Samy Nemir Olivares

Office Sought
Assembly District 54

More Information
Campaign Site

2022 LID Questionnaire Response

What makes you different (100 words max)?

My true passion is dedicating my professional and personal life to advocate for social, gender and economic justice. I have a diverse background of having born and raised in Puerto Rico, son of working-class and immigrant father, as well having migrated to the mainland. As a Latinx queer activist, I advocate for universal policies and legislation that advances an intersectional vision that centers race, class and gender and takes into consideration the most vulnerable communities. My professional background as journalist, and LGBTQ activist, gives me a grassroots and activist experience that I bring to the table as candidate.

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

I’m running for State Assembly because I have seen the ways we need to change statewide legislation, the state budget and district funding over the top issues ravaging our communities, including housing, education, healthcare, climate, and criminal justice. It’s imperative that we have representatives that would reflect the needs of the community and the urgency of the moment. Being in the State Assembly would allow me to bring back to the community long-sought resources, funding and leadership needed but also this is the last seat in North Brooklyn not represented by a progressive or a socialist and is instead represented by someone who has been absent and silent in so many issues. I believe winning my assembly race could be a historic opportunity to advance needed legislation that would impact not only AD54, but the entire state. 

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

I am running because our communities have been left behind for too long. So many people in my community have struggled to make ends meet throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and simply are looking for ways to make ends meet. By building compassionate politics where all people have dignity, instead of maintaining the status quo, we can ensure that this is possible. I will work to ensure that all of my neighbors have dignified lives.

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

I will champion queer justice legislation like decriminalizing sex work in New York State, fighting for gender justice on the ballot, and pushing for better access to affirming healthcare. I will also fight for the queer community by making history as the first genderqueer state legislator in New York State. 

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

I will support marginalized folks by fighting for policies that allow them to live with dignity. Marginalized Brooklynites deserve a state that sees housing, healthcare and education for our families as basic human rights. My neighbors deserve a state that respects immigrant communities and divests from the prison system. My neighbors deserve a state where the environment is protected and no one has to face high fines from utilities. I am running because I know that we can co-create compassionate politics that provide us with the government we all deserve so that EVERYONE, including folks who have traditionally been marginalized, can thrive. 

Legislation

For each answer regarding a bill, please provide a brief statement if you are in opposition/undecided to the legislation or policy.  If in support, simply indicate yes.

Do you support repealing “Walking While Trans” (A3355/S1351)?
yes

Do you support the Decriminalizing Sex Work/Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (“SVSTA”) (A849/S3075)?
yes

Do you support the Gender Recognition Act (A5465/S4402)?
yes

Do you support the New York Health Act (A 6058/S 5474)?  
yes

Do you support the Gender Identity Respect Dignity and Safety Act (A7001A/S6677)?
Yes

Do you support legislation that will suspend unnecessary travel to states that permit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (A 07991/S 06897)?  
yes

Do you support the Gender Inclusive Ballot Act (A07933A/S6901B)?
yes

Do you support the Hate Crimes Analysis and Review Act (A2230/S70)?
yes

Do you support creating an LGBTQI-Inclusive curriculum? (A808/S1929)?
yes

Do you support legislation requiring local school districts to establish policies and procedures regarding the treatment of transgender and gender-non conforming students (A840/S369)?
yes

Do you support protecting the 340B Safety Net?
yes

Do you support legislation requiring unarmed crisis personnel to respond to mental health crises? 
Yes.

Do you support the Protecting the Rights of Juveniles During Interrogation Act (A5891/S2800)? 
Yes. 

Do you support the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (“HALT”) (A2277/S1757)?
yes

Do you support the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”) (A1248/S854)?
yes

Do you support legislation to promote comprehensive sex ed in public schools? (A6616/S2584)?
Yes

Do you support legislation which would mandate insurance coverage for PrEP/PEP (A808/S699)?
yes

Do you support legislation which would make gender affirming care an essential health benefit?
yes

Do you support creating an LGBTQ+ History curriculum for public schools (A817/S1729)?
yes

Do you support the Housing Voucher Access Program (A3701A/S2804B)?
Yes

Do you support Good Cause eviction (A5573/S3082)?
yes

Do you support passing a bill of rights for LGBTQ persons in long-term care facilities (A7807/S85)?
yes

Do you support the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (A849/S4075)?
yes

Do you support legislation to ban the use of conversion therapy on persons over 18 and under legal guardianship?
yes

(Bill numbers based on 2021-2022 legislative session)

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

Jacqui Painter

Office Sought
Female District Leader, Assembly District 51

More Information
Campaign Site

2022 LID Questionnaire Response

What makes you different (100 words max)?

Growing up in Red Hook I have a strong connection to the community and am a very involved organizer and community leader here in South Brooklyn. Over the past several years I have developed close relationships with community leaders and stakeholders as we worked together to improve the conditions of the neighborhood, especially in matters of climate and housing justice. 

My previous 5 years of work at the NYCHA Red Hook Senior Center allowed me to understand and respond to the pandemic in March of 2020, prompting me to start Red Hook Relief, the mutual aid organization for the neighborhood.

Incumbent male Julio Peña III are running on a joint ticket to finally unite our district in this fight.

Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in the county and state Democratic parties (100 words max)?

One of the reasons that actually led me to run for District Leader is when the ballot propositions expanding voting rights failed to pass this year. 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.

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

One of the most important roles of a District Leader is to be the community’s link to the democratic process and party. To be someone that engages the community in the voting process with transparency on things like information on County Committee, ballot initiatives, and poll working. Not just electing judges and assigning poll workers, but also educating your constituents about the process and role as well. 

This is something that’s been missing from my district, and something I have already been working on through my organizing. My community is constantly left behind by our city government, and I have devoted myself for several years to creating more power within my community. Being District Leader I can use my connections to create more inclusivity and representation within the county party for our community here in South Brooklyn.

What is your vision for a more open and transparent county party organization (100 words max)? 

As voters we are continually let down with a lack of transparency and basic voter education by the Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership. I’m fighting for full transparency with everything to do with the democratic process, including reducing the amount of proxy votes, bring transparency and open process to the selection of judges, creating a fair system for poll worker positions, and working towards a party platform that centers working families and fights for a better borough for everyone.

My running mate Julio Peña III has done a fantastic job in advocating and fighting to reform the rules that govern the democratic party. I will steadfastly work alongside Julio in that platform issue to ensure that the party is transparent and truly democratic. 

How can a District Leader/State Committee Member best support the LGBTQ community (100 words max)? 

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 this club) 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.

How will you commit to actively working to provide more power and autonomy to the members of the County Committee (100 words max)? 

I will work to mobilize and build participation among our county committee members to be part of the change we want to see in the party. In contrast to the incumbent, I will use my position to inform and educate our county committee members and community members at large about meetings, proposed changes, and regular updates with interactive meetings.

I’m looking forward to getting our most marginalized neighbors involved in our ADC so that the party can be reflective of what our district actually looks like. As well as making sure information is distributed throughout our district in all languages spoken, and getting our ADC even more organized. I will actively seek out more leadership opportunities for County Committee members and expand upon and support our ADC’s committees. 

How will you oppose efforts to transfer county committee powers to the executive committee (district leaders) (100 words max)? 

The alarming rate the Brooklyn Democratic Party Leadership is consolidating power for the executive committee is very concerning to me. As District Leader I will vocally oppose these anti-democratic proposals and vote along with other reform district leaders against them. I plan on effectively organizing county committee members and district leaders to fight against the transfer of powers to the executive committee and use my platform to communicate and inform Brooklyn Democrats to create public pressure against them. 

What recommendations would you make to reform the Board of Elections (100 words max)? 

Our democracy is in crisis and protecting the ballot box and our election integrity is crucial. The Board of Elections has been a patronage system dominated by partisanship and political appointees for too long. I would recommend that the appointment process become fair and transparent to everyone and not through political appointments. I would also ensure that the BOE has much better staffing at polling locations and better training for poll workers. I also recommend expanded language access and disability access at polling sites.

Do you support reverting the power to “backfill” open county committee seats back to county committee members?
Yes

Do you commit to developing and participating in community engagement in advance of State Supreme Court nominations by the Executive Committee (eg, public candidate screening forums, community outreach)?
Yes

Will you commit to reasonable attendance at all/most Executive Committee meetings (absent a legitimate reason for not being able to attend, eg, health, child care, travel)?
Yes

Will you commit to reforming rules to ensure that public notice of executive committee and county committee meetings is provided as far in advance as possible (eg, further than 1-2 weeks)? (Y/N)? How much time do you think is reasonable? 
Yes. The Brooklyn Democratic Party should adopt a minimum 10 day notice. 

