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When Time magazine asked in a recent headline, “Will Kathryn Garcia be New York City’s First Woman Mayor?” the candidate tweeted in reply, “In short, yes.”
With endorsements from The New York Times and the New York Daily News, the 51-year-old former Department of Sanitation commissioner with years of public service under her belt is positioning herself as a can-do expert in making government work.
As a Department of Environmental Protection official, she made sure New Yorkers had clean water in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. More recently, she led the city’s effort to curb childhood lead poisoning and served as interim chair of the troubled New York City Housing Authority. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized the city’s program to distribute more than 200 million meals to the needy and homebound.
While critics say the first-time candidate lacks name recognition or the campaign skills of more seasoned competitors, the Brooklyn resident told FAQ NYC podcast, “I’m not as razzle-dazzle perhaps as some folks in the race but I actually also think that what resonates with New Yorkers right now is really about competence.”
Website: kgfornyc.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 Kathryn Garcia 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
"I do not agree with 'defund the police'.... I do agree with community policing and rethinking and reforming the police department."
from Central Brooklyn Political Action Association forum, Nov. 18, 2020 -
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 should have nurses or someone else who have degrees in psychology participate with police, but they need to do it hand in hand in partnership.”
from The Brian Lehrer Show, WNYC, Nov. 25, 2020 -
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
“I will make sure that new cops live in the city. It can't be an 'us versus them' geography.”
from Campaign video, Dec. 10, 2020 -
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
"My police commissioner would be strictly accountable to me on discipline decisions, and I would hire someone I trust to have final authority on that decision."
from POLITICO, Feb. 16, 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
Garcia has suggested implementing the “Texas model,” where top-performing students at every middle school are offered seats at specialized high schools.
from Uptown Community Democrats forum, Jan. 15, 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
“I do support raising the charter cap because I want every kid to have the opportunity and I want every adult who's thinking creatively about how to do education, do education well, to have the opportunity to do that. I mean I wish that we had great public schools in every neighborhood today but I'm not willing to wait until we get there for the kids who are in school right now.”
from 2021 Mayoral Forum on Educational Equity in NYC, May 24, 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
-
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
"I would share to a point, having been on the PTA and on the [school] leadership team."
from Education First Mayoral Candidates Forum, Jan. 28, 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
-
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
"Ensure our public spaces serve the public first. That means making Open Streets permanent, creating new Complete Streets in all five boroughs."
from Twitter , Feb. 2, 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
-
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
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 have congestion pricing put in place now. We are not suffering from a lack of cars in midtown today, yesterday, the day before. People are coming in and if they all come in by car we can't move. We need people to get back on the subway.”
from "Leading Contenders" Democratic Debate, June 10, 2021 -
Should New York City gain control of its subway and bus systems?
Yes, while splitting bridge and tunnel toll revenue with LIRR and Metro-North
Yes, provided the city also gains full control of bridge and tunnel toll revenue
No
"I would love to see the city take control, but only if we had the revenue to support it."
from Empire State Indivisible's Albany Agenda forum, Feb. 8, 2021 -
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
Garcia's campaign calls for redistributing funds from the ferry subsidy to half-price Fair Fares expansion and MTA bus operations.
from Campaign website -
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
"We need to ensure that people think of bike lanes in the same way they think of their subway, as a network."
from Bike New York forum, March 5, 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
“When I'm mayor, my focus will be on deeply affordable housing. What do I mean by that? Less than 30% of median income in New York City. Those are the folks who struggle to make the rent every month.”
from Campaign video -
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
“We also need to be creative — you know, end the zoning that blocks us from really creating more density.”
from Open New York Conversation with Kathryn Garcia, Dec. 29, 2020 -
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
"When I went and saw developments that had gone through the RAD process at Ocean Bay or at Campos II, the tenants were extremely happy."
from Housing Conservation Coordinators' forum, Dec. 8, 2020 -
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
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 not support the current proposed legislation for allowing non-citizens voting powers in municipal races.”
from City Limits, March 10, 2021 -
Should government cash assistance be available to low-income undocumented immigrants?
Yes
Yes — special pandemic assistance only
No
Garcia supports providing residents with cash assistance regardless of immigration status.
from City & State NY/Documented, March 12, 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
Garcia is in favor of contributing to the New York Immigrant Freedom Fund, which pays immigration bonds for detainees in need.
from City & State NY/Documented, April 12, 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
“We also need to be creative, you know, end the zoning that blocks us from really creating more density, legalize basement apartments make it so that we can have single room occupancy again in a way that's safe."
from Open New York interview, Dec. 29, 2020
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 need to grow. That is part of what gets us out of this, which has meant strategic investments in working with the private sector to provide low-interest loans to our restaurants and to our small businesses. We need them back. They're huge generators of employment.”
from Citizens Budget Commission Mayoral Candidate Forum, Feb. 24, 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
“This is really got to be done at the state level. It is nearly impossible to do this at the city level. We can do it in some cases in areas where that business requires permits or licenses, so that's why we've been able to step in.”
from THE CITY interview, April 13, 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
“You have to work with labor because they are the ones who actually end up doing the job. And so, when you are collaborative, you can find savings, which has historically been done.”
from Citizens Budget Commission Mayoral Candidate Forum, Feb. 24, 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
“It's nearly impossible to live on $15 an hour here, in the city of New York. And honestly, the federal minimum wage should be tied to inflation, as it once was. We need to work with our small businesses to understand and take into account what when we are making worker changes.”
from THE CITY interview, April 13, 2021
Criminal Justice
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Will you direct the NYPD to stop arrests for drug possession?
Marijuana only
Marijuana and one or more other drugs
No
"I am for decriminalizing marijuana. I think that is absolutely fine, but there are other substances — not only fentanyl, but even things like cocaine — where you don't know how your body's going to react."
from VOCAL-NY’s Mayoral Candidate Forum, March 17, 2021 -
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
“I do believe that we need to close Rikers. I do believe that you know this is the opportunity to fundamentally change what happens there.”
from NYC Criminal Justice and Reentry Mayoral Forum, April 5, 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
“We need to ensure that there is no solitary confinement.”
from NYC Criminal Justice and Reentry Mayoral Forum, April 5, 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
“It really has happened that the nonprofit sector being stepping up and then also using technology, so they can have supervised release. You know, this is, we don't want people to be in jail. I mean, there are some people who like obviously need to be there but, for the most part, you're waiting trial. That you should be presumed innocent to a certain hearings, like the presumption is you are presumed innocent.”
from THE CITY interview , April 13, 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
“Literally, two buildings right next to each other could pay wildly different property taxes.... We need to just scrape the whole system. Starts with everything as a true market value.... And the third assessment, choose our assessment off of that."
from THE CITY interview , April 21, 2021 -
Should NYC resume collecting taxes on stock transfers?
Yes
No
Garcia opposes taxing stock transfers because the stock market "already could be anywhere" and she says the move will drive the financial industry to relocate.
from THE CITY interview, April 13, 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
She “would hate to add more taxes in New York City in general, but we got to pay for things.”
from THE CITY interview , April 13, 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
"If we have enough to cover those costs then we shouldn't be taxing people more. If we haven't gotten enough money to cover the costs for the things we need to do, then everyone needs to pay a little more,"
from NY1 News, April 6, 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
“These are organizations that are wealthy organizations. We should be using public money for breaking back our economy and helping people with health care, in schools."
from THE CITY interview, May 16, 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
“You have to begin taking steps to move from a fossil fuel economy to renewable energy and that is my focus. So let's invest in our renewable energy and bringing more renewable down from upstate New York, where they are doing solar farms and hydro."
from THE CITY interview, May 16, 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
“We need to look at that more closely because it is literally like, you know, does that mean that that person, who's maybe not even really doing business anymore or something that's no longer even paying, is trying to make money in their business but just as a really cheap rent stays in place.”
from THE CITY interview, April 13, 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
Garcia said developing Sunnyside Yard is an opportunity to “engage with the community” but supports the plan as is because she doesn’t “want to slow things down.”
from THE CITY interview, April 13, 2021 -
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
“We have to make it so that public transit is available across the city and that is the lifeline for Staten Island. And we know that many essential workers need the ability to take the ferry, otherwise, we are incentivizing parties.”
from THE CITY interview, May 16, 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
-
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
-
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
“The mayor [de Blasio] is not a manager. The mayor has been a public advocate, and that is where he got his training. I fundamentally manage differently. It is about bringing the smartest people together, listening to them, developing the plan and holding people accountable for delivery.”
from The New York Times, May 10, 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
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
“We have to fundamentally change our approach. Shelters are a Band-Aid for this solution to a long-term problem. We have to put housing first.... That is why my plan includes increasing the voucher amount to something you might actually be able to rent in the city of New York.”
from First Democratic mayoral debate, May 13, 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
"Shift from a shelter strategy to a housing strategy also means instead of paying to rent hotel rooms we purchase suitable empty commercial spaces and convert them into 10,000 permanent supportive housing units."
from Gotham Gazette, March 2, 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
"We do need to respond when the MTA says we need more cops in the subway, that does not mean we're not sending mental health professionals into the subway as well, so that we can get people the services they need and into supportive housing to deal with their mental health issues, as well as with their substance abuse issues. We can do both"
from First Democratic mayoral debate, March 2, 2021 -
Should NYC’s next mayor close the 30th Street shelter, the main point of entry into the system for single men?
No response / no position
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
Garcia called for "incentivizing electrification and carbon savings--not slapping building owners with fines."
from Twitter, Dec. 29, 2020 -
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
"We will expand bluebelt stormwater management strategies to other flood-prone parts of the City, including Southeast Queens, and restore wetlands to serve as a natural buffer to protect our waterfront communities."
from Waterfront Alliance survey -
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
"I support an outright ban once we’ve established a faster pace at which we are moving towards renewable energy and that will be my priority."
from NY1, April 13, 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 have to bring back the composting program and ensure that it is at everybody’s doorstep, as well as in every big building. It’s going to have to be mandatory."
from City & State NY, April 23, 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
“There are two real things that are blocking us. One is just the cost. People don’t have it. It's not an infrastructure problem; fiber is there. They can’t afford it. The second big piece is, you are allowed, as the first homeowner on a block, to block that entire block from getting fiber. That's a rule change the City of New York can make. The third piece is, we as the City of New York give franchises to those folks who run the fiber.”
from NYC Mayoral Forum, presented by Tech:NYC and Warby Parker, April 9, 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
-
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
“It’s about accelerating approvals for new housing construction, and streamlining the ULURP and environmental review process, as well as permit applications and inspections at the Buildings Department. And there are several other sister agencies that are not well coordinated."
from Commercial Observer, March 16, 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
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
-
Should NYC be home to full-fledged gambling casinos?
No response / no position
-
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
-
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
Candidates
Meet Your Mayor
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