’m applying for Brooklyn Can’t Wait this year because I feel its goals and work are very

closely in line with what I would like to see our party become. In the past I have not had any

real, meaningful opposition and have shied away from endorsements and anything that might

take efforts away from those who did need outside assistance. This year, whether or not I

have a challenge, I would like to show the support of clubs and organizations I have worked

with over the years.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

I have always wanted to professionalize the operations of the party. Experienced staff,

organizers and lawyers for petitions who assist the leaders in their AD’s and work for the

party, not the chair.

Robert Camacho | District Leader | AD 54

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

Yes

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

Yes

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

Give money to organization that are doing the work for Democratic like yours

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

See how much is needed and have the community altogether to donate and work together and open

door policy on your books

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

Tried to persuade them to get involved that their voice counts

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

Townhall so that people can hear from them

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

Buy bringing you to the table with us

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

Yes

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

Your body, your choice it’s real we need to see what’s the problem and address with state committee

members

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

Because I can’t wait just like Brooklyn can’t wait and I know you can work hard to help me help us

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

Yes, open it up to everyone which is hard to do. Everybody needs to be heard and seen and helped.

Shaquana Boykin | District Leader | AD 57

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

Yes

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

Updates at meetings and I am good at sending quick text as well to keep up in the loop.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes I commit to these goals

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes but still figuring out a plan to execute this

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

The Party should not be fighting other democrats and be a support for civic engagement, voter

registration, engage and activate county committee members as 1st line organizers and building civic

community block by block. The Party should allocate funding to districts to do this and provide voter

education from districts to presidential

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

I have no doubt that they are raising funds and could get more if we knew where the funds are going

more would donate. Transparency has not been demonstrated as 2nd term district leader I attend

fundraisers and ask can we use for civic engagement and it goes no where. I would like to work on

funding that can be use in our districts not to divide but to empower democrats.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

Voter Registration drives, ADC meetings & county committee district policy meetings with other district

leaders. hopefully this will activate Democratic Party to do better with the amazing County Committee

members we have to empower and build capacity.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

As a second year District Leader I see the need for proxy limits when its abused. The role of proxy are

incase CC members can’t attend but I have noticed some districts get CC members that are not active

just to take they proxy vote and that’s unfortunate. I would support limiting number

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

Its very multilayered as a second year district leader I would and have started having mixers in Jan

instead May giving district more opportunities to meet before they on ballot and during.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Im BYd all day

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

As District Leader/State Committee Member I can best support LGBTQIA+ community by making sure I

show up in the capacity of building connections that support and diversify the courts as well to reflect

LGBTQIA+ i community values

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Of course!

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

As a Second term State Committee member with other members we formed a caucus and we

communicate via chats. We have been making resolutions around Health including gender-affirming

resolutions, climate and land resolutions , and social workers in courts resolutions and I hope to

continue working to create resolutions that the state could focus on. Unfortunately even as a State

Committee members the leadership tries to kill the resolution before it hits the floor or if it does they

dont explain why our resolutions are failed.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

As a Second term District Leader I value partnership and building people power. I hope that this year

singing this pledge all district leaders are held accountable and we not just saying yes.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

At this point excuse my language F the Party I am the Party so how I am working to improve the party

is doing my best to be the example I want the Democratic Party to be.

David Alexis | District Leader | AD 58

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I would be looking to work with the Brooklyn Cant wait Reform caucus to fight for the goals outlined in

the pledge. I would also be interested in recruiting other district leaders to our cause.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I believe regular meetings and likely a chat group would be essential to staying on the same page and

organizes

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Absolutely. The Current centralized position of our the Brooklyn Democratic party operates promotes

corrupted and puts a chokehold on change and major benefits that democratic participation can have

on the party and our constituents

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Absolutely. If we are going to be a proper party we need to make sure we can offer support to

candidates and expand voter participation.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

The party should hold more Town Halls, voter registration drives, recruitment of community members

into the party apparatus and policy solution discussions that really meet the communities need. The

party should be able to strengthen community participation, expand th Democratic party constituency,

clarity on the party line and community led policy discussions

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Not only can the party change how it fundraises, e.g. focusing on small dollar donations, it can also

provide public disclosures of fundraising amounts and provide evidence of the Party moving away from

corruption

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

By reforming the internal structures of the party, we can give County Committee members more

substantial voting power on party decisions and forums where they can bring ideas, issues and

solutions that can be debated within the party

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes, this is anti-democratic and is part of the process that reproduces the corruption of the party

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

The most important part is breaking down and making more transparent the process through which the

judicial selection is made. Possibly adding opportunities for county committee members an opportunity

to weigh in on the judicial nominee process.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

We can not only work more closely with Lambda Independent Democrats but other LGBTQIA+

organizations on participation in the Brooklyn Democratic party and honest collaboration on learning

and supporting the community through some of the biggest issues that face the community. This is

especially important given the behavior and policy coming out of the Republican party

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Yes, to the best of my ability

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

I support Abortion Rights without restriction and I support gender affirming healthcare. I believe that

climate catastrophe is one of the biggest existential threats facing our country. In the 58th Assembtly

district, flooding of basements and loss of property, development of mold and other health hazards

happen at increasing rates with each major climate event. We are having them more frequently and we

need to do what we can to push for policy that protects our communities

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I believe the Brooklyn Cant wait slate offers an opportunity to improve the Brooklyn Democratic party.

As someone who got involved with politics after 2016 and was horrified by the rampant corruption of

the Democratic National Committee during the election and how they handled reformers made clear the

importance of transparency, democracy and competent leadership and infrastructure

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

Widad Hassan | District Leader | AD 56

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I would work on collaborating and coordinating with other district leaders on efforts and

strategies to ensure we are being inclusive and intentional in our work to include historically

marginalized communities in the democratic process. Yes, I would collaborate with the Reform

Caucus to do this.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I would keep in a open line of communication where updates & news can be shared and

reform efforts. I usually use signal or email for this work.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes, this structure makes the most sense and will be more beneficial and transparent.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

The Party needs to meaningfully engage with the diverse communities in NYC before and

during election season. That work looks like offering campaign materials, workshops & paid

canvassers that speak the languages in the district. A major challenge we’ve had in Bay

Ridge is Arabic interpreters for Election Day as well as during phone banking and canvassing

are usually always volunteers so engagement with these communities during election season

is dependent on their availability.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Fundraising to the campaign committee rather than the housekeeping account.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

Creating an Assembly District Committee where district leaders and county committee

members and local electeds can coordinate and collaborate on issues within district as well as

information share.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I think having open forums and community meetings with judges prior to selection is important

both for people to understand more how this can impact them and also for judges to be more

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

Offer listening sessions to hear more on challenges and experiences. Work with local orgs

doing the work on the ground and amplify their work and concerns to county committee.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Yes

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

My goal as a state committee member is amplify marginalized voices as well bridge the gap

between them the Democratic Party.

Abortion rights and gender affirming health care should be protected and not restricted by

government.

Climate issue is a global issue that all our cities need to take a role in addressing. Concerning

for me as I live near the shore.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

To be endorsed by a coalition of progressive political parties committed to reform and

improving the landscape of Brooklyn politics and Democratic Party

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

Other than having interpreters consistently available during election season, I think ongoing

political education between elections on civic engagement, city and state government

structure is important both for immigrant voters as well as the youth. The Brooklyn Democratic

Party also needs to be more reflective of its democratic members. The Party will lose votes

and members if it doesn’t continue to work on building meaningful relationships and inclusion

of diverse communities, which at times entails addressing the tensions and pain historically

marginalized communities may have with the party.