Will you commit to rules reform limiting the use of proxy voting by district leaders? (Y/N) 
Yes

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)? (Y/N) 
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…”)(Y/N)
Yes

Julio Peña III

Office Sought
Male District Leader, Assembly District 51

More Information
Campaign Site

2022 LID Questionnaire Response

What makes you different (100 words max)?

In my one term as District Leader, I’ve used the opportunity to connect with the district in a transparent and thoughtful way. I’ve hosted virtual events such as the judicial forum, an immigrant led & workers rights panel, and more recently a listening session for Brooklyn County Committee members. I have also hosted in-person voter registration and education events throughout the district in locations where people often walk by and pass out information such as voter registration forms, poll worker forms, RCV flyers, and free giveaways; all in a variety of languages.

Why do you want to represent your neighbors and fellow Brooklynites in the county and state Democratic parties (100 words max)?

I’m committed to bringing transparency, equity, and accountability to the Democratic Party and I have demonstrated that work in my first term. I believe we need a groundswell of leaders if we are to continue making reforms in the party. I am doing the work and changing how we operate in our district and with more reform leaders, we can do the same across the borough. Our Democratic Party and its leaders have failed to represent the voices of everyday Brooklyn Democrats and as a result, we’re seeing record low voter turnout, failed ballot initiatives, and the loss of two city council seats to Republicans. We cannot allow our district, or any other for that matter, to be ignored any longer. 

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

I believe I’m making and will continue to make a significant difference - I have held voter registration and education drives, make the judicial nomination process more transparent, made a monthly district newsletter where I keep constituents informed on what is happening in the neighborhood, and within a few months of taking office, officially organized our 51st Assembly District Committee. In 2022, I would like to work on uniting the diverse and traditionally marginalized neighborhoods in the district to participate more in county committee. Running with Jacqui Painter, we have a unique opportunity to unite our AD51 district. 

What is your vision for a more open and transparent county party organization (100 words max)?

A county party that live streams all of their executive committee meetings. A party that actually has their committees organized and with Chairs and county committee members engaged and participating, and energized to do the work. I’d like to see greater proxy reform so that no one person can control the outcome of every meeting. I would like to see greater access to the judicial screening process so that county committee members, judicial delegates and voters know who judicial candidates are prior to conventions and elections. 

How can a District Leader/State Committee Member best support the LGBTQ community (100 words max)?

Educating my neighbors and the LGBTQ community on the party rules change that expands participation at county committee without the need to identify their gender. I think District Leaders can also advocate and work with elected leaders on policy issues that are impacting the LGBTQ community. 

How will you commit to actively working to provide more power and autonomy to the members of the County Committee (100 words max)?

I am a staunch advocate for ensuring county committee members are afforded and given spaces for leadership and have always and will always oppose rules that take away those opportunities. I do believe we should be utilizing the committees to engage county committee members and the Chair should be more open to appointing all those interested. 

How will you oppose efforts to transfer county committee powers to the executive committee (district leaders) (100 words max)? 

Given my record, I have always voted against any rules proposals that have taken away power, voice or authority of committee members. I will also always commit to doing so in the future. 

What recommendations would you make to reform the Board of Elections (100 words max)?

Making the Board of Elections a nonpartisan organization - we have seen from the last several years how their current operations are not working. 

Removing political appointments from commissioners and staff.

Professionalization of staff positions and requiring a merit based hiring and appointment. 

Do you support reverting the power to “backfill” open county committee seats back to county committee members? (Y/N)
YES

Do you commit to developing and participating in community engagement in advance of State Supreme Court nominations by the Executive Committee (eg, public candidate screening forums, community outreach)? (Y/N)
YES!

Will you commit to reasonable attendance at all/most Executive Committee meetings (absent a legitimate reason for not being able to attend, eg, health, child care, travel)? (Y/N)
YES

Will you commit to reforming rules to ensure that public notice of executive committee and county committee meetings is provided as far in advance as possible (eg, further than 1-2 weeks)? (Y/N)?
YES. How much time do you think is reasonable? State Committee meetings require a 25 day notice for meetings. I think for Brooklyn, we should adopt, at minimum, 10 day notice. 

Will you commit to rules reform limiting the use of proxy voting by district leaders? (Y/N)
YES

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)? (Y/N)
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…”)(Y/N)
YES