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Although he lacks the name recognition of most other candidates, a lucky draw in the Board of Elections ballot lottery means Aaron Foldenauer will be the first name voters see on June 22. Foldenauer previously ran for the Lower Manhattan City Council seat twice in 2017, once as a Democrat in the primary and then as the Liberal Party candidate in the general election. He lost both times to Margaret Chin, who won a third Council term.
Now Foldenauer, a career litigator, has his sights set on becoming the mayor, with a focus on sustainability and climate action. His infrastructure plan includes finishing the Second Avenue Subway, creating a “bicycle superhighway” on Third Avenue and establishing electric vehicle lanes throughout the city.
Website: aaronfornyc.com
Positions
THE CITY sent three multiple-choice surveys to every Democratic and Republican mayoral candidate on the ballot for the June 22 primary, starting in February. See how Aaron Foldenauer answered below.
NYPD
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Should the NYPD uniformed force be downsized beyond currently planned levels?
Yes, redirect a substantial share of NYPD operating resources to other city agencies
No, maintain police officer headcount at roughly current levels
No, increase the number of NYPD officers
"The city is facing a budgetary crisis that's going to catch up with this very soon. Therefore, what I've called for are 10% cuts in each in the budget of each city agency, and that includes the NYPD."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should the NYPD respond to 911 calls involving people in severe emotional distress?
Yes, where the call suggests a risk to others’ safety
Yes, under most or all circumstances
No, NYPD officers should not respond to these calls
"We need to train more police on how to deescalate conflicts, how to help people, but also reserve the ability to respond for everyone's safety when absolutely necessary."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should NYPD officers reside in the five boroughs?
Yes, all officers should reside in the five boroughs by the end of the new mayor’s term
Any new NYPD officer must live in the five boroughs but existing officers may live elsewhere until retirement
NYPD officers should be able to live in any of the counties currently authorized
"With the salaries they're paid, you can't simply change the rule overnight, and all of a sudden require NYPD officers to up in their lives and move into the city."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should the NYPD commissioner have final say on disciplining officers for conduct violations?
The commissioner should retain decision-making authority in all cases
The commissioner should retain decision-making authority in some cases
Decisions should be made by a newly empowered Civilian Complaint Review Board
The mayor should have the final say in all cases
"That commissioner having 100% authority must change."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Education
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Should admission to existing specialized high schools continue to depend on a single Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)?
Yes, keep the SHSAT
Keep the SHSAT but also require additional admissions measures
No, abolish the SHSAT
Foldenauer called for a holistic admission process. "Schools can have an admissions committee that considers other aspects" such as "diversity, essays, accomplishment, the student's upbringing."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should New York City have more charter schools?
Yes, advocate for more charter schools
No, discourage more charter schools
Advocate for more charter schools under stricter conditions than currently apply
"Charter schools are actually in underserved communities. And they're doing good work. They're trying new pedagogical methods for troubled children."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should middle school admissions remain limited to students attending school in or residing in a district?
Yes
Allow applicants outside the district, through set-asides or other means
No
"Sending kids to schools in the neighborhoods in which they live is important. That creates a sense of community."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should public school parent associations continue to be able to raise unlimited sums?
Yes, keep fundraising as is
Yes, but a system is needed to share funds between schools with many wealthy families and those with many poor families
No. Limits or further ground rules are needed for fundraising
"Ability of of these associations to raise money furthers inequality in our school systems, which affects us all at the end of the day."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
COVID Recovery
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Should New York consider mandatory vaccinations (with appropriate medical exemptions) if voluntary uptake of COVID vaccines does not reach sufficient levels?
Yes
Yes, for health, education, law enforcement and other workers interacting with the public
No
"If you were to impose government mandates for people to take the vaccines, then that would fuel even more resistance."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should the Open Streets program, including outdoor dining, become permanent?
Yes, ban vehicular access to current open streets
Yes, and expand the program to include more streets
No
"These outdoor dining facilities, they don't comply with building codes. It's a disaster waiting to happen."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should NYC provide economic relief to undocumented immigrants who do not qualify for federal aid?
Yes, ongoing aid for the needy
Yes, one-time assistance
No
"We need to provide one-time assistance to undocumented immigrants who are in need, just like we're providing additional assistance to other Americans who have been out of work."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Which statement most closely reflects your view of Mayor de Blasio’s approach to school reopening?