Mark Hanna | District Leader | AD 64

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I am very willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of District Leaders to implement the changes

from the pledge. I believe that with enough members, that caucus will finally be able to have the

necessary control over voting within the party to create real reform. We would be able to coordinate to

resolve issues related to the judicial nominating process, push the party to involve itself structurally and

materially in important elections in south Brooklyn, and prevent a party leader from implementing their

will wantonly and without regard for democracy at large.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I commit myself to attending club meetings and events as much as possible. I'm always happy to be

available to speak at these meetings about the party and the efforts being made. I like to be accessible

for communications by phone and email. Additionally, I will always volunteer any time I have to

champion issues and candidates the clubs support, even if they are well outside my own district or

personal interests - because solidarity in those regards is what keeps us together while broadening our

positive influence on local politics.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes. Being a member of a group means respecting the work that goes along with that membership. I

believe that being active and participating is necessary to demonstrate my commitment and respect for

the goals we've outlined in our pledge.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

This is how the party should operate. It’s inappropriate for the party to use the housekeeping funds

exclusively - because there is no oversight. They should be using the campaign/committee accounts.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

The party can look to other organizations, such as Rep Your Block, to see what an efficient use of funds

can do to build capacity. More can always be done to provide awareness to the population about the

workings of Democrats in the County. Holding more meetings, increasing county committee

involvement, providing support to build Assembly District Committees, or simply promoting democrats

running for office in contested races against Republicans are other important ways that the Party

should be expending resources.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Fundraising to the campaign committee rather than the housekeeping account, as indicated above, is a

good start. I believe that being more dedicated to the county, rather than just certain pockets of it, with

regards to organizing and electioneering, would increase the fundraising capacity naturally. The party is

too focused on consolidation of power internally, which is myopic and is quite likely actively harming the

future of the party.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

One of my goals during my term was to try to find new people who would be interested in participating

in county politics. My district, AD64, notoriously has only 36 county committee seats, total. Recruiting

people to join my local club as well as to join canvasses for the City Council race were good for

developing in some small way, a sense of political community, and fostering that among the County

Committee members is important. Because of how few actual seats there are, I've determined to

commit myself to creating a Signal chat with all of the members, so that we can check in with each

other more regularly and highlight opportunities in the neighborhood.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes. A reasonable limitation that ensures that the needs of the people who are differently abled are

protected, while also preventing the kinds of mass fraud perpetuated by the party currently - is needed.

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I believe that the current progress that is being made to host public forums and, in general, provide

more opportunity for judicial candidates to face the public directly, is good and should continue. Judges

and judicial candidates simply do not interface with the public enough during their races, and there is a

lot of room to grow in that regard.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yeah, the only BYD that I'm interested in is the real one. I will not seek any endorsement by any group

claiming to be BYD that isn't chartered.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

Like any marginalized or minority community, the best ways to support people is to first accept the

community as one with interests that must be respected and uplifted. By listening, hearing and holding

the needs of the community, by being in it and interacting with organizations and individuals who

represent the larger community and, importantly, following up on those needs. As a District Leader, I

can foster personal relationships with politicians and be in rooms where I have an opportunity to speak

up on issues I believe in - and I believe that it is incumbent upon me to do so.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Yes, definitely.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

My goal as a state committee member is to consistently vote in favor of progressive resolutions and to

encourage other State Committee Members to do the same.

I support the right to choose and believe that people are entitled to the healthcare that they need and

want. Medical bigotry is horrendous.

Like every district in Brooklyn, or really globally, climate change impacts us in ways both visibly and

invisibly. Storms are worsening, temperatures are more erratic, but as Bay Ridge is one of the largest

naturally occurring retirement communities in NY, those types of otherwise simple concerns can be fatal

for our aging population. As time goes on, climate related catastrophies are only going to worsen and I

expect that heat waves and wet bulb weather events will become more common. The infrastructure in

my district, or anywhere, probably, will be adequate to handle any of the possible coming problems.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I want to continue to be a part of the changing landscape of Brooklyn politics. I believe that the coalition

of progressive organizations involved in BCW represent a more diverse, more democratic and more

egalitarian vision of local politics that I support and want to promote.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

LID February 15 2024 Candidate Questionnaires

Akel Williams | District Leader | Assembly District 42

 1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

If re-elected, I would continue to work with the existing BCW coalition District Leaders and incoming

coalition District Leaders to vote on needed party reforms, build trusting relationships, and to stand

unified to implement the changes outlined in the pledge. I would be willing to collaborate with a Reform

Caucus of District Leaders to do this. As my voting record will reflect, I have voted/supported pushes

for reform- minded leadership and initiatives.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

Once re-elected, I would continue to maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait coalition

clubs through transparent conversations with leadership who can then disseminate information to their

membership, and also by making public as I have done before, my position on party and community

issues through communication channels such as social media.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

I will commit to continuing to support the outcome of the collective process and help to enact reforms

by attending meetings and votes in coordination with other coalition members. In the event I am unable

to attend a meeting, I would certainly utilize the proxy system to tender my vote.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes I would support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account instead of exclusively

fundraising for the Housekeeping account.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

The party should spend money on materials, ads, canvassers, etc, to support Democrats in swing

districts that face serious Republican challenges, and begin to do more outreach to Democratic voters

across Brooklyn. Currently, this is not the case, and for candidates who may not be as friendly with

leadership, little to none is done to support Democratic candidates who may not be in favor with

leadership. In fact, we have seen examples such as in a recent City Council race where leadership

attempted to hurt the Democratic candidate going up against a Republican. This is especially

problematic in South Brooklyn.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

I think the local party can increase its fundraising capacity by also appealing to the average voter for

small dollar donations, and explaining what is at stake if we allow Republicans to gain control. The

party should also be explicitly clear about how donated money is spent and the rationale for it. We

should not have checks that are written to the party at large, be deposited in the coffers of a particular

elected.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

Supporting a more transparent Organizing Meeting where voting formulas and data are transparent,

and working with County Committee members to engage their neighbors as initiates, proposals, ideas,

etc are rolled out. I would also as I have done before, encourage County Committee members to attend

the Organizing a meetings if they’re able to, rather than solely encouraging a proxied vote.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

I certainly would support limiting the amount of proxies one individual can hold.

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I would begin with changing the way the setup for screening committees are setup. My nominee for the

screening committee was not even contacted, and I would like to suppose it is because of my

unabashed opposition to leadership.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

I acknowledge the Brooklyn Young Democrats group that is chartered by the state and national Young

Democrats, and I certainly will not be seeking endorsement from other groups claiming to be the

legitimate BYD.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

A District Leader/State Committee Member can best support the LGBTQIA+ community by being taking

into account how our votes can harm/protect members of the community, showing up to be present and

lend support to the community, and by even practicing inclusivity in official communications by using

inclusive language versus historically gendered language.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Yes I do!

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

As a State Committee Member, my goal would be similar, to push the State Party Chair to do more

across New York, as there is a strong Republican push demonstrated in the most recent gubernatorial

race.

I firmly support an individual’s right to choice. I believe in autonomy over one’s own body. I also support

gender-affirming healthcare, as I believe there are also further medical implications supporting good

mental health in individuals lives.

Climate Justice is an issue that affects every living creature on the planet. I firmly believe in pushing

towards sensible and sustainable policies that would improve climate resilience. I am aware that across

Brooklyn, flood studies are actively being conducted.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I want to be endorsed by BCW again, because I believe that collectively the BCW Reform Caucus

could bring about the change that I believe is overdue in the Brooklyn Democratic Party apparatus. We

see some of the changes our collective efforts have brought about this far, and I would like to continue

this to change even more.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party

Martiza Davila | District Leader | AD 53

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I'm committed to the principals of the pledge and am committed to continuing to fight for reform

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

Monthly meetings

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

I would provide funds to those candidates who suport transparency and integrity to the party

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

I support the professionalization of the party and resource sharing with people organizing and building

capacity to grow the party

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

I think focusing on low dollar grass roots event to energize the party will in the long lead to more fund

raising opportunities. Not needing to rely on large dollar amounts from special interests

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

In my district I regularly have dialogue with my county committee members and work collectively with

them to participate in progressive causes and civic activities

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes, I am on record in favor

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I have brought the candidates to meet with the community ensuring the dialogue, also I have recruited

candidates from within my community who are reflective of my community

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

Including them in the political process such as screening of candidates and voter registration

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

I understand why using inclusive and gener neutral langauge matters. This awareness help me

communicate more thoughtfully.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

As the elected State representative of the 53rd Assembly District I have voted to protect women's rights

and access to health card and fund both. NYS is leader in these ares, I am a proud sponsor the NY

