Terrell Finner
Level
City Council
Constituency
District 34
More Information
Campaign Site
2020 LID Questionnaire Response
Why are you running for City Council?
Watching my North Brooklyn neighbors survive the challenges of 2020 inspired and empowered me to run for this open council seat. As a General Manager at a nonprofit, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on our city. Social service agencies spearheaded our city’s covid-19 responses by delivering direct aid to the constituents they serve. I will prioritize their efforts and build upon the resources and ingenuity they have brought to bear over the past year. Overcoming challenges in my own life is what now drives me to run for City Council. I know what it feels like to be labeled as an outsider. As a child of working-class parents, my siblings and I were written off as liabilities by friends and family before we even had a chance.
What are the greatest struggles of your Council district?
Access to equitable public services, widening economic disparity due to Covid-19, and a struggling arts and culture sector that supported the livelihood of many of my constituents.
Why do you want LIDs endorsement? And what does LGBTQ+ representation in the government mean to you?
LID’s endorsement would serve as a notice to the establishment that the people cannot be controlled by the government, but that we, as the people control our government. The work that LID has done to support other LGBTQ+ candidates is so impactful and to have the support of my LGBTQ+ family would be so meaningful. LGBTQ+ representation in the government means that we are taking a part, having a seat at the table, to make sure that legislation not only protects us, but allows us to thrive and live freely.
What is one thing you would do while in office to make NYC government more inclusive?
I believe that we must make our subways systems more accessible for our differently- abled riders. The gaps are still too large for wheelchairs and the elevators are so far apart from one another. I think the city should build elevators at every other subway stop along the J train, M trains, and L trains in my neighborhood.
What does gender equity mean to you in your district and how can you improve upon it?
In my opinion, gender equality is paramount to the prosperity of all people our society. Gender equity means including and elevating the needs, protections, and opinions of those who are negatively impacted by gender roles in our society. I think I can improve upon gender equity in my neighborhood by looking for and amplifying the voices of gender-nonconforming people and women in my district.
Approximately 40% of runaway and homeless youth are LGBTQ+. The NYC Unity Work Project would have provided training, job placement and development for these communities, but the program ($675k per year) was cut from the city’s budget in FY21. Do you commit to fighting for funding for this or similar programs? How will you support safety and wellness for homeless LGBTQ+ New Yorkers if you are elected?
I am fully committed to securing more funding for direct services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. We know that they, along with the trans community, are the most vulnerable groups. They are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, are more likely to be victims of violence, and have shorter life expectancies. Unfortunately, money matters more than lives in this country. I want to secure national, state, and local funding to go toward supporting existing housing and towards the development of new housing. Furthermore, I will advocate for expanding Medicaid eligibility for counseling and mental health services, by providing stipends to mental health care providers that do accept Medicaid clients.
The NYPD’s budget is nearly $6 billion? If elected, will you work to reduce the NYPD’s and invest in non-policing alternatives? By how much?
I believe that the NYPD’s enormous budget should be diverted toward social services programs and toward having licensed psychiatric emergency first-responders attend every emergency call. The department can afford this through reducing the next police academy class by 50% and filling those seats with training for the unarmed mental health emergency responders.
What is your plan to help the city financially recover from the economic crisis caused by COVID19? What will your priorities be if there is a second wave of COVID19?
I believe that a comprehensive plan to help the city recover must include supporting small business and the investing in our entertainment, arts and culture sectors. My utmost priority is saving lives by reducing the spread of the virus. We must empower and increase the authority of public health experts to implement the best migration practices possible if there is a second wave of the virus.
What if any initiatives do you propose to help with the climate crisis?
I think that I would defer to and work closely with climate change activists and experts on what exact initiatives I can propose as a City Council Member to help alleviate the crisis of climate change. My district has waterways and I believe in science so I want to be a part of all the conversations at City Hall on protecting our environment. I am deeply concerned about the impact of climate change and agree the city’s local government must bolster our waterfronts to make sure that folks’ homes and lives aren’t ruined like many were during Hurricane Sandy.
What will you do to support labor unions if elected? Did you publicly support the Association of Legislative Employees (the union that represents council staffers) in their request for voluntary recognition?
I believe labor unions are an essential part of the American workforce, I will listen to the needs of labor unions and advocate for their protections. I will publicly support this request for voluntary recognition from the Association of Legislative Employees.
How much money has your campaign raised and what are your major sources?
We’ve raised $8, 314.00 all from individual donors that I know personally and members of the community.
Are you accepting campaign contributions from law enforcement sources? Real Estate Sources?
No, I will not accept contributions from law enforcement sources other than those that are family and friends to me. I will not accept NYPD funds whatsoever. It feels cruel and divisive to refuse donations from people that I have known deeply and personally, due to their profession. (I would never be a cop and hate the system of policing in this country.) I will not accept funds from law enforcement sources that I did not have a personal relationship with prior to this campaign.
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!
Do you agree to list Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn on all materials where your endorsements are listed?
Proudly!
Yes or no, do you support the following city council initiatives:
Intro 2047: Prevents landlords from discriminating against criminal legal system involved tenants: Yes
Intro 2050: Allows noncitizens to vote in municipal elections: Yes
Reso 0923: Calls for the state to repeal Penal Law 240.37, known as the #WalkingWhileTrans Ban: Yes
Intro 1314/Fair Chance Act 2.0: Prohibits discrimination based on one’s arrest record, pending criminal accusations, or criminal convictions. Prevents employers from inquiring about #WalkingWhileTrans Ban arrests: Yes
Intro 2012: Requires NYPD to report on custodial interrogations of minors: Yes
Intro 1529: Expands access to an attorney for tenants in eviction proceedings: Yes
DNA protection bill introduced by CM Richardson and CM Ayala: Prevents NYPD from collecting samples of DNA from children without consent form a parent or guardian: Yes