Founded in 2007, Jahajee is a gender justice organization that activates Indo-Caribbeans in New York to put an end to intimate partner, family, and sexual violence. Our programs include crisis services for people fleeing abuse, healing and leadership development programs for survivors, and policy advocacy to support our mission. We serve the Indo-Caribbean community in District 28 and have an office in Richmond Hill. Jahajee reaches over 2000 Indo-Caribbean members annually and has an active presence in cultural and civic spaces.
Our District 18 City Council Candidate Questionnaire aims to educate District 28 residents about where candidates stand on critical issues related to gender-based violence, including problems that make people vulnerable to such violence — like poverty, housing, immigration status, and reproductive oppression. We have carefully crafted 28 questions to explore who the candidates are and how they will represent our community.
We hope this effort will help voters make informed decisions in the upcoming Democratic Primary Election on June 24, 2025. Please note that early voting begins June 14, 2025 and goes until June 22, 2025.
Jahajee does not endorse candidates for any office. Our electoral work is purely educational.
All 5 candidates were asked to complete our questionnaire. As of May 31, 2025, only candidates Japneet Singh and Tyrell Henkerson have submitted responses.
The following pages include their answers to our questions.
 | Candidate Questionnaire: Japneet Singh Website: singhfornyc.com |
Yes
Yes
Education, Public Safety, Government Accountability & Transparency
As a proud Sikh American and lifelong Queens resident, I understand the unique challenges the Indo-Caribbean community faces—often invisible in city data, underrepresented in government, and overlooked in policy decisions. If elected, I will work closely with the Mayor to ensure that the Indo-Caribbean community is recognized, resourced, and empowered.
This includes advocating for disaggregated data collection so our communities are no longer erased, and pushing for equitable funding to support culturally competent mental health services, youth programs, and immigrant legal support. I will collaborate with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and community-based organizations like Jahajee to uplift the voices of Indo-Caribbean women, gender-expansive people, and youth.
Through regular town halls, participatory budgeting, and targeted investment in Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, I will ensure Indo-Caribbean residents have a real seat at the table—not just as stakeholders, but as decision-makers in shaping our city’s future.
I will seek to serve on the Committees on Immigration, Housing and Buildings, and Women and Gender Equity—each of which aligns closely with the priorities of Jahajee and the needs of District 28.
As the son of immigrants and a lifelong resident of Queens, I’ve seen how our communities—especially Indo-Caribbean and South Asian women and gender-expansive people—are disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity, gender-based violence, and lack of access to city services. On the Immigration Committee, I will fight to expand legal protections, language access, and funding for grassroots organizations supporting undocumented and mixed-status families.
On the Housing and Buildings Committee, I will advocate for stronger tenant protections, deeply affordable housing, and increased investment in housing for survivors of domestic violence. And through the Women and Gender Equity Committee, I will elevate the voices of those most marginalized, push for culturally competent gender-based violence prevention, and ensure city agencies are accountable to our communities.
Addressing gender-based violence requires a survivor-centered, culturally responsive, and community-led approach—especially in diverse communities like those in District 28. The most effective solutions prioritize prevention, protection, and empowerment.
I will advocate for increased funding to community-based organizations—like Jahajee—that provide trauma-informed care, legal support, and culturally competent services for survivors, particularly women, immigrants, and gender-expansive people. I will push for comprehensive education in schools around consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention, starting at a young age.
I also support expanding housing and economic support for survivors, including emergency shelters and long-term housing programs, as well as access to childcare, workforce development, and mental health care.
On the legislative side, I will fight to strengthen city oversight of agencies responsible for addressing gender-based violence and ensure coordination across health, housing, and legal systems.
As a City Council Member, I’ll use my platform to uplift survivor voices and pass policies that protect and empower them.
Yes.
To ensure survivors of violence have access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing, I will propose a comprehensive set of policies and programs that center the needs of marginalized communities, particularly women, immigrants, and gender-expansive people in District 28.
Expand Emergency and Transitional Housing: I will advocate for increased funding for emergency shelters specifically designed for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. These shelters will provide not only safe housing but also wraparound services, such as legal assistance, mental health counseling, and job placement support.
Create Long-Term Supportive Housing Programs: I will work to increase the availability of permanent supportive housing for survivors, with access to rent subsidies and tailored services that help individuals rebuild their lives, including case management, peer support groups, and child care.
Tenant Protections for Survivors: I will propose policies that protect survivors from eviction, particularly in cases where the violence is tied to their living situation. This includes ensuring access to violence-free lease agreements and increasing funding for rapid rehousing programs to prevent homelessness.
Safe Housing for Immigrant Survivors: I will advocate for housing solutions that address the unique barriers faced by immigrant survivors, such as language access and protections for those with mixed immigration status, ensuring they have access to safe housing without fear of deportation.
Collaborations with Community-Based Organizations: By partnering with local organizations that serve survivors, I will ensure that housing programs are culturally competent and responsive to the needs of diverse communities, including the Indo-Caribbean population.
