Where I stand

As the world battles a global pandemic and America burns with rage over another brutal murder at the hands of the police, the political climate has become surreal, to say the least. Which is why it’s important we stay grounded in the principles that align our communities. As District Leader I will always advocate for the pillars of civil and economic rights, education, health care and infrastructure. And as the elected voice of the community, I will do my best to ensure the Queens Democratic Party represents the needs and realities of Assembly District 37B.

As an introduction to the positions I support, I’ve created this overview of my beliefs and explanations as to why. This will be an evergreen post that we will update throughout our campaign.

If you would like to help our campaign or simply discuss your thoughts about our community, feel free e-mail me at: DerekJEversforAD37B@gmail.com

Affordable Housing:

History has shown us that public housing is a proven method to keeping rents affordable and rent increases at or below the average rate of inflation. In lieu of the federal government reinvesting in new public housing stock, I support Comptroller Scott Stringer’s Universal Affordable Housing requirement that would make it mandatory to include 25% of permanently low-income affordable housing in all new developments with 10 or more units. It would also repeal the extremely wasteful 421-a tax subsidy that is currently used to bribe developers to provide temporary affordable units. You can view the full Universal Affordable Housing proposal here. You can read more about my thoughts on public housing, here.

Criminal Justice Reform:

It is well-documented that the safest community is a well-funded community. I firmly believe the strength and safety of our community is based on principles of solidarity and justice, not punishment and mass incarceration. I support the full closing of Rikers Prison and the BuildCommunities platform for reducing the prison population. I support the full repeal of the New York State law, known as Section 50-A, that shields police personnel records from public view. I also support the end of arrests, summons, and juvenile reports in schools for non-criminal violations and divesting the hundreds of millions the city pays the NYPD for their school safety division and applying that to community outreach and support for our students.

You can read my statement regarding the nationwide protests against police brutality here.

Transportation and street infrastructure:

Now more than ever, we need a new vision for our streets to accommodate local businesses and alternative transportation methods. As a 20+-year resident of the outer boroughs, I understand how important public transportation and street infrastructure is to our community. Which is why I believe in expanding Fair Fares to give every family access to public transportation. I also strongly support the expansion of dedicated bus and bike lanes throughout our city, with focus on the areas that lack subway service.

I support the implementation of loading and unloading zones to accommodate the ever-increasing delivery business in a safe and efficient manner. I also believe in the expansion of pedestrianized and car-free zones to give our community and local businesses more space to interact. Street fairs and night markets should be the norm for every community, especially in one as diverse as Assembly District 37B.

Health care:

For nearly four decades, Democratic Voters have overwhelmingly supported a public health care option that covers every American. And while Federal leadership continues to drag their feet on this topic, there is no reason a state that has been Democratically controlled for the last 14 years cannot institute state-wide coverage for all New Yorkers. I support the New York Health Act, which, along with providing health care for every New Yorker, would save the state money and reduce unnecessary waste. You can read more about the New York Health Act here.

Education:

As a proud father and graduate of New York public schools, I fully believe a strong public education system is the foundation of true economic equality. Regardless of where you live or what school your child attends, public education sets the standard for every learning institution in the region, which is why I support reinvesting the millions of dollars owed to our public schools as pointed out by The Campaign for Fiscal Equity.

I believe in extending universal daycare, and instituting increased programming in the evenings, on weekends and in the summer to help provide every family in our community with the same opportunities. I support free higher education for every New Yorker with up to four years of CUNY or SUNY college classes. And I would fight to divest public education from any private interests.

Environment:

I strongly support the Green New Deal, which will create enormous economic opportunities for every American while efficiently transitioning our energy supply from fossil fuels to renewables. You can read more about the Green New Deal at Sunrise Movement.