HEAT act

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

Similar philosophical idealogies, We both aim to make the party more transparent and inclusive,

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

Jenna Bimbi | District Leader | Assembly District 50

None submitted as of 2/14/2024

Luke Ohlson | District Leader | Assembly District 50

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I was very fortunate to be able to work on the campaign of Assemblymember Emily Gallagher in 2020. I

am honored that she reached out to me to be considered for this role. She was also able to connect me

with Caitlin Kawaguchi who provided an overview of the pledge linked too above. She also connected

me with Aaron Ouyang who provided a detailed explanation of the role of the District Leader both within

their district and the efforts of the Reform Caucus. All that to say that I am firmly committed to reform

and understand that a large part of my role will be deferring to those who have been engaged in the

reform fight for many years: Reform Caucus District Leaders, NKD members, Rep Your Block reps, and

reform-minded elected officials.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I would work with fellow District Leaders to use platforms they've had success in using. I'd also work

with my Assemblymember to be sure our communication efforts are in line. In my experience as a

community organizer and now as a video and photo professional I've used many communications

platforms and methods and would do so in a District Leader role.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Absolutely.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

As evidenced by recent behavior the Brooklyn Democratic Party should spend less time attacking

reform candidates in various offices and holding on to party-line incumbents and more on voter

registration and running candidates who will excite voters to turn out. Funds set aside for campaigns

allow for greater equity in those who can run and lessens the financial burden on individuals/individual

campaigns and therefore lessens the need to spend time and energy on fundraising. Every minute

dedicated to knocking on a door or having a community conversation is valuable. When a candidate

has to be fundraising constantly it makes things unnecessarily difficult.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

People support people/causes/things that make real and impactful change in their lives. They are even

more likely to do so when they can see the decision making process clearly and simply. I once again

defer to the individuals who have been involved in this fight for a long time in strategies to fundraise. I

bring my experiences as a community organizer and electoral volunteer/worker in seeing that minimal

change leads to minimal support. Big changes, or at least, big proposed changes increase people's

enthusiasm in their support not just with financial backing but with their time, effort, and energy.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

As oversimplified as this may sound, I commit to communication and transparency. I am not one to, and

don't believe others should, gatekeep decisions or lord over information. If you're sensing a theme here

it's that I defer to the smart and passionate people who have been doing this for many years. There are

many people involved at the county level who have been at this for many years. I believe that decisions

should be taken with input, and where possible, consensus of a diverse range of voices. As mentioned

earlier in the questionnaire I'm committed to using whatever communications

strategies/methods/platforms that work best for County Committee members.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes, absolutely.

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I don't have a clear and definitive answer for this but as someone who's gotten frantic calls/texts on

Primary Days and Election Days asking me about judges I know the process can definitely be

improved. :) I know I'm a broken record on this but I defer to to the many people who have worked on

reform in the Judicial selection process for years within NKD and affiliated groups. To oversimplify, I

would strongly encourage community and press outreach to ensure that the positions of various judges

are widely known. The process is opaque now and the best way to make something opaque

transparent is to get to work cleaning it up.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

I acknowledge the Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive representation of Brooklyn

Young Democrats.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

I think a District Leader/State Committee Member can best support the LGBTQIA+ community by, and

excuse the cliche, walking the talk. It isn't enough to slap a rainbow flag on things and say the work is

done. We need to be committed to Trans rights, the ongoing discrimination and violence experienced

by the queer community, the economic challenges faced by individuals who face discrimination and

estrangement at times from early in life. Yet another reason for reform at the Brooklyn Democratic Party

is that people within the LGBTQIA+ need to be in positions of leadership, need to be supported to run

for electoral office, both of which will lead to real legislative action to address the above issues and

many more faced by the queer community. To use a very local example, I am thrilled that we now have

a park named for the legendary transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson. That is a start but trans youth

in particular need housing, healthcare, and the right to fulfilling lives and that needs a broader systemic

commitment at the city and state level.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Absolutely.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

Part 1: As a State Committee member I am committed to reform. I am less familiar with the issues at

the State Committee but am working to familiarize myself with them and defer to the experience and

expertise of NKD members and affiliated groups.

Part 2: I am vehemently and adamantly committed to abortion rights and to gender-affirming health

care. I believe that limitations on either lead directly to unacceptable, lifelong, and entirely avoidable

harm.

Part 3: We live, as so many others do, in an incredibly vulnerable waterfront community. This

neighborhood, as so many others do, has a legacy of environmental degradation that has led to there

being three nearby superfund sites. The two are intrinsically linked (eg Standard Oil dumped toxins into

Newtown Creek for decades while at the same time being a major, if not the major, contributor, to

climate destabilization). All that to say I am in support of bills like the Climate Change Superfund Act at

the state level and also committed to actions like congestion pricing that limit the environmental

injustice brought about by Robert Moses and all those who aided and abetted his disastrous city

planning.

Racquel Williams | District Leader | Assembly District 59

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

If elected, I understand to have an effective change among the District Leaders (DLs), one has to

create an atmosphere for it. Real change requires forward thinking and the interaction of pragmatic

ideas. My suggestion is create a committee that collects data to understand the needs of DLs’

constituents by implementing outreach programs and community building events. As such, I am willing

to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of DLs and pushing such effort.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

In order to implement policy reform efforts, my hope is to consistently communicate with the Brooklyn

Can't Wait coalition clubs. I am willing to communicate by email, Zoom, phone calls, and/or attending

meetings at least once a month.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes, it is needed to support the Democratic Party’s campaigns and to keep Brooklyn Blue. The

Democratic Party holds the majority of public offices and we cannot take that for granted. When the

Party is strong, significant outreach can have lasting positive effect on the communities represented.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

I think the Party should financially support Democrats running for office, especially in the swing districts.

The Party can provide supplies/food for volunteers or pay volunteers, which would be helpful in this

economy. I also think various committees should be created and financially supported for its specific

outreach. The Party should spend money to educate voters about politics and to support voter

registrations. An educated mind is a purposeful one.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Our local party can increase its fundraising capacity by grassroots fundraising. As for transparency,

there needs to be more oversight over the Party's finances and holding the Party (boss, treasurer,

finance committee etc) accountable. Party's finances should at least be available for the County

Committee members to view. There also should be more meetings to discuss the Party's finances

among the County Committee. One meeting every two years isn't sufficient and it is difficult to oversee

and keep boss, treasurer, finance committee accountable. I am also open to ideas.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

I can commit to advocate changing the rules to give CC members more responsibilities. I would

advocate for more meetings and allow a space for CC members to have a voice. I would also

encourage educational sessions about politics in general and other issues impacting Brooklyn and the

Democratic Party; i.e. migration issues, affordable housing, climate change, etc. I would also commit to

encouraging CC members to engage youth involvement in Democratic Party process as they are our

future. Finally, I can commit to gather other CC members to encourage meetings within our district to

connect and build relationships with our district.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes.

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I suggest facilitating town hall meetings where judicial candidates would be introduced and would

address their platforms to the community. Community members can present questions to ask the

judicial candidates, which the DLs would consider when making their nominations. This would allow

transparency of the judicial candidates prior to putting their names on the ballot and going to the voting

booth.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

A District Leader/State Committee Member can best support the LGBTQIA+ community by staying

informed about the issues that impact its community, supporting equality, and fighting against

discrimination.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...”)?

Yes

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

My goal is to push the initiative of the NY Dems as whole but to also unite the Party. Unity is one of the

essential ways to keeping New York and its counties Blue.

I do not believe in restrictive abortion laws and I will help fight to codify Roe. V. Wade into state law. I

believe women should have the right to obtain safe and legal abortions. Similarly, I do not support

eliminating access to gender-affirming care. Transgenders should also have safe and legal access to

healthcare that supports their individual gender identities. In retrospect—your body, your choice.