In my role on the City Council, I will ensure these policies are fully funded, effectively implemented, and accessible to all survivors of violence, ensuring that housing is a path to healing and stability.
Yes.
To increase safe, culturally competent transitional housing for women and children leaving abusive relationships, I will prioritize the following actions:
Increase Funding for Transitional Housing: Advocate for increased city funding to expand the capacity of existing shelters and create new, culturally competent transitional housing programs tailored to meet the needs of women and children from diverse backgrounds, particularly immigrant and refugee populations.
Culturally Competent Services: Ensure that these programs offer multilingual support and have staff trained in cultural competence to provide services that respect the unique experiences of different communities, including South Asian and Indo-Caribbean women and families. This will help women feel safe and understood during their transition.
Wraparound Services: Advocate for housing programs that provide holistic support, including legal aid, mental health services, childcare, and job placement programs, which are critical for women and children to rebuild their lives and gain independence from abusive situations.
Partnership with Community Organizations: Partner with grassroots organizations that specialize in supporting survivors, ensuring their expertise and cultural insights are incorporated into housing programs.
Expand Housing Options: Promote the creation of more long-term affordable housing specifically for survivors, so they can transition from shelters to stable, permanent housing without fear of re-victimization.
By focusing on these actions, we can help survivors move from crisis to stability, empowering them to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
Yes.
Yes.
Improving access to public transportation in District 28 is crucial for ensuring all residents can get to work, school, healthcare, and essential services. As your City Council Member, I will take the following steps to make public transportation more accessible, reliable, and equitable:
Increase Service Frequency and Coverage: Advocate for increased service frequency on key bus routes, particularly in underserved areas like South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill. I will push for better evening and weekend service to accommodate the working hours of essential workers and shift workers, many of whom are from immigrant communities.
Expand Accessibility: Work with the MTA to ensure that all stations and buses are fully ADA-compliant and equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible communication systems for people with disabilities. I will also advocate for the expansion of Paratransit services to ensure everyone can access public transportation.
Improve Safety and Cleanliness: Advocate for increased lighting, security, and cleaning at transit stops and stations to ensure the safety and comfort of riders, especially for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
Reduce Transit Costs: I will fight for fare reduction programs to ensure that lower-income families, seniors, and students in District 28 can afford to use public transportation without financial burden. This includes expanding programs like the Fair Fares NYC initiative, which provides discounted metro cards.
Community Engagement and Feedback: Host regular town halls with residents and transit workers to gather input on the specific transportation needs of the district. I will ensure that the voices of our community are heard and that their concerns are directly addressed by the MTA and the city.
By focusing on these key areas, I will ensure that all residents of District 28 can access public transportation that is safe, reliable, affordable, and inclusive of all communities.
No.
To protect immigrants in our community from deportation threats and ensure their safety, I will take the following steps:
Strengthen Sanctuary City Policies: Advocate for continued and expanded protections under New York City’s sanctuary policies, ensuring that local law enforcement does not collaborate with federal immigration authorities on deportation matters. I will work to protect immigrant families from being separated by ensuring the city prioritizes public safety and does not assist in deportations.
Expand Legal Support for Immigrants: I will push for increased funding for immigrant legal defense programs, including free or low-cost legal representation for immigrants facing deportation. Access to legal counsel is critical in ensuring families can fight deportation effectively.
Create Safe Spaces: Work to establish community-based “safe spaces” where immigrants can access services without fear of deportation, including schools, healthcare providers, and local government offices. These spaces will help foster a sense of security and trust between immigrant communities and public institutions.
Promote Worker Protections: Advocate for stronger protections for immigrant workers, especially in industries like construction, food service, and cleaning, where exploitation and threats of deportation are common. Ensuring workers know their rights and have access to support is essential in protecting them from exploitation.
Increase Access to Resources: Collaborate with community organizations to ensure immigrants have access to resources like language services, housing assistance, and healthcare without the fear of their immigration status being questioned.
These steps are crucial for making sure immigrants feel safe and supported, allowing them to thrive without the constant fear of deportation.
Yes.
At the city level, I will take the following specific actions to ensure that immigrant protection programs are safeguarded and vulnerable families receive the support they need:
Secure Funding for Immigrant Support Programs: I will fight to protect and increase funding for critical programs that provide legal defense, mental health services, language access, and job support for immigrant families. This includes advocating for continued funding for ActionNYC, which connects immigrants with free legal services, and expanding Fair Fares NYC, which helps low-income immigrants afford public transportation.
Strengthen Sanctuary Protections: I will work to ensure the city’s sanctuary policies are robustly enforced, including advocating for Non-Cooperation Agreements with federal immigration agencies. This will prevent the sharing of personal data with ICE and ensure that city services—like healthcare, education, and housing—remain accessible to all, regardless of immigration status.
Expand Access to Public Services: I will introduce legislation to improve language access across city agencies, ensuring that immigrants can access vital services in their preferred language. This will include working with community organizations to identify gaps and expand multilingual resources.