Schools have reopened for in-person/hybrid learning too quickly
Schools have reopened for in-person/hybrid learning too slowly
Schools have reopened at an appropriate pace
"Studies show that it's very unlikely for kids to spread COVID-19. And in addition, the pandemic is, appears to be, under control within the city. We need to have our kids back in school five days a week."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Transportation
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Should New York proceed as soon as possible with congestion pricing, charging vehicles to enter central Manhattan?
Yes, supporting current plan to capture funds for the MTA
Yes, while pursuing city control over the revenue
No, or further evaluation is needed
"We need to be better stewards of our money, including the money that's going to come in as a result of congestion pricing."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should New York City gain control of its subway and bus systems?
No response / no position
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What course will you chart for the city-funded NYC Ferry system?
Continue or build on current NYC Ferry service and expansion plans while keeping fare at $2.75, providing additional dollars to step up service
Alter NYC Ferry service or expansion plans while continuing $2.75 fare
Raise or change NYC Ferry fare to help support existing and expanded service
Raise or change NYC Ferry fare while reevaluating routes and/or service
"The New York City ferry system is a money pit. That must change because we can't continue the dramatic subsidies the ferry system is getting right now."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Choose the statement that best describes your position on bike lanes:
NYC needs to expand its bike lane network into underserved areas, even where lanes have met some local resistance
Expand bike lanes, while being responsive to local objections in deciding where to put the lanes
Alter or remove existing lanes where warranted
"One of my key proposals is to build a bicycle superhighway along Third Avenue in Manhattan, which would extend to the to Third Avenue in The Bronx."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Housing
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Which statement describes your preferred approach to spending the city’s affordable housing dollars?
Focus city funding on development projects that mix affordability at a range of incomes, using rents paid by higher earners to help cover costs for the lowest-income tenants
Focus city funding on 100% affordable development projects for the lowest-income tenants, even if that may create fewer units overall
Scale back city subsidies to affordable housing development, focusing resources on helping renters pay for existing housing
"Much of what is advertised as ‘affordable’ housing is not actually affordable at all. I will abolish all tax breaks for luxury condominiums and focus our resources on housing for those who need it the most."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Do you intend to “upzone” (increase permitted building size) areas of low-density neighborhoods to promote affordable and other housing development?
Yes, as part of area-wide rezonings
Yes, for specific blocks or properties
No, the city is already overbuilt
"Jamaica is one area that is ripe for redevelopment. Jamaica already has the requisite infrastructure for upzoning, including a variety of mass transit options, local colleges and universities, and a thriving downtown."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should NYCHA continue toward its goal of placing half of its apartments into private management under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program?
Yes, this is the best way for NYCHA to upgrade its deteriorating apartments
Yes, but keep a substantial number of apartments out of RAD to maintain oversight of those apartments by the monitor
No, NYCHA should not rely on private firms to manage its buildings
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Should surplus funds received by the city from Battery Park City — an estimated $400 million over 10 years — be steered exclusively to NYCHA?
Yes, NYCHA needs a dedicated revenue stream to pay for much-needed apartment upgrades
Yes, but split the money between NYCHA and other affordable housing programs
No, 100% of this money should continue to be dedicated to general affordable housing programs
"The funding for Battery Park City can help facilitate affordable housing elsewhere."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Immigration
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Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in local elections?
Yes, permanent residents (green card holders) only
Yes, all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, should be allowed to vote
No
"I do believe that it's important for people to come here become a citizen and then vote."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should government cash assistance be available to low-income undocumented immigrants?
Yes
Yes — special pandemic assistance only
No
Foldenauer said the aid should include cash assistance as well as grocery hand-outs or hot meals. "We do need to make sure we don't leave our undocumented immigrants behind."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should NYC pay for attorneys to represent New Yorkers facing deportation in immigration court?
Yes, immigrant New Yorkers facing deportation should have a right to counsel
Continue existing city funding sponsoring legal services for immigrant New Yorkers held in detention
No
"The right to counsel is an important thing. It's merely a question of cost."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Do you support measures to legalize basement and attic apartments?
Yes, revise building codes to allow current illegal apartments to be compliant
Yes, revise building codes and encourage conversions through financing, counseling or other means
No
Foldenauer said more housing is needed but dwellings must comply with zoning restrictions. "People have bought homes on residential streets, in reliance on being protected by the zoning laws. So if all of a sudden, all their neighbors are allowed to convert into apartments, then it changes the character of the neighborhood."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Labor
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With hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers facing extended unemployment, which of the following would you make your top priority for investing federal aid dollars?
Wage subsidies to help employers bring back and retain their employees
Extended unemployment benefits to all impacted people
Access to loans for entrepreneurs and worker cooperatives
Government jobs in underserved communities to rebuild local economies
"We want to encourage people to come to the office safely. We want to encourage workers in restaurants and other service industries that have been shut down to return to work."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should New York reclassify gig workers — including food deliverers and Uber drivers — as employees?
Yes, require companies to classify workers as their employees
Yes, give workers flexibility to decide whether they are classified as employees or independent contractors
No
"If all of a sudden everyone's classified as an employee...costs will go up to businesses everywhere. And those costs will then be passed along to consumers.'"
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Which statement best describes your approach to bargaining with municipal labor unions?
The mayor is working for voters and taxpayers, who must come first in bargaining with city employees
Municipal employees keep the city running and the mayor should put their needs first
Mayors should strive to find a balance between taxpayers and workers, even when that leaves everyone unhappy
"When negotiating with labor unions, we have to look at how we can trim down the cost of our workforce. So we can't simply do giveaways to any interest group, and that includes labor unions, contractors and otherwise."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
New York has been a leader in increasing the minimum wage. Should the state increase it above $15 an hour in the first two years of your term?
Yes, and be indexed to inflation so the wage automatically rises each year
Yes, but not indexed to inflation — the wage should come under review before future increases
No
"The last thing you want to do is increase it again, which will hurt small businesses...they simply couldn't afford it."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Criminal Justice
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Will you direct the NYPD to stop arrests for drug possession?
No response / no position
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Should NYC stay on course to close all jails on Rikers Island by 2027?
Yes, build all new planned smaller borough-based jails on the current timeline
Yes, build new smaller borough-based jails but consider changes to plans or timeline
Reevaluate closing Rikers
Close Rikers, but build no new jails
Foldenauer said the it is hard to project the city's tax base and its ability to pay for new jails: "The cost of these new jails looks to be astronomical."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should NYC ban solitary confinement within jails?
Ban solitary confinement entirely
Maintain current plan to allow minimum 10 hours per day out of cells
No
Foldenauer said solitary confiment should be discouraged but not banned since "there might be limited circumstances where it's necessary."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Which of the following would you choose as your top priority in addressing individuals charged with a crime and awaiting trial:
Promote use of city supervised release programs for more people
Promote release without supervision programs for more people
Promote pretrial jail for more people who currently must be released
Leave the current system as is
"When you have a serious crime take place, you can't just release the perpetrator and allow him or her to commit another crime."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Taxes
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The next mayor will inherit well documented inequities in property tax assessments. What will you do?
Respond without impacting overall tax dollars collected, even if that means some will pay more than before
Respond without increasing anyone’s tax burdens in the process — potentially reducing tax dollars collected
Maintain existing property tax assessment system
"We need a fair system across the board. One type of property ownership should not be favored over another."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should NYC resume collecting taxes on stock transfers?
Yes
No
"We need New York City to be a mecca of banking, commerce, tourism. If you start adding new taxes, then people will take their business elsewhere."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Should New York impose a “pied a terre” tax on homes that are not a primary residence?
Yes, for all part-time residents (less than 180 days a year)
Yes, for international owners only
No
"These part time residents aren't paying their fair share of taxes to run the city."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Will you further tax the ultra wealthy?
Yes, increase the income tax rate for those who earn more than $5 million annually
Yes, increase the income tax rate for those who earn more than $10 million annually
No additional taxes
"I disagree with the new state law that increases taxes on the wealthy. The wealthy will simply move to Florida, or Texas or some other states."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Borough Edition
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The Bronx: Do you support building a stadium for the NYCFC soccer club next to Yankee Stadium?
Yes, I will do whatever I can to make this happen
Yes, but only if a deal can be reached with no public subsidy or tax breaks
No
"There should be zero subsidies for sports stadia. The wealthy owners of the sports stadiums should foot the bill themselves."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Brooklyn: Do you support the National Grid’s proposal to expand its natural gas facilities, including building a pipeline through parts of Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, and Williamsburg?
Yes
Yes, but the proposed route requires more review
No
"We have a substantial natural gas infrastructure that's in place. And we do need a reliable pipeline to serve all of the natural gas customers."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Manhattan: Do you support commercial rent control?
Yes — I’m ready to work toward implementing a system
Let’s study the issue and see if any model could possibly succeed in Manhattan
No, commercial rent control does not work
"I'm not sure if it would work, we do need to figure out a way to to ensure that small businesses are able to thrive in New York City. My biggest concern is the influx of chain stores."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021 -
Queens: The Sunnyside Master Plan envisions 12,000 affordable homes, a new regional rail station, 60 acres of open space and more to be built atop a platform over the western Queens rail yard. Will you work to realize the plan?
Yes, as planned
Yes, but the project’s cost, scale, community input or other fundamentals need revisiting
No
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Staten Island: Will you commit to restoring 24/7 half-hour service on the Staten Island Ferry? If so, when?
Yes, immediately after taking office
Yes, within my first term
No
"I always view the Staten Island Ferry as a transfer...most of the people who take the Staten Island Ferry are taking the bus on one end and or the subway on the other end."
from THE CITY Interview, April 29, 2021
Leadership
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Should NYC’s next mayor appoint campaign contributors to boards, commissions and other posts?
Yes, potentially to any type of position
Yes, only to advisory or other groups without decision-making authority
No
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Should city officials be able to raise funds from private donors for affiliated nonprofit entities?
Yes, as currently permitted
Yes, adding disclosure of the nonprofits’ spending and recipients
No
"This is a type of problem Mayor de Blasio and Eric Adams have run into," Foldenauer said — "an opportunity for people with interests before the city to seek improper influence."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021 -
Which of the following leadership styles will best serve NYC’s next mayor?
The decider — centralize decision-making with the mayor and close advisers
The delegator — hire top talent to run agencies and rely on their judgment
The partner — make decisions in coordination with the City Council
"When COVID first hit, have we acted promptly, we could have prevented innumerable deaths and sicknesses that resulted. So one has to be able to make quick decisions and that's what I'm prepared to do."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should NYC’s next mayor veto any bills presented by the City Council?
Never — bills should only come to a Council vote following mayoral agreement
Only under extraordinary circumstances
As often as necessary
Foldenauer said vetoing a bill "sends a message to the City Council that the council members need to work with the mayor before finalizing language in a bill in the first place."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021
Homelessness
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NYC is legally required to guarantee a “right to shelter.” Should related agreements be updated?
Renegotiate “right to shelter” into a “right to housing” to invest in permanent solutions
Keep “right to shelter” but lower existing barriers to families seeking shelter
Keep “right to shelter” as already agreed to
“One big problem we have is that there are a number of homeless people who are reluctant to go to shelters because they're afraid and have safety concerns with respect to those shelters. So the city needs to do a better job at keeping homeless shelters safe.… What we really need to do is help these homeless individuals get back on their feet and get them back into the workforce, so that they will no longer need shelter from the city.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should hotels remain residences for homeless people post-pandemic?
Yes, hotel capacity is needed for temporary or permanent housing
Keep current city plan to phase out hotels for the homeless by 2023
No, end homeless hotels as soon as possible
“The homeless hotels must close and we shouldn't be placing particularly single homeless men in residential areas.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should the NYPD play a role in response to people living on the streets and in the subway system?
Yes, generally
Yes, specifically when public safety risks arise
No, NYPD should not be involved in homeless response
“I've been consistent in saying that we need a police service, not a police force, so we do need to improve the training that officers are given so that they're prepared to adequately deal with people who have mental illnesses. EMTs and mental health experts can accompany police officers when they're working with homeless individuals to make sure that people get the help that they need.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should NYC’s next mayor close the 30th Street shelter, the main point of entry into the system for single men?
Yes, completely close within the next mayor’s term(s)
Close but keep ready and available to handle surges in demand
Keep the 30th Street shelter open as is
“We need this facility on East 30th Street. We need as much space as we can for our homeless population. This is the main intake center for single adult males and we need the facility.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021
Climate Change
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By 2024, big NYC buildings will have to meet energy efficiency targets or face fines. Which one of the following should the next mayor prioritize to make sure they don’t fall short?
Help owners finance upgrades
Institute a cap-and-trade program that lets owners buy credits to offset their emissions
Revise the law’s timeline or penalties
None — Local Law 97 is solid as is
"The problem with the law currently is that it's an unfunded government mandate. It's very difficult to be a property owner in the city as it is and to all of a sudden impose additional fines without providing significant support is a problem."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021 -
What should the next mayor’s top priority be for neighborhoods in the most vulnerable flood zones?
Limit new development and enable owners to sell properties to the city
Invest in elevating and fortifying homes and other buildings
Construct protective infrastructure such as seawalls and restore wetlands
No new action
"One long-term solution to our climate crisis is for governments around the world to buy back the most vulnerable land along our coastlines."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021 -
NYC’s current mayor vowed to ban gas hook-ups in new construction by 2030. Are you on board?
Yes
Yes, and move the goal sooner and/or make strides to phase out fossil fuels in existing buildings
No
"If all of a sudden we were to tell developers that they can't have gas hookups, then the demand for units in those buildings may well go down, which would therefore decrease property values."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021 -
The newly revived organic waste recycling program will be available only in some community districts and only on demand. Should that change?
Maintain the program as is
Expand organic waste collection to all New Yorkers, but keep it optional
Expand organic waste collection to all New Yorkers and make it mandatory
Get rid of the program
"We do need to make we compost our waste. It starts with education but it also should become mandatory."
from THE CITY Interview, May 19, 2021
Building NYC Better
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What route should NYC’s mayor take to expand access to broadband internet at home?
Create a publicly owned and operated municipal broadband network
Build on the existing city plan inviting companies to build out low-cost service
New state law requiring $15/month broadband for low-income customers is sufficient
“It would be cost-prohibitive to build an entirely new network, considering how expensive it is to dig up the streets and install brand new infrastructure. … If we work with companies who already have an established infrastructure, we'll achieve the goal of universal broadband access much faster than trying to start from scratch.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should real estate developers be allowed to construct bigger buildings if they pay for elevator installation at nearby subway stations without access?
Yes, with the MTA maintaining the elevators
Yes, only if the developer also commits to providing ongoing maintenance
No
“We don't want to override our zoning laws and allow the developers to build things that they shouldn't otherwise be building, just because they install an extra elevator. That wouldn't make sense.
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should new real estate development require approvals beyond those that currently exist under the city land use review process?
Yes, require additional review
Stick with existing procedures and customs
The process needs fewer obstacles to development
“We need more community input with respect to what is being built on various sites. And we also need to ensure that any new buildings fit in with the surrounding neighborhood.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Which of the following should NYC’s next mayor do first about sidewalk sheds attached to buildings?
Champion, sign and enforce a City Council bill that would require property owners to complete facade repairs within 90 days
Review existing building codes and enforcement to ensure the Department of Buildings doesn’t go overboard in requiring sheds
Focus on managing the current facade inspection and repair system
“The sidewalk sheds oftentimes stay up for years, and there is often little, if any, discernible work being done, and it affects our quality of life. … Sidewalk sheds also present additional dangers.”
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021
Quality of Life
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Should the mayor’s office crack down on short-term rentals from services like Airbnb, which are illegal under state law if the owner is not present during the stay?
Yes, large-scale professional operators only
Yes, all illegal rentals
No, let Airbnb be
"We have a housing crisis in the city and one driving factor of that crisis are all of the housing units that are being illegally used as hotels."
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
Should NYC be home to full-fledged gambling casinos?
Yes — including Manhattan
Yes — not including Manhattan
No
"There's a lot of boom and bust involved in the gaming industry and the city should not take the risk of being exposed to that."
from THE CITY interview, May 10, 2021 -
Should city government open public restrooms as a widely available amenity?
City should launch effort to deploy and maintain public restrooms
No city restroom program, but incentivize business establishments to make their restrooms available to the public
No
"One way to build more restroom facilities is to think about public-private partnerships where developers and others are encouraged or incentivized to make available and build public restroom facilities."
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021 -
A new law creates 4,000 new street vendor licenses over 10 years, most outside Manhattan. Should the city:
Expand the number of licenses further
Keep the number of licenses as set
Evaluate impact of new vendor licenses on businesses before further action
"People in New York City enjoy street vendors. But we also have to balance the needs of street vendors with brick and mortar retailers who have also been struggling."
from THE CITY interview, May 19, 2021
Candidates
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