Due to climate change, my district has experienced flooding. Although flooding cannot be completely

eliminated, I hope to educate myself and the community on the risk and solutions to reduce these risks.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I want to be endorsed because based on its pledge, BCW strongly cares about the Brooklynites and

the Brooklyn Dem Party. The Party is in need of reconstruction as it seems like personal interests have

taken over the public’s interest. Furthermore, BCW supports forthcoming ideas/voices and the

distribution of power/responsibilities within the Party, which are needed to keep Brooklyn Blue and to

keep up with the ever-changing society.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

LID April 10 2024 Candidate Questionnaires

 Norma Jennings Civil Court Judge, 6th Municipal District

Office Sought: Civil Court Judge, 6th Municipal District

Campaign Site

Endorsements So Far: IND, CBID, Joan Millman, JoAnne Simon, Lincoln Restler, Aaron Ouyang, Jaqui Painter, Julio Pena III, Sarana Purcell, Brian Cunningham, Mark Hanna, Shaquana Boykin, Michael Boomer

Judicial Screening Results So Far: King’s County Judicial Screening Committee, Approved

What is your current position/law practice? If you are currently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge? Before becoming a judge, I was a court attorney in Housing Court assigned to Kings County.

Why are you qualified to be a judge? I am qualified based upon my experience as a current sitting judge where I treat everyone with respect and dignity when they come to my court and explain the law in a way that a lay person can understand and make an informed decision.  I am impartial, fair, patient, and treat everyone with respect.

What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions? The court requires more information and training on how to interact, work with, and respect the LGBTQ community, especially the trans community.  My wife and I organized a training for judges and court attorneys on preferred pronouns and gender identity in Housing Court.  There are other members of the court staff that should be given this training and I will work with management on training other staff.

How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court? I am a member of the Unified Court System’s Richard Failla Commission that was involved in the bench card to be used by court personnel to how to ensure that litigants are addressed by their preferred pronoun.

Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGaL”) judicial screening panel?  Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association? I will absolutely appear before the LGBT Bar Association.

There are many aspects of the legal system that have contributed and continue to contribute to inequality and injustice (mass incarceration, right-wing anti-democracy judges, etc.) What would you do in your role as a judge to build a more just and fair legal system? I believe the court has implemented programs that are alternatives to incarceration that under appropriate circumstances a judge can decide place someone in and have check ins to make sure the person is staying focused and on the right track. 

Aaron Ouyang Male District Leader Assembly District 52

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I learned in the current 2022-2024 cycle that Reform District Leaders have much more capability to

shape our future than in previous cycles. This is due in large part to the organizing work Brooklyn Can’t

Wait has done, as well as building upon the legacy of previous reform minded District Leaders, clubs

and organizations. Collaborating with District Leaders now means being more specific in our desired outcomes for 2024

and getting buy-in from as many Leaders as possible.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

We have operated largely through club leadership during this current cycle, which has both benefits

and drawbacks. Convenience, speed of contact and being able to communicate efficiently has been

positive but I would like to also work on communicating directly to club members as well.

This also means developing new ways to get membership involved in the organizing work that the

County Party has failed to do. Getting folks involved with a project, task or committee is a way for us to

increase participation and also increase communication with the coalition.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes, it's very key to have collaboration and buy-in from not just District Leaders but also the Brooklyn

Can’t Wait Coalition Clubs.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes, in light of the many competitive races in the upcoming general this should be one of the main

goals of the Party.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

I believe we should dedicate funds to both support key races in Brooklyn and also supporting

Democrats in generating engagement in their Districts.

On the campaign side, this could take the form of donations to the campaign or spending towards

supporting a specific cause (say transportation to a canvassing event).

For example, currently in organizing an Assembly District Committee, District Leaders will often pay for

the notices and/or event space/Zoom account for the organizing meeting out of their campaign

accounts. Having funds set aside to help District Leaders organize throughout the term would benefit

the party immensely.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Currently, the process for forming, getting on a Committee or distribution of meeting minutes is

functionally non-existent within the Executive Committee. These are simple changes that can be made

with approval from enough Leaders.

Additionally, I believe we should find a way to get County Committee Members to understand County

Finances. It could come in the form of seats on a Committee or reporting requirements to the County

Committee; there absolutely should be transparency and collaboration with the County Committee

when it comes to finances.

Fundraising won’t be successful without transparency. We should work towards full transparency with

the books, and figure out mechanisms to fundraise towards specific tasks or initiatives (General

Election Fund, ADC Startup Fund, etc.) where we can track the dollars effectively.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

Keeping our Assembly District Committee running will be a priority, we’ve had one running in the 52nd

AD for three consecutive terms now. Getting it started within 30 days of the Organizing meeting this

year will be a goal of mine.

Additionally we should find ways to lead specific initiatives as a Brooklyn Can’t Wait coalition. General

Election support will always be something we can work towards as a group.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

We should find ways to empower Judicial Delegates more. Currently we have hosted meet and greets

with the Judicial Candidates, we can certainly host more events in that vein.

Additionally, we should work to publish a District Leader evaluation of the Judicial Candidates. Forms of

this have been done previously, but they were never formal or designed to be shared with the public.

This would be a separate process than the current screening committee.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes to both! Happy to acknowledge the real Brooklyn Young Democrats!

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

I believe my role is to help support the LGBTQIA+ organizers in their work and advocate for them to

take leading roles in pushing for more representation. Part of this would be to open up more

opportunities for County Committee Members to be involved and advocating for LGBTQIA+ members

to take roles.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Legislators is another way District Leaders can be supportive, both through

campaigns and also helping with any initiatives from their offices.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

Yes.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

We should continue to form coalitions of reform minded State Committee Members from across the

State and push the body to be more proactive in addressing specific policy issues.

1) This term, a more reform minded coalition of State Committee Members have been successful

passing resolutions towards supporting the housing crisis, climate crisis and LGBTQIA+ representation.

More of this type of work has been in the works currently.

2) I am for supporting abortion rights and against any unnecessary restriction towards a birthing

person’s right to choose. And would also be supportive of ensuring and expanding gender-affirming

care to anyone who would need it.

3) The 52nd Assembly District faces a variety of climate related issues. To mention a few, we are a

district along the coastline, this has brought a noticeable increase in flooding into our district from

rainstorms. A number of infrastructure improvements have been made towards storm mitigation in the

district and that should continue.

We also are home to a significant portion of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, notably the triple

cantilever in Brooklyn Heights which is long due for an infrastructure improvement. This is a rare

opportunity to reverse an old relic of Robert Moses and give public space back to the community and

potentially connect the Columbia Waterfront back to the rest of the district. This should be done with

community engagement and involvement.

Finally, there is the Gowanus superfund site in our district which is also host to the Gowanus rezoning

project. Again, continual community involvement to ensure the cleanup is progressing along will be

important. The community should also be engaged with any superfund related issues, especially as

more residential development occurs. This is also a political opportunity to engage at a Federal level as

this area of the district has changed Congressional lines in the last redistricting.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I want to reform the Brooklyn Democratic Party so that it serves the Borough. Being endorsed last cycle

was both an honor but also a start as to what the Brooklyn Democratic Party could look like in the near

future. I want to help finish what the campaign started and start to deliver on its pledge.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

Lydia Green Female District Leader Assembly District 52

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

If re-elected, I would work to be constantly in contact with my fellow reform District Leaders to ensure

that we are on the same page and working together as a unit. As a team, we would brainstorm ways to

use our bloc of votes to leverage concrete reforms. I also would welcome the formation of a Reform

Caucus of District Leaders and would gladly join and collaborate with such a group. As for other District

Leaders who are not necessarily aligned with Brooklyn Can't Wait and/or reform, I would still build

relationships with them to show anyone on the fence that reformers are team players, and I would try to

find opportunities to collaborate where our priorities are aligned.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I have relationships with the leaders of all three Brooklyn Can't Wait clubs, and I plan to continue to

build with them in the coming years. As issues or opportunities come up, I will reach out to the clubs to

keep both leaders and members apprised and to brainstorm together as a coalition. I am also happy to

speak at general meetings to keep grassroots members informed about our reform work. I already have

a record of speaking about District Leader work at NKD and LID meetings in the past and would love to

continue to do so at future meetings for all three clubs.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Absolutely! I believe in working as a coalition, and I commit to showing up for the entire process.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes. At a bare minimum, our party should be providing funds to Democratic campaigns in general

elections, and the fact that the Brooklyn Democratic Party has not managed to even reach that bar is a

disgrace.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

Ideally, in addition to giving money directly to Democratic campaigns in general elections, the party

should be spending money on organizers to work on turning out Democratic voters throughout the

borough. These organizers should also work to build relationships with voters year-round, even when

there is not an election coming up soon, and support County Committee Members' hyperlocal

organizing efforts. The party should additionally invest in trainings to teach Democratic volunteers

cutting-edge organizing skills, such as deep canvassing, and bring creative communications minds

together to create coordinated messaging strategies for campaigns.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

In order to improve its financial situation, our party needs a robust Finance Committee that includes

County Committee Members and ordinary Democrats in addition to District Leaders. The Finance

Committee should meet regularly and publicly (or at least in a way that is open to all Democratic voters)

to maximize accountability. Financial decisions should be made democratically and not by any one

leader alone.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

I commit to running more trainings for County Committee Members like the deep canvassing one I led

last year to make sure that County Committee Members have the chance to build their organizing skills.

I also commit to including County Committee Members more extensively in the judicial selection

process. Last year, a group of reform District Leaders (including me) organized a meet-and-greet with

candidates for Supreme Court. In my next term, I plan to create even more opportunities for County

Committee Members in my district to get involved in the process, including a mini judicial convention

just for residents of the 52nd Assembly District. I will also advocate for the inclusion of County

Committee Members in all spaces (committees, meetings, etc.) where party decisions are made.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Absolutely. I am an advocate for bringing more small-d democracy to the Brooklyn Democratic Party,

and the rule that allows unlimited proxies is one of the biggest roadblocks we face to having true

democracy within the party.

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

I believe this is a change that would have to happen at least in part at the state legislative level (not

with party rules alone), but if I could change anything about the judicial selection process, I would make

the Judicial Convention a more meaningful part of the process by allowing Judicial Delegates to vote on

individual candidates at the convention. The Brooklyn Democratic Party Executive Committee may still

meet to vote on a list of candidates to endorse, but that list would be much more of a suggestion. I

would then work with criminal justice and legal organizations and get directly impacted community

members to run for Judicial Delegate, which would become a much more powerful position than it

currently is.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Yes and yes. I take no part in legitimizing County's fake "Brooklyn Young Democrats" shenanigans.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

For one thing, in order to support the LGBTQIA+ community, we need to elect more members of the

community to party office. As a bisexual, my re-election will help continue providing representation and

visibility for my community. I will similarly support the election efforts of other LGBTQIA+ Brooklyn Can’t

Wait District Leader candidates in any way I can. More generally, District Leaders can advocate to get

rid of the binary gender designations we are required to include for our elections. We can also support

adding LGBTQIA+ advocacy to our party platform through resolutions. Just last year, for instance, I

helped pass my colleague State Committee Member John Scott's resolution in support of LGBTQIA+

curricula in NYS schools.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

Yes.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

In 2022, I introduced a State Committee resolution in support of ranked choice voting, and I would

continue in my next term to introduce and support resolutions advocating for progressive policy as well

as party reform. I was one of the few Brooklyn District Leaders (if not the only one) to make it to every

single State Committee Meeting of our term so far.

I believe that abortion and gender-affirming care are health care and therefore human rights. I do not

support any restrictions to such care.

My district is very susceptible to flooding, since the 52nd Assembly District includes a chunk of the East

River coastline, as well as most of the Gowanus Canal and surrounding areas. I believe that we need

upgrades to our sewage systems and better flood protection within our public infrastructure. We also

need to work to limit the climate crisis as much as currently possible by switching swiftly to renewable

energy sources to prevent even more erratic weather and worse flooding.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

I am seeking Brooklyn Can't Wait's endorsement, because I deeply support the coalition's goals for

party reform, and I believe that fixing the party locally is crucial to fixing our democracy nationally. Even

without the support of Brooklyn Can’t Wait, I would still be taking on the same fights as I am now, but I

would be working on them more by myself. Together we are more effective — with a coalition by my

side, I can work smarter and dream bigger. Brooklyn Can't Wait was also instrumental in my 2022

victory, and I cannot imagine winning re-election this year without this coalition.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party

Jacqui Painter Female District Leader Assembly District 51

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

I’m committed to fighting for all of the changes outlined in the pledge. I strongly believe we

need to fix our broken electoral system to ensure no one is denied their right to vote. Our

county party needs a platform in order to be a real voice for working people in the borough

and should enact an agenda that fights injustice and holds its electeds accountable to.

Growing up in a community where voter suppression is rampant, ensuring that everyone can

participate in Democracy is what drives a lot of my activism already.

My co-district leader Julio Peña III have been fighting and advocating to reform the rules that

govern the democratic party for the past two years of our term. In every meeting we have with

our colleagues in the party, we have always stood up for rule changes and transparency

measure to ensure that the party is inclusive, honest, and truly democratic.

Coming from a neighborhood that is constantly an after-thought in city government, inclusivity

is extremely important to me. As everyone may remember, in 2022 Julio and I's vacancy slate

got denied by the county party, allowing us to not be able to form our ADC. in 2023. This year,

we will once again avidly work to organize our AD51 constituents to run for county committee

with Rep Your Block as I have already done in previous years. I want to make sure that our

immigrant and NYCHA communities have representation at the party level and ensure that

our county committee members are actively engaged and participating in the party.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I think I did a good job with communications in the past, I'm very active on social media and my district

email list of 5,000 registered democrats. In 2024 and beyond, I am looking to step it up starting with a

goal of making one informative video per month about party issues and how it all works. This was a

goal I had during my first term, but it didn't get fully realized yet. I am also the Vice President of Lambda

Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, a member of Independent Neighborhood Democrats, Brooklyn

Young Democrats, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Stonewall Democratic Club, and New

Kings Democrats. I am always at the events and meetings and plan to continue doing so!

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Yes!

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes, and the party needs to be held accountable if they don't spent a party campaign account.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

DISTRIBUTE IT!! The Party needs to spend their money on electing Brooklyn Democrats! They should

be ashamed of themselves for what they did to Councilmember Justin Brannan, Hochul, and more

Dems in the past recent years. We should be spending that money on mailers, lit, volunteers, and

mobilizing.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Be transparent about spending, and not fundraising for their Housekeeping account. These lavish and

extravagant parties that they throw just to poat ourselves on the back are shameful, and we need to

rethink our fundraising to be for campaigns and electing Brooklyn Democrats.

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

In my term, I have always advocated for County Committee members to be more inolved and will

continue to do so. The "Committees" that the party established should be open to County Committee

with full participation and transparency on what they are and what their goal is. Julio and I have

engaged our County Committee members throughout our term with voter registration drives, election

canvassing, and community engagement events such as our Community Baby Shower, Black History

Month Resource Fair, and various Health Resource Fairs.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

YES!!!

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

Complete transparency is something that both myself and my co-leader Julio Peña III are very focused

on. We need full transparency on the judge process, poll working, and County structure. I plan on

continuing the work that I was apart of in 2022 with more judicial forums, and expand the frequency and

accessibility of them. Information on both the process and the judicial candidates was also listed

publicly on my website and social media, e-mail newsletters, and available to the public during office

hours and events- this will continue into my next term.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Absolutely. I have been very vocal on this and will continue to be.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

As the FIRST AND ONLY Queer elected District leader duo, Julio and I are committed to LGBTQIA+

representation within our Brooklyn Party. We are at an important time right now for District Leaders to

show their support for the LGBTQ+ community with the current work started by the Gender Task Force

with collaboration from LGBTQ+ leaders (like LID) throughout the borough. Now more than ever DLs

need to work to ensure our County Party moves away from the gender binary and becomes more

inclusive of anyone. This means creating new bylaws, actively engage and recruit queer Brooklynites in

the County Community, and advocate for LGBTQ+ issues and legislation in our districts.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

Yes! I always do.

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

During my term as a State Committee Member I was proud to have helped write and support different

proposals sent to the committee on LGBTQIA+ education, Climate Action, rules reform, and more. I

have publicly joined the coalition for a resignation of Jay Jacobs, and am a member of the Progressive

Caucus. I plan on doing this and more during my next term.

I am strong advocate and fighter for reproductive healthcare, gender affirming care, and a person's

right to choose. I am a proud activist and member of BK Forge. Throughout the term I have helped

organize meetings and protests on reproductive healthcare and abortion rights.

Climate related issues in AD 51??? Okay here it goes...

My District is one of the most vulnerable to climate change in the entire city. We took the brunt of the

impact from Hurricane Sandy and are still experiencing its effects today, eight years later. I co-founded

the Green Schools Alliance in 2006 while in high school, which has since grown into an international

organization with thousands of student members dedicated to combating climate change and

environmental racism. After experiencing Hurricane Sandy firsthand, I continued my environmental

activism to protect our neighborhood from climate change by becoming a founding member of the

Sandy response group Resilient Red Hook, an organizer with the No BQX Red Hook group, and one of

the main organizers in the “Let Red Hook Breathe” campaign. It is imperative that climate change policy

uplifts the black and brown communities that are most impacted by it.

I am a big supporter of The Green New Deal and renewable energy. We need to move toward 100%

renewable energy and total decarbonization. Decarbonization is possible if we work towards first

retrofitting our buildings with green infrastructure and technology, then getting rid of all existing fossil

fuel infrastructure while also banning new pipelines and refineries, replacing them instead with

renewable energy sources, supported by the fossil fuel subsidies we would normally be funding. I

support the passing of the Clean Futures Act especially due to the fact that fossil fuel plants are most

commonly found in communities of color here in Red Hook and the Sunset Park waterfront.

Communities of color are the most vulnerable to climate change. High-polluting and fossil fuel

infrastructure projects are always found more commonly in or next to neighborhoods with

predominantly people of color. In this country, 68% percent of Black people live within thirty miles of a

coal-fired power plant, causing more health problems, exposure to harsh chemicals, and higher asthma

rates than in white communities.

I have and always will publicly oppose all new fossil fuel infrastructure, including fracked gas pipelines,

in New York State. It’s frontline communities like those in AD 51 who bear most of the burden of climate

change.

A District Leader should be someone who advocates for their community and district’s issues. This

means coalition building with other elected officials while being in constant communication with the

community to make sure you have an understanding of issues on the ground. District Leaders have an

opportunity to amplify the voice of their community to other city and party stakeholders. I am proud to

constantly be vocally fighting for our issues, and will continue to do so.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

One of the reasons that actually led me to run for District Leader in 2022 is when the ballot propositions

expanding voting rights failed to pass in 2021. Not only would these reforms transformed voting rights

in the entire state, but especially been integral in expanding our democracy in underserved

neighborhoods like mine. It is truly the fault of the Brooklyn Democratic Party for not campaigning for

them. As voters we are continually let down with a lack of transparency and basic voter education by

the Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership.

Our democracy has been in crisis for years. The Brooklyn Democratic party leadership has failed to

represent the voices of all Democrats and be present in our district. This is the moment to create the

change we need.

I believe that I represented the values of Brooklyn Can't Wait well during my first term, and I look

forward to doing even more and being more bold in my actions in my next term.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

Julio Peña III Male District Leader, Assembly District 51

1) If elected, how would you work with other District Leaders to implement the changes

outlined in the pledge? Would you be willing to collaborate with a Reform Caucus of

District Leaders to do this?

Collaboration is key in order to get any of our goals done - over the past three years, I've worked to

create strong relationships with not just "reform" leaders but folks all across the borough. Any change

we try to move forward will need a broad coalition of members, not just for the numbers but also to be

advocates/champions of the work we are trying to do.

2) Once elected, how would you maintain communication with the Brooklyn Can’t Wait

coalition clubs about party reform efforts?

I think regular check-in/follow up meetings is critical in order to ensure we and the reform movement

are on the same page. As our DL coalition grows larger, maintaining strong lines of communication will

be super important.

3) When District Leaders who are endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait work with coalition

clubs to create a strategy for enacting reforms, will you commit to supporting the

outcome of that collective process and helping to enact the reforms by attending

meetings and votes, and coordinating with other coalition members?

Absolutely, yes.

4) Would you support dedicating significant funds to the party’s campaign account, instead

of exclusively fundraising for the Housekeeping account?

Yes. While having a strong housekeeping account is important to keep the party functioning, we can't

forget that our main goal is to elect good Democrats boroughwide. Having an active campaign account

will do that.

5) How should the Party spend money to support Democrats and build organizing

capacity?

Hiring organizers, building a strong party infrastructure to recruit good candidates. Leading candidate

trainings and making campaign tools more easily accessible, ie: borough-wide VAN.

6) How do you think our local party can both increase its fundraising capacity and its

transparency regarding its finances?

Having a strong fundraising apparatus, including a strong finance committee with multiple levers to

raise funds would be crucial in raising funds. I think being more clear and transparent in how we raise

money is a good first step. Additionally, I think publishing finances in an accessible way (besides the

NYSCFB requirements) would be a good step (I recall them being on the website but it has been

several years since updated).

7) What actions can you commit to that would give County Committee members more

opportunities to volunteer and participate?

Activating committees! There is a dirth of folks willing and able to role up their sleeves and get to work

for our borough but, besides reform/progressive clubs, there is not mechanism to do the work.

8) At County Committee meetings, the votes of all the members attending in person are

often overruled by hundreds of proxy votes held by a few allies of the Party Chair. Would

you support limiting the number of proxy votes one person can hold?

Yes

9) The current Judicial selection process is often opaque and does not give the public

many ways to provide input. If you had the power to change Brooklyn’s judicial selection

process, what is one change you would make to ensure that feedback from community

members who interact with the court system is fully considered?

Changing our judicial election process would require an act from the legislature but while we wait for

action from Albany, I think making the judicial screening committee more open and

understanding/updating their work would be a good start. Right now, appointments are solely made by

the chairperson. I think holding judicial forums would go along way to educating the public on the

process - the party started this last year (after a group of leaders did it the year before :-)) and ensuring

it continues.

10) Brooklyn Young Democrats, the chartered chapter affiliated with the NY State Young

Democrats and Young Democrats of America, are the official chartered chapter but are

currently not acknowledged as such by Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. Do you

acknowledge The Brooklyn Young Democrats as the official and exclusive

representation of Brooklyn Young Democrats? Will you refrain from seeking

endorsement from any other group claiming to be Brooklyn Young Democrats that is not

chartered by the state and national Young Democrats?

Wholeheartedly recognize the NYSYD chartered Brooklyn Young Democrats. If we meaningfully want

to engage young people and voters, we should be making it easier for them to participate, not harder.

11) The Brooklyn Democratic Party has only recently started making changes, thanks in

great part to activism from Lambda Independent Democrats, to ensure representation

from the LGBTQIA+ community. How can a District Leader/State Committee Member

best support the LGBTQIA+ community?

Continuing and championing the work of those in the movement. As someone who voted in favor of

removing the gender requirements for county committee, I fully support representation that reflects our

borough. I think leaders, in their respective districts, should be actively engaging LGBTQIA partners

and encouraging more diverse participation in the democratic process.

12) Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…”)?

Yes

13) As a Brooklyn District Leader, you will also be a New York State Democratic Party

Committee Member. What would be your goals as a State Committee member?

Could you define your position on abortion rights and restrictions, as well as on

gender-affirming health care?

What are your thoughts on any climate-related issues impacting your district?

During my two terms, I have worked in partnership with my state committee members, statewide on

reform/progressive issues and policies. This past year, since there have been more progressive

members elected, I have taken a step back from that work and letting others lead/following their lead in

our shared goals.

Abortion is healthcare and we should not be getting involved in decisions between an individual and

their physician. The same can be said for gender-affirming care; with the disturbingly high rates of

self-harm and suicide, we should be ensuring the health and mental health of our LGBTQIA family.

In my other community-focused capacity on the community board, we have been tirelessly pushing the

NYC and NYS Dept of Transportation to take seriously the work the city DOT is engaging in on the

Gowanus Expwy/BQE. Sunset Park and Red Hook have been historically disconnected from its

waterfront and connections to nearby neighborhoods because of Robert Moses and the BQE. The

window to champion climate forward policies is closing; we need to act now.

14) Why do you want to be endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait?

Its exciting that there is a coalition of progressive clubs wiling to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

With the lack of energy by our party leaders, I welcome the endorsement and wear it with a badge of

honor to lead in spaces knowing that I don't just have a cohort working alongside me but also a

coalition of clubs willing to back us up.

15) (Optional) Do you have any other ideas to improve the Brooklyn Democratic Party?

A new party chair :-)

Scott Budow New York State Senate Assembly District 52

Office Sought: New York State Assembly (Assembly District 52)

Campaign Site: www.scottbudow.com

Endorsements so far: NYC New Liberals

Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in Albany? (100 words max) New York City is both deeply unaffordable and profoundly unequal. We can take action at the state level to address skyrocketing housing costs, unequal education funding, hunger, and health care that is inaccessible for far too many. It’s particularly frustrating that we have not done so here in New York because Democrats have had complete control of Albany since 2019. I want to do everything in my power to make these issues and others priorities that Albany votes on and ultimately addresses.

What difference will you make for your community? (100 words max) I’d hope that I can help pass legislation that will make this district more affordable and less unequal. I support legislation that would build more homes to address our housing crisis. I also want to make this state (including this district) the first state to eradicate hunger entirely, which we would do for less than 1% of our state budget. Additionally, I want to equalize education funding, which would give every child an equal shot to succeed in New York. Enacting any of these changes would improve life significantly for the community that I seek to represent.

How will you support and empower the LGBTQ+ community? (100 words max) New York State already has strong protections against discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community in housing, education, and employment. I do not think it is likely that there will be a serious effort to roll back those protections in New York State any time soon, but I will certainly oppose efforts that limit civil rights for any group, including the LGBTQ+ community. I will also publicly oppose discrimination/hate that targets any community, including the LGBTQ+ community.

How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites? (100 words max) I want to make sure that no person goes hungry in New York. Hunger is a problem that affects more than 2.2 million New Yorkers, including more than 600,000 children, and which disproportionately affects marginalized communities. I also want to equalize education funding so that children from marginalized communities receive an education that is on par with children from wealthier communities.

Although you are running for a state legislative position, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in local political communities. With that in mind, do you support the Brooklyn Can’t Wait slate of District Leader candidates and Brooklyn Can’t Wait’s reforms to make our local party more accountable, transparent, inclusive, and effective? (100 words max) I have not reviewed every candidate endorsed by Brooklyn Can’t Wait, but I generally support their efforts, and share their desire to see a more accountable, transparent, inclusive, and effective Democratic Party. We have a long way to go to make that aspiration a reality.

Similarly, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in national political dialogue as well. With that in mind, do you support the effort by hundreds of local Democratic elected officials (including many LID leaders) to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a release of all hostages, and for the US to bring all its effort to bear toward a lasting and just peace in Israel/Palestine? (100 words max) Unlike the federal government, New York State does not have a foreign policy function. As such, I would not be able to meaningfully impact this conflict or other foreign policy issues. I am focused on legislation that I can pass that will positively impact New Yorkers.

Legislation:

Do you support the Gender Identity, Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act (GIRDS) (A709A/S2860)? Yes.

Do you support the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) (A4021/S568B)? Yes.

Do you support expanding New York’s Gender Affirming Care Shield Law (A7687/S7506)? Yes.

Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (SVSTA) (A8605A/S4396)? Yes.

Do you support the New York Health Act (A7897/S7590)? Yes.

Do you support the Repeal STI Discrimination Act (A3347/S4603)? Yes.

Do you support the Rest of State Housing Act (A2418/S183)? Yes.

Do you support legislation that mandates Comprehensive Sexuality Education (A4606)? I support A4604, which I believe is what this question is designed to ask about (rather than A4606).

Do you support legislation that ensures youth access to health care (A6761)? Yes.

Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A4375/S351)? Yes.

Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students (A4576/S1532)? Yes.

Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net? Yes.

Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act (A8923/S1099A)? Yes.

Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools (A7672/S2428)? Yes.

Do you support Good Cause eviction (A4454/S305)? Yes.

Do you support legislation designed to make NY’s parole system more fair and less punitive – specifically the Elder Parole Act (A2035/S2423) and the Fair and Timely Parole Act (A162/S307)? Yes.

Do you support legislation that would criminalize dissent and protest, specifically the legislation that would make blocking a public road “domestic terrorism” (A8951A) and legislation that would make disrupting a public meeting potentially punishable by jail time (A8334)? No.

If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo (will be provided) and full name on all materials and other places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of specific organizations (unions, etc) or elected officials)? Yes.

Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of the…” Yes.

Anathea Simpkins New York State Assembly District 50

Office Sought: New York State Assembly District 50

Campaign Site: https://anatheaforny.com/

Endorsements so far: District Council 9 - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades,

Theatrical Teamsters Local 817, UA Local 1 Plumbers

Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in Albany? (100

words max)

As a longtime community advocate and proud resident of District 50, I want to be a voice for all

my neighbors in Albany. I've worked tirelessly in education for over 26 years, and locally I’ve

been championing the diverse communities of North Brooklyn, from fighting for gun violence

prevention to supporting our local schools. I understand the unique challenges facing our

district, and I'm committed to being a fierce advocate for every constituent, regardless of their

background or identity.

What difference will you make for your community? (100 words max)

I'm running to be a fierce advocate for the diverse communities of Brooklyn, including the

LGBTQ+ community that has long been the heartbeat of our borough. My campaign is

dedicated to making tangible differences by addressing critical issues such as affordable

housing, education, and supporting small businesses. By leveraging my experience in advocacy

and community service, I will work tirelessly to foster a safer, more sustainable, and equitable

environment for all. My commitment to transparent, responsive leadership will ensure that the

diverse voices of our community are not just heard but responded to, bringing about meaningful

change.

How will you support and empower the LGBTQ+ community? (100 words max)

I am committed to supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community through

comprehensive legislation and policies that promote equality, protect rights, and address

discrimination. This includes advocating for gender-affirming healthcare, strengthening

anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodations, and ensuring

inclusive education in schools. I will work closely with LGBTQ+ organizations to understand and

address community-specific needs, including mental health support and homelessness

prevention. My goal is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where every member of the

LGBTQ+ community feels safe, valued, and empowered to live authentically and pursue their

aspirations without fear.

How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites? (100 words max)

I will work to uplift and empower marginalized Brooklynites, including LGBTQ+ individuals,

communities of color, immigrants, and people with disabilities. I will advocate for policies that

address systemic inequities, including expanding access to affordable housing, healthcare, and

education, and fighting discrimination in all its forms. I will advocate for increasing funding for

community-based organizations that provide vital services, and ensure that marginalized voices

are at the table when decisions are made. Above all, I will be a visible, vocal ally for the most

vulnerable among us, using my platform to amplify their stories and fight for their rights and

dignity.

Although you are running for a state legislative position, we recognize that our state

elected officials have an important voice in local political communities. With that in mind,

do you support the Brooklyn Can’t Wait slate of District Leader candidates and Brooklyn

Can’t Wait’s reforms to make our local party more accountable, transparent, inclusive,

and effective? (100 words max)

I am very supportive of reforms within our Democratic Party that put marginalized communities

at the forefront of our representation. That is why I have endorsed Everton Smith and

Averyanna Eisenbach for male and female district leaders in my AD. Both of them respectively

represent Black and Immigrant voices that are being discouraged from participating in our local

politics in North Brooklyn. We need their voices, and we need their representation more than

ever.

Similarly, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in national

political dialogue as well. With that in mind, do you support the effort by hundreds of

local Democratic elected officials (including many LID leaders) to call for an immediate

ceasefire in Gaza, a release of all hostages, and for the US to bring all its effort to bear

toward a lasting and just peace in Israel/Palestine? (100 words max)

Absolutely, I have called for a bilateral ceasefire and the release of all hostages with immediate

humanitarian support to be rushed into Gaza, and you can read my full statement here.

Legislation:

[Please answer “yes” or “no” for each piece of legislation. Feel free to add additional

discussion of your perspective on the legislation.]

Do you support the Gender Identity, Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act (GIRDS)

(A709A/S2860)? YES

Do you support the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) (A4021/S568B)? YES

Do you support expanding New York’s Gender Affirming Care Shield Law (A7687/S7506)?

YES

Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act

(SVSTA) (A8605A/S4396)? YES, and we need to make sure that the safety of sex workers

is paramount in preventing trafficking victims from continuing to be used by their

handlers.

Do you support the New York Health Act (A7897/S7590)? YES, with provisions for

union’s roles in collective bargaining agreements for supplemental insurance.

Do you support the Repeal STI Discrimination Act (A3347/S4603)? YES

Do you support the Rest of State Housing Act (A2418/S183)? YES

Do you support legislation that mandates Comprehensive Sexuality Education (A4606)?

YES, absolutely.

Do you support legislation that ensures youth access to health care (A6761)? YES

Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A4375/S351)? YES,

absolutely.

Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and

procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students

(A4576/S1532)? YES, absolutely. I have dedicated my working career to preventing harm

in schools. We must do everything in our power to provide safe and accepting

environments for all students, regardless of their identity.

Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net? YES

Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act

(A8923/S1099A)? YES

Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools

(A7672/S2428)? YES

Do you support Good Cause eviction (A4454/S305)? YES

Do you support legislation designed to make NY’s parole system more fair and less

punitive – specifically the Elder Parole Act (A2035/S2423) and the Fair and Timely Parole

Act (A162/S307)? YES

Do you support legislation that would criminalize dissent and protest, specifically the

legislation that would make blocking a public road “domestic terrorism” (A8951A) and

legislation that would make disrupting a public meeting potentially punishable by jail

time (A8334)? NO, we all have a First Amendment right to free speech, assembly, and

protest, which I will firmly protect if elected.

Commitments:

If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo (will be provided) and full name on all

materials and other places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of

specific organizations (unions, etc) or elected officials)? YES, absolutely. I would be

honored to do so.

Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the...” YES, and I have been doing so throughout my campaign

Eon Huntley New York State Assembly District 56

Office Sought: Assembly District 56

Campaign Site: https://eonforassembly.com/

Endorsements so far: I have received endorsements from the NYC-DSA, The Sunrise

movement NYC, New York Communities for Change, Tenants PAC, Lead Locally, The Jewish

Vote, State Senators Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, and Kristen Gonzalez, Assembly Members

Emily Gallagher, Marcela Mitaynes, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Sarahana Shrestha, and Zohran

Mamdani, as well as NYC council members Alexa Aviles and Tiffany Caban.

Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in Albany? (100

words max)

● There's a class struggle that I know first hand. I am a middle class, hourly worker and a

lifelong Brooklynite. I am a Black man raising two daughters in public school. I believe in

order to truly have a government that responds to the needs of the people we need to

elect people who will fight with the passion of someone who has experienced struggle

and is ready to fight in solidarity with all the working class. Our current Assembly

representation does not fight with that passion and it shows—she does not support the

renter protections we need to keep our community whole and takes money from charter

schools that siphon money away from our neighborhood schools. I am ready to truly

stand up and fight for what our community needs.

What difference will you make for your community? (100 words max)

● My core campaign platforms are housing for all, healthcare for all, and education for all.

This includes passing Good Cause eviction to protect renters in Central Brooklyn and

fighting back against rent law rollbacks. I’ve been inspired by the district organizing of

Phara Souffrant-Forrest’s office, and hope to create a similar model.

How will you support and empower the LGBTQ+ community? (100 words max)

● I will work with LGBTQ community members and organizations to make sure everyone’s

voices are uplifted in state government. I will also support legislation that protects

LGBTQ+ New Yorkers in school and health care settings, and use my platform to speak

out against far-right hatred against queer and trans people. Fighting for human rights

means fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. When we organize and campaign for legislation

guaranteeing healthcare, housing, education, and worker protections, we know these

bills will impact marginalized communities the most. Too many establishment Democrats

in New York think that New York is a safe place for LGBTQ+ people because we are not

attacking them in the same way red states are. But New York is not doing nearly enough.

By emphasizing how other socialist priorities will make the state more liveable and safer

for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, we can show establishment legislators and New Yorkers

more broadly that merely being better than Republican fascists is not enough.

How will you support and empower marginalized Brooklynites? (100 words max)

● I am running to support and uplift marginalized and working class communities in

Brooklyn. That’s why I’m fighting to make sure that everyone has housing, healthcare,

and education. In my district in particular, we are currently hosting a number of newly

arrived migrants. Through my work with the mobile food pantry and as PTA president, I

have worked to demonstrate that people who have just arrived are just as much our

neighbors as anyone else.

Although you are running for a state legislative position, we recognize that our state

elected officials have an important voice in local political communities. With that in mind,

do you support the Brooklyn Can’t Wait slate of District Leader candidates and Brooklyn

Can’t Wait’s reforms to make our local party more accountable, transparent, inclusive,

and effective? (100 words max)

● Yes. I am running as a reformist candidate against a member of the Brooklyn political

machine.

Similarly, we recognize that our state elected officials have an important voice in national

political dialogue as well. With that in mind, do you support the effort by hundreds of

local Democratic elected officials (including many LID leaders) to call for an immediate

ceasefire in Gaza, a release of all hostages, and for the US to bring all its effort to bear

toward a lasting and just peace in Israel/Palestine? (100 words max)

● Yes. I have been speaking out for a permanent and immediate ceasefire since the

beginning. I was proud to join the Labor for Ceasefire march, sponsor a phonebank to

uncommitted voters in swing states, leave my ballot blank and ask my neighbors to do

the same. I have also pledged to sign on to the Not on Our Dime Act as soon as I take

office.

Legislation:

[Please answer “yes” or “no” for each piece of legislation. Feel free to add additional

discussion of your perspective on the legislation.]

Do you support the Gender Identity, Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act (GIRDS)

(A709A/S2860)? Yes

Do you support the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) (A4021/S568B)? Yes

Do you support expanding New York’s Gender Affirming Care Shield Law (A7687/S7506)?

Yes

Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act

(SVSTA) (A8605A/S4396)? Yes

Do you support the New York Health Act (A7897/S7590)? Yes, and this is a core

campaign platform of mine. I know what it is like to be uninsured and to have to struggle

to find health insurance for my family on the marketplace. It’s unconscionable that we

don’t have healthcare for all.

Do you support the Repeal STI Discrimination Act (A3347/S4603)? Yes

Do you support the Rest of State Housing Act (A2418/S183)? Yes

Do you support legislation that mandates Comprehensive Sexuality Education (A4606)?

Yes

Do you support legislation that ensures youth access to health care (A6761)? Yes

Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A4375/S351)? Yes

Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and

procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students

(A4576/S1532)? Yes

Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net? Yes

Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act

(A8923/S1099A)? Yes

Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools

(A7672/S2428)? Yes

Do you support Good Cause eviction (A4454/S305)? Yes, and this is a core part of my

platform. My opponent doesn’t support Good Cause, and my district is 77% renters on

the frontlines of the eviction and displacement crisis. If you care about Bed-Stuy, you

care about renters and making sure people can stay in their homes.

Do you support legislation designed to make NY’s parole system more fair and less

punitive – specifically the Elder Parole Act (A2035/S2423) and the Fair and Timely Parole

Act (A162/S307)? Yes

Do you support legislation that would criminalize dissent and protest, specifically the

legislation that would make blocking a public road “domestic terrorism” (A8951A) and

legislation that would make disrupting a public meeting potentially punishable by jail

time (A8334)? No

Commitments:

If endorsed, do you commit to using LID’s full logo (will be provided) and full name on all

materials and other places where you list endorsees (with the exception of lists of

specific organizations (unions, etc) or elected officials)? Yes

Do you commit to using inclusive and gender-neutral language in press releases and

other announcements (e.g., “the people of the..” instead of “the men and women of

the…” Yes