Council District 34 | Terrell Finner
Surrogate Court | Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano
Council District 34 | Jennifer Gutierrez
Surrogate Court | Hon. Dweynie Esther Paul
Council District 45 | Anthony Beckford
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
Jennifer Gutierrez
Level
City Council
Constituency
District 34
More Information
Campaign Site
2020 LID Questionnaire Response
Why are you running for City Council?
In a rapidly gentrifying district, Williamsburg and Bushwick and Ridgewood in Queens the preservation of our community is paramount. Families that resided here during the worst of times and contributed to our legacy can no longer afford to live here. I am running to keep people in their homes, to provide real solutions to a community disproportionately impacted by over policing, environmental racism, and is oversaturated with luxury housing. I am running as a Latinx, a woman of color, and a daughter of immigrants to make bold and progressive changes we need to move forward.
What are the greatest struggles of your Council district?
I think the greatest challenge to my district will continue to be housing and how we protect tenants. We have the opportunity to expand Right to Counsel legislation, and invest in community land trusts to ensure that housing remains affordable. Another challenge is related to our COVID response moving forward and making sure that every New Yorker has access to affordable healthcare, regardless of their immigrant status. The 34th Council District has some of the lowest amount of park space per resident. We have an opportunity as part of our response to rethink how we use our public spaces and redesign them to create more parks and open spaces to better serve our neighbors.
Why do you want LIDs endorsement? And what does LGBTQ+ representation in the government mean to you?
LID has served as an incredible organization committed to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Rooted in equity and justice, LID has pushed for inclusivity, greater representation in government and played a major role in passing same sex marriage, along with other campaigns. I sincerely believe that governments role is to work to serve every New Yorker, and should work twice as hard to serve those who have been disproportionately discriminated against. Being idle is exacerbating the problem. LGBTQ+ representation means actively implementing progressive policies, that in collaboration with the LGBTQ+ community, solve for unjust policies that create barriers to equality and access.
What is one thing you would do while in office to make NYC government more inclusive?
One thing is tough because there is so much to do, but I would prioritize passing municipal voting.
What does gender equity mean to you in your district and how can you improve upon it?
In District 34, gender equity means school curriculum’s that cover comprehensive and inclusive sex education, fully funding for all school sports teams, unlearning practices that lead to gender based violence, prioritizing a women’s safety plan as a community safety plan and devising a citywide workforce development plan that has concrete goals to promoting women owned businesses while achieving pay equity.
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 would absolutely commit to fighting for funding for programs like the NYC Unity Work Project and advocating for restoration of initiatives that support our LGBTQ+ young homeless population. It’s important that we see and hear this population. I would begin with continuing to push to remove police from schools and remove NYPD from the 311 response that forced their interactions with our houseless populations.
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?
Yes. I’ll be taking my lead from police reform advocates, such as Communities United for Police Reform, on the specific cuts we should be making. I think it’s crucial that the Council push to get accurate budget numbers from the PD- we still don’t have the specificity that advocates demand or that other agencies provide. I believe $1 billion was a strong starting point, but we would have to go deeper if we care about budget justice.
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 am incredibly concerned about our undocumented population who have received no government support during the entire pandemic. For these New Yorkes, as well as many others in my district, getting people back into the labor force is a major priority. People simply will not recover if they’re not financially stable and I plan to implement a robust jobs program in my district to connect people to economic opportunities. Furthermore, I will be advocating to secure more community health centers as well as preserving NYC Care to ensure that my constituents have access to primary care. We saw how COVID impacted those with underlying conditions with increased severity and that was exacerbated by the lack of adequate healthcare before the pandemic hit in communities like mine.
What if any initiatives do you propose to help with the climate crisis?
I think the fight against climate change is layered and we need every level of government to play a strategic role in innovative policies and enforcement. Some of the ways that the Council can do its part include funding the expansion of organics City Wide and permanently, ensuring that municipal food purchasing (ie schools and hospitals) come from farms that protect workers rights and use sustainable practices, invest in green retrofitting in our parks, schools, libraries, public housing, and streets that meet our climate change goals, and finally transition to public utilities companies for New Yorkers so that we know that private interest is not outweighing our climate change needs.
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 genuinely believe in the power of organizing and am aligned with the values of union workers in demanding dignified wages and conditions, healthcare and greater protections from their employers. Earlier this year I stood with Teamsters at the Hunts Point Food Terminal in their fight for a raise and better healthcare coverage. In the past, I have stood with 32bj workers in Bushwick seeking wages from their employer at the old Rheingold site, with CSA principles and administrators and they demanded a new contract, and with Domino’s workers in Williamsburg in demanding a raise in minimum wage back in 2013. I will continue to stand and rally with labor, author and pass legislation that codifies greater protections and work with unions to advocate for their members. I am and have been very supportive of City Council Staff unionizing as the Association of Legislative Employees and as a staff myself, am public about my support.
How much money has your campaign raised and what are your major sources?
As of the filing last week, our campaign has privately raised $38k and has qualified for maximum matching funds with the CFB. The majority of our contributions from NYC Residents with half coming from District 34 residents. Our average donation is $62
Are you accepting campaign contributions from law enforcement sources? Real Estate Sources?
I am not accepting campaign contributions from either
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, absolutely.
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:
Intro 2047: Prevents landlords from discriminating against criminal legal system involved tenants: Yes
Intro 2050: Allows noncitizens to vote in municipal elections:Yes / No 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
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.
Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano
Level
Surrogate's Court Judge
More Information
Campaign Site
2020 LID Questionnaire Response
What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am presently a Supreme Court Justice, Kings County
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
I was elected to the Civil Court in 2014 and the Supreme Court 2019.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.
Qualified by the Kings County Democratic Party Judicial Screening Committee
Endorsed by:
Assembly Member Maritza Davila
Senator Julia Salazar
District Leader Samy Olivares
District Leader Kristina Naplatarski
District Leader Emile Bazile
District Shaquana Boykin
District Leader Walter Mosley
District Leader David Schwartz
LaNueva Esperanza
Latino American Center of Community Action Inc.
NYS Court Officers Association
Supreme Court Officers Association
NYS Clerks Association
United States Court Security Officers Union
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?
I believe the Judge controls the tone of the courtroom.
I have had a conversation with all the clerks and court officers I have worked with so that they understand the level of respect and professionalism I expect when dealing with the attorneys, litigants and the public. Over the last few years I have taken various CLE classes including but not limited to; Transgender and Contemporary Family Issues in the 21st century, Transgender Litigants in the Court System (3 part series), Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias. Information like this and proper training should be available to all court employees.
In addition, my present clerk who I have worked with since January 2020 is a member of the LGBTQ community. He can attest to how have treated him, attorneys and litigants.
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and that and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigants and the court?
I no longer address attorneys by Ms. or Mr. and instead use counsel with their last name when addressing them. I have also asked attorneys before addressing them and their clients how they would like to be addressed. Going forward I would like to see court documents include litigants requested pronouns.
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! I appeared before LeGal and was Approved in 2014 before I ran for Civil Court Judge.
For Surrogates Court Candidates
How will you make the Public Administrator’s office more accountable, transparent and less subject to corruption?
The Public Administrator should be someone with a qualified background in Trusts and Estates. I also recommend that an approved list of vendors be created so that the same few do not receive all of the assignments and eliminate the possibility of favoritism and abuse.
How will you ensure that conservators do not exploit their wards
Accountability and follow up by the Guardians/Conservators are essential. I would require detailed reports be filed with the Court.
How will you ensure that the court is sensitive and fair to non-traditional families?
I have and will continue to treat all litigants/families traditional or non-traditional with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Hon. Dweynie Esther Paul
Level
Surrogate's Court Judge
More Information
Campaign Site
2020 LID Questionnaire Response
What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am currently a Kings County Civil Court Judge, elected in the 2nd Municipal District in 2015. My first judicial assignment was in Queens County Family Court. Prior to becoming a judge, I was a Law Clerk for the Administrative Judge of the Baltimore City Circuit Court, which involved civil, family and criminal law. Thereafter, I was in-house counsel for an insurance defense firm and worked as a civil litigator. I represented clients in Supreme and Civil Court, in case related to contract disputes, premise liability, personal injury, property damage, and residential / commercial real estate disputes.
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
I am qualified to become a Kings County Surrogate’s Court Judge because I have a record of managing my cases with integrity, compassion and fairness. I have worked with families during their most vulnerable state. As a Family Court Judge, I worked to make families stronger, hearing cases regarding custody, visitation, domestic violence, guardianships and adoptions. I have assigned 18b panel counsel, guardian ad litem and various professionals, such as social workers and psychologist to perform services on the cases before my court. During my time in Family Court, I monitored the fees charged by professionals that I assigned to a case. I have ensured that appropriate fees were paid, challenged and denied the professional’s fees when necessary and granted additional fees when extra ordinary circumstances warrant the same. In both Family and Civil Court, I have efficiently managed a fast pace and high-volume caseload. I will bring the same degree of vigor, oversight and commitment to the Surrogate’s Court.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results
I have been deemed qualified by the Brooklyn Democratic Party Screening Panel. I have been endorsed by the Brooklyn Democratic Party and the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association.
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 Office of Court Administration has implemented some changes and resources to help educate judges and court personnel with issues which may be unique to the LGBTQ community. In the first instance, education is imperative to bringing greater awareness to the needs of litigates of the LGBTQ community. Judges attend the Judicial Institute and other Judges Association meetings annually. A majority of the courses that judges take at the Judicial Institute or the Civil Court and Family Court trainings are optional. However, there are certain courses that are scheduled throughout the program which are mandatory. Typically, a portion of the mandatory courses are related to assessing and meeting the needs of the LGBTQ community. Additionally, NYS Family Court Judges’ Association offered “Master” classes. These courses were optional and routinely addressed the unique needs of LGBTQ litigants. I have received extensive training in these areas.
As a Surrogate’s Court Judge, I will create opportunities for the court personnel to attend presentations focused on the specific needs of the LGBTQ community. Guest speakers and organizations can participate in a lunch and learn training session for court personnel. Useful pamphlets and guides can be provided to both litigates and court personnel to aide in expanding awareness and to provide information.
Additionally, Judges are often provided a document called a “bench card”. This is typically a laminated two sided document which is a user-friendly guide to certain important and sensitive issues. I will ensure that a bench card or some similar document is offered to Court personnel so that it can supplement the training that they are receiving from the Office of Court Administration. In addition to the training that is provided by the Office of Court Administration or the Judicial Institute, quasi-master classes can be offered to court personnel.
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?
As a Surrogate Court Judge, I will reinforce the use of preferred pronouns by the court and its personnel by implementing a system where we ask the litigants what, if any, preference they have at the inception of the case. In Family Court, the Judges notes in the Court electronic database are able to be viewed by clerks and other court personnel. I have typically made notes in the profile of my cases when special attention needed to be made to preferred pronouns. This allowed the clerk who was generating the court order to address the litigant in the preferred pronoun and edit the court orders or documents accordingly. Forms that are templates can be modified to include gender neutral verbiage.
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 commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel. I do understand that this club may rescind my endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association.
For Surrogate’s Court Candidates
How will you make the Public Administrator’s office more accountable, transparent and less subject to corruption?
As a Surrogate’s Court Judge, I will adhere to the guidelines for the fee set forth by the Administrative Board for the Offices of the Public Administrator. The Administrative Board set a sliding scale rate for the payment of fees for counsel to the Public Administrator. These fees are based on a percentage of the value of the estate. I will ensure that every request for counsel fees is accompanied by a detailed attorney affidavit which includes the scope of the legal work performed. I will hold reoccurring meetings with the Public Administrator to review open and pending inventory. The Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act also sets forth annual and monthly reporting along with an independent audit by a certified accountant to monitor the records and accounting of the Public Administrator. As the Surrogate responsible for selecting, monitoring and overseeing the estates administered by the Public Administrator, I will ensure that the statutory safety provisions are implemented along with creating additional oversight through routine meetings. I will also hold an open interview process to hire counsel to the Public Administrator.
How will you ensure that conservators do not exploit their wards?
As a Surrogate, letters of guardianship are granted to persons under Article 17 and Article 17A. Article 17 pertains to minors and Article 17A provides guardians to adults with developmental disabilities. In instances, when there are concerns that the person who is requesting letters of guardianship over the person may take advantage of their ward, I may require that the applicant file an additional petition for letters of guardianship over the property. This will allow the Court to monitor the use of the funds. In these instances, the guardian must then return to the court when or if, they intent to use the funds for the benefit of their ward. While the funds will be stored in a bank account, the bank would need a court order to release the funds. Where there is greater concern that the ward is still at risk, the Surrogate may allow the Petitioner to receive letters of guardianship over the person but appoint a guardian over the property (monetary assets) from the Part 36 list. These methods will allow the court to monitor the assets for the life of the ward under Article 17A and until the minor reaches the age of majority under Article 17.
How will you ensure that the court is sensitive and fair to non-traditional families?
As a Judge presiding over cases in Family Court and Civil Court, I have worked to understand the complex and diverse needs of families appearing before me. For example, I have granted adoptions to same sex couples who are married because, I understand the best interest of the child is that there are sustainable and consistent parent/child relationships established. While, nonbiological stepparents have a legal relationship to the child, I understand that the marriage and relationship between the adults may breakdown. In these instances, I found that it was in the best interest of the child to have preserved the legal relationship through adoptions. I intent to set forth theses same principals as a Surrogate’s Court Judge.