Support Immigrant Workers’ Rights: I will propose stronger protections for immigrant workers, especially in vulnerable industries. This includes legislation to guarantee fair wages, workplace safety, and access to workers’ compensation without fear of retaliation or deportation.
Increase Collaboration with Community-Based Organizations: Partnering with local immigrant advocacy groups, I will make sure that city programs are tailored to the specific needs of immigrant communities, ensuring culturally competent outreach and service delivery. These partnerships will allow for greater community trust and accessibility.
Raise Public Awareness and Education: I will work with schools, community centers, and local media outlets to raise awareness about the rights of immigrants, particularly in the face of potential federal immigration enforcement. Educating families about their rights can help them feel more secure in seeking help when needed.
By taking these actions, I will ensure that immigrant families in District 28 feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive without the constant fear of deportation or discrimination.
Yes.
My approach to ending violence focuses on prevention, intervention, and restorative justice. While law enforcement is essential for addressing violent crimes, I believe resources should be balanced between law enforcement and community-based solutions. I support redirecting funds to expand mental health services, youth programs, and community-led violence interruption initiatives that prevent violence before it occurs. By addressing root causes like poverty, lack of education, and mental health needs, we can reduce violence more effectively. At the same time, law enforcement must be well-equipped to handle violent crime when it arises. This approach ensures public safety while investing in long-term solutions that heal and empower communities.
Yes.
I strongly support the “Me Too” movement and its critical role in raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and its harmful impact on survivors. The movement has given a powerful platform to survivors, breaking the silence that too often surrounds sexual violence, and demanding accountability from perpetrators. To support survivors and combat sexual violence in our community, I will advocate for expanded access to trauma-informed services, including mental health support, legal assistance, and safe housing. I will work to strengthen education programs in schools and workplaces to promote consent, respect, and healthy relationships. Additionally, I will push for stronger policies that ensure survivors are treated with dignity and provided resources to heal and rebuild their lives. By working with community-based organizations and prioritizing survivor voices, I will contribute to building a culture of respect, safety, and accountability.
Yes.
I believe in upholding and protecting abortion rights and transgender rights as fundamental human rights. Every individual should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own body, health, and gender identity without interference. As a Council Member, I will support policies that ensure access to safe, legal abortion services and protect transgender individuals from discrimination in areas like healthcare, housing, and employment. I will work to strengthen city programs that provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion access, and gender-affirming care for transgender people. Additionally, I will advocate for education and awareness programs to combat stigma and ensure all residents, regardless of gender identity or reproductive choice, can live with dignity and access the care they need. Protecting these rights is essential to achieving equality and justice for all.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
As a lifelong resident of District 28, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with and building trust among our diverse cultural communities through direct, hands-on involvement. I’ve worked closely with local community organizations, attended cultural events, and hosted town halls to listen to the unique concerns of different groups, including South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Black, and Latino communities. By fostering open communication and amplifying the voices of residents, I’ve been able to create a more inclusive dialogue.
Moving forward, I will continue these efforts by regularly meeting with community leaders, ensuring that everyone—from immigrant families to long-time residents—has a platform to share their concerns. I will also prioritize language access, support culturally competent services, and advocate for policies that reflect the diverse needs of our district. Trust is built through consistent, transparent action, and I’m committed to making sure every community feels seen, heard, and supported in the work I do.
 | Candidate Questionnaire: Tyrell Hankersonwww.TyHankerson.com |
Yes
1) Reviving Small Businesses and Safe Commercial Corridors
I’ll champion legislation to cap predatory commercial rent increases, streamline the city’s permit process, and expand access to capital for MWBEs. I’ll also advocate for a Business Safety Liaison in the 103rd Precinct and launch a Storefront Improvement Program to enhance safety, reduce vacancies, and support clean, vibrant corridors in Southeast Queens.
2) Affordable Housing and Tenant Protections –
I support stronger enforcement against illegal evictions, and deeper affordability requirements for city-subsidized developments. New housing developments should reflect real incomes as well as the “communities of interest” that is being built in; this will prevent gentrification. I’ll also advocate for expanded Right to Counsel and increased investment in public housing maintenance and repairs.
3) Public Safety and Youth Empowerment –
True public safety comes from opportunity and trust. I will invest in violence interruption programs, mobile mental health units, and expanded street lighting and surveillance in problem areas. I’ll also increase funding for afterschool programs, summer jobs, vocational training, and mentorship, especially for youth in underserved communities including AAPI, Afro-Caribbeans, and Indo-Caribbeans.
I will work with the Mayor to ensure the Indo-Caribbean community is recognized, resourced, and represented in city policy. This includes:
1) Creating a Cultural Business Corridor that celebrates Indo-Caribbean heritage and supports small businesses with grants, storefront improvements, and promotional initiatives through SBS and NYC & Company.
2) Securing language access, mental health resources, and culturally responsive education through DOE, DOHMH, and ