Anthony Beckford
Level
City Council
Constituency
District 45
More Information
Campaign Site
2020 LID Questionnaire Response
Why are you running for City Council?
I am running for City Council to help create the change and progress that is needed in District 45 and throughout New York City. I chose to run because the district needs true representation that will work across all communities to provide equity and solutions to the issues and inequities that we face on a daily basis. The people cannot afford to be given the bare minimum. They deserve more and they must be given what is needed to not just survive, but to thrive.
What are the greatest struggles of your Council district?
Housing and Healthcare disparities and food insecurities (especially during Covid). We have been seeing mass displacements in our district, there are talks of possible upzoning which will further displace people, our current CM had cosponsored the "Sprinkler Law" which could lead to more small homeowners losing their homes and rents are still increasing. We have not had adequate testing or vaccine distributions in our district from our local representatives and we have experienced even more food insecurities.
Why do you want LIDs endorsement?
I have seen LID's platform and advocacy work through the years. It aligns with many of the social justice issues that I have been on the frontlines of. LID's advocacy for LGBTQ+ community members has been consistent and I admire the work done. I know that together LID and my candidacy can break more barriers and bring about equity and justice.
And what does LGBTQ+ representation in the government mean to you
LGBTQ+ representation in the government to me means having an LGBTQ+ candidate and even true longtime allies of the LGBTQ+ community in office, drafting and passing much needed legislation. Bringing orgs to the table to help in decision making and legislative development as well. Being a true advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
What is one thing you would do while in office to make NYC government more inclusive?
I would help to have more LGBTQ+ candidates and allies to the LGBTQ+ community elected and push for more hiring of LGBTQ+ staffers.
What does gender equity mean to you in your district and how can you improve upon it?
To me, Gender Equity means access to funding, services, resources, healthcare and protection of rights. I can help to improve upon gender equity by continuing my advocacy work and working along with my fellow advocates, organizations and my future colleagues in the council to get rid of the disparities and provide the funding, services, resources abd legislation that is needed. Especially access to healthcare.
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?
Definitely. When I saw all of the cuts made to vital programs such as the NYC Unity Work Project, I was disgusted. The Yes votes on the recent budget that provided these cuts, showed the priority of many of the CMs. It was not the people, especially our LGBTQ+ youth.
How will you support safety and wellness for homeless LGBTQ+ New Yorkers if you are elected?
I will push for budget justice and housing. I will work with organizations to make sure that the voices of our LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are heard and help to amplify their voices. I will make sure that discretionary funding is available for organizations who provide resources and support for our homeless LGBTQ+ community members.
The NYPD’s budget is nearly $6 billion?
It's $6 Billion through the city and more through corporate entities.
If elected, will you work to reduce the NYPD’s and invest in non-policing alternatives?
Yes.
By how much?
$2.5 Billion reallocated back into underserved communities.
What is your plan to help the city financially recover from the economic crisis caused by COVID19?
Taxing the wealthy is what is needed. There is a collective wealth of over $1.759 Trillion from the 119 billionaires and 978,000 millionaires in New York. I support the state legislations to tax their wealth and property. I would proposal a 5% equity tax which would provide over $287 Billion in revenue a year to New York. Also, through basic stimulus, we help to jump start the economy.
What will your priorities be if there is a second wave of COVID19?
Securing Food, PPEs, Testing and Access to care for the people. I will also advocate for a relief for our small businesses.
What if any initiatives do you propose to help with the climate crisis?
Stopping pipelines from being built, stopping the transporting of fracking materials, save our green spaces, create more community gardens and rooftop gardens and cutting our carbon emissions to zero.
What will you do to support labor unions if elected?
I am a former UFT Member and current Freelancers Union Member. My mother has been a 30 year plus DC 37 Local 372 Member and the rest of my family are in various other unions. I am a Union Organizer that has always stood on the side of Labor. I will help workers unionize, create a school to union job pathway for high schoolers and advocate against any and all types of union busting.
Did you publicly support the Association of Legislative Employees (the union that represents council staffers) in their request for voluntary recognition?
Yes I did. I even put out there, that I will encourage my staff to join the union. Also with the Public Advocates staff as well.
How much money has your campaign raised and what are your major sources? $12,034 from 301 contributors. Average donation: $40 by everyday community members. No lobbyists or consultants for special interest groups. Over $9,000 of my donations are matchable, which will provide me with over $70,000 in matching funds in April.
Are you accepting campaign contributions from law enforcement sources?
No
Real Estate Sources?
No
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. Have always done so.
Do you agree to list Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn on all materials where your endorsements are listed?
Yes!
Yes or no, do you support the following city council initiatives:
1. Intro 2047: Prevents landlords from discriminating against criminal legal system involved tenants: Yes
2. Intro 2050: Allows noncitizens to vote in municipal elections: Yes
3. Reso 0923: Calls for the state to repeal Penal Law 240.37, known as the #WalkingWhileTrans Ban: Yes
4. 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
5. Intro 2012: Requires NYPD to report on custodial interrogations of minors: Yes
6. Intro 1529: Expands access to an attorney for tenants in eviction proceedings: Yes
7. 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
Much of these legislations I have been very vocal on and have been part of the campaigns to have the legislations introduced and passed.