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Stringer, a political veteran, was elected comptroller in 2013 and is set to complete his second and final term this year. In his mayoral campaign, he has boasted in forums that he is prepared to fix the finances of a city thrust into crisis by the pandemic, citing his role in managing the city’s $240 billion pension fund, the fourth largest in the United States.
He served as a state Assembly member for 13 years and as Manhattan borough president for seven. He was the frontrunner in the progressive left flank of the field until the Working Families Party and several lawmakers withdrew their endorsements following accusations by a former campaign volunteer of sexual misconduct by Stringer two decades ago (Stringer has strongly denied the allegations). He has gained some endorsements and held onto others, most notably the United Federation of Teachers.
As comptroller, Stringer, a 61-year-old Manhattan resident, led New York City’s pension funds to divest from the fossil fuel industry and the private prison industry. His 27-point proposal to fight the housing crisis and end homelessness is a centerpiece of his campaign.
Stringer’s mother died of COVID-19. He’s noted his loss and struggles as the father of two during the pandemic as part of his campaign to become the mayor who “rebuilds” the city.
Website: stringerformayor.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 Scott Stringer 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
"Breaking down structural racism in New York City will require long-term, lasting change — and that must include reducing the NYPD’s budget."
from NYC Comptroller's office, June 5, 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
“I support unequivocally moving those responsibilities away from armed officers to mental health professionals and counselors."
from Citizen Action mental health town hall, Dec. 15, 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
-
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
"The city should end the police commissioner’s authority to treat CCRB investigations and recommendations as advisory — and instead grant the CCRB power to make final disciplinary decisions."
from New York Daily News Op-Ed, Nov. 20, 2020
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
"Replace it with a seventh grade statewide test that will allow more black and brown students to access our specialized high schools."
from New York Jewish Agenda forum, Feb. 18, 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
Stringer supports keeping the current cap on charter schools and letting the state control it.
from THE CITY interview, March 11, 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
“Under my education plan, we're going to equalize after-school funding. If one school gets chess, every school gets chess. One school gets robotics, every school gets robotics. If one school gets athletics, everyone gets athletics. We're going to create one system, so once the PTA is known that everyone is equal in every school. We can share that prosperity.”
from UFT Mayoral Town Hall, April 7, 2020
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
"In my administration, curb and street space throughout the five boroughs will be repurposed for wider sidewalks, street seating, bus shelters, bike parking, Citi Bike docking stations, public restrooms, improved garbage collection, playstreets and playgrounds, bus lanes, bike lanes, plazas, and much more."
from Streetsblog, Dec. 14, 2020 -
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
As city comptroller, Stringer proposed to establish an emergency relief fund with private partners to help undocumented immigrants excluded from federal aid.
from NYC Comptroller's office, March 1, 2020 -
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 congestion pricing. We need it now. The Trump administration thwarted us. We can really build back our transportation system with that revenue.”
from NYC Mayoral Leading Contenders 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
“It would be great to control the subways but I've crunched the numbers — we can't take on the debt service. We can't take on the debt, it is not practical for us today to take over the MTA.”
from District Council 37 forum, Jan. 26, 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
“I would rework the contract.… But ultimately, the goal has to be, if we're going to do I think transportation subsidy and expansion, I would drive it into the buses and the bus lane, because I think that's a better bang for the buck. But I would keep the service of the communities right now.”
from Forum on the Future of Transportation, March 25, 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
Stringer's campaign website calls for a 425-mile, five-borough bikeway connected to greenways.
from Campaign website
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
“We have got to ensure that the next generation of housing we build is actually for the people who need it the most.”
from NYC Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tenants Rights, Feb. 27, 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
Stringer seeks to require affordable housing in new development regardless of whether zoning changes are sought. “If you’re going to build in New York City, you will provide affordability that is sustainable.... No longer will developers be able to use affordable housing as a bargaining chip with communities.”
from Comptroller website, Jan. 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
“Every time we move to privatize public housing, it comes with a sense that we have failed . . . But when we look at the different models we're forced to use right now, it's because of the lack of investment on a federal level.”
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
"One idea that I think we should put forth immediately is to take $40 million a year over 10 years from the Battery Park City Authority.... We could bond that money as a way of creating a new revenue stream for NYCHA."
from Housing Conservation Coordinators' forum, Dec. 8, 2020
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
Stringer said he supports expanding voting rights in municipal elections to all New Yorkers with green cards or work authorizations.
from Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats questionnaire -
Should government cash assistance be available to low-income undocumented immigrants?
Yes
Yes — special pandemic assistance only
No
“19% of NYC's frontline workers are non-citizens or undocumented -- risking their lives while being excluded from life-saving state and federal support. As Mayor, I'll fight to ensure we #FundExcludedWorkers.”
from Twitter, March 5, 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
“I’m calling for the City to protect these New Yorkers and eliminate the carve-out that limits access to immigrant legal services because if we believe in due process for all people, we can’t be in the business of choosing who deserves a truly fair day in court.”
from City Comptroller news release, Feb. 21, 2019 -
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
Stringer says he intends to help property owners to transform their basement and garage spaces to rental apartments.
from "Scott Stringer’s Mayoral Plans", Feb. 25, 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
"I proposed the City create a $1 billion stimulus fund for small businesses, and nonprofits that would distribute grants between $20,000 and $100,000 to organizations for payroll, back rent, to rehire employee who were let go, to pay for costs incurred from COVID-19 safety renovations, and more."
from Statement to THE CITY -
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
The Stringer campaign calls for strengthening workforce protections for independent contractors and says Stringer will fight misclassification of workers.
from NYC Comptroller website, March 15, 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
“I've stood there with you, and if I'm elected mayor, together we will continue a partnership that honors your service, that does not threaten your jobs; it does not threaten the work that you do. We will be equal, respected partners as we bring the city back.”
from DC37 Mayoral Forum, Jan. 25, 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
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
“We need to make sure that there's opportunity for whether it's morphine or different drugs. We can't just simply incarcerate.”
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 was the first elected official to say shut it down and close Rikers. I was the first.”
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
Asked if solitary confinement should be ended, Stringer replied "Of course, yes."
from Mental Health Town Hall, Citizen Action of New York, Dec. 15, 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
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
“I would follow the commission’s lead and propose a plan that is revenue neutral.…But the wealthy should pay their fair share, which is why I’m proposing raising property taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers.”
from New York Daily News, April 11, 2021 -
Should NYC resume collecting taxes on stock transfers?
Yes
No
“We’re going to have to identify revenue streams — steady, stable revenue streams — to transform our amazing city.... That’s why I support the Invest in Our New York City agenda in Albany.” This package of bills includes a stock transfer tax.
from Daily News, Feb. 23, 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
“We need this money that will actually make those properties even more valuable because the city with a strong subway or transportation base, the city that is safe, a city that builds park space...enhances the value of those second homes.… Part timers should be paying their fair share, especially people worth hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars."
from The Brian Lehrer Show, March 18, 2019 -
Will you further tax the ultra wealthy?
No response / no position
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
-
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
“With fracked gas already flowing through segments of the North Brooklyn Pipeline, it is past time to start acting on climate solutions to end the era of fossil fuel growth in New York.”
from BK Reader, March 26, 2020 -
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
-
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
-
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
Leadership
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Should NYC’s next mayor appoint campaign contributors to boards, commissions and other posts?
No response / no position
-
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
"We can't even allow the perception that government decisions could be driven by private donations. And that's why, as mayor. I'll ensure that no one would business before the city will be able to donate to an elected official, period."
from Twitter, May 18, 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
"Part of my ability to do a good job has not that much to do with me but with my ability to attract the best and the brightest into government and to give them a mission and direction."
from Bloomberg, March 30, 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
"Everyone talks about how to solve the homeless crisis. But no one talks about giving homeless people a home with supportive services. What I would do as mayor is have a housing plan that actually builds low income housing for the people who need it."
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
“I want to take the vacant properties that the city owns, I want to give them not to revenue developers, but back to community based organizations with a subsidy that would be directed to reward low income housing and finally align the housing and homeless crisis because right now we are spending billions managing people in dangerous shelter conditions.”
from Mayoral Candidates Meet Homeless New Yokers, Feb. 12, 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've been cycling mental health issues in and out of the underground subways for decades. And the truth is, every time there's a call for more police, we end up not solving the problem. This is got to be the new way of looking at it. And that means investing in mental health professionals to make sure that people get supportive housing.”
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?
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
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
-
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
Stringer called for expanding home buyout programs and replacing urban highways with parks.
from NY1 -
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
"Ban all new fossil fuel infrastructure, including new pipelines or the redevelopment of power plants."
from Campaing website -
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
"Let’s start composting for real. They’ve gutted the composting plan. We only have 1% composting in a city that it should be scaled up to lead the nation."
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
"The City should immediately convene all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and carriers operating in the five boroughs to discuss all possible options to quickly provide affordable and reliable internet service to every student in the city who lacks a high-speed broadband connection in their home or shelter. As part of that effort, the City should be prepared to offer subsidized and redeemable ‘Internet Passports’ for low-income families that can be used to purchase broadband service."
from NYC Comptroller website , Nov. 2, 2020 -
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
“We need to have a land use process that involves a discussion, and the land use process by which tenants can participate. It can't just be a government's way or the highway.”
from Housing Conservation Coordinators candidate forum, Dec. 5, 2020 -
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
-
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
“Airbnb has grown exponentially at the expense of New Yorkers who face rising rents and the risk of being pushed out of communities they helped build. If we’re going to preserve the character of our neighborhoods and expand our middle class, we have to put people before profits. It’s that simple.”
from NYC Comptroller report, May 3, 2018 -
Should NYC be home to full-fledged gambling casinos?
Yes — including Manhattan
Yes — not including Manhattan
No
-
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
"The era of sending a search party to find a bathroom at a park or playgound will be over."
from Twitter, 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
Candidates
Meet Your Mayor
Answer questions on the big issues facing NYC and find out which candidates agree with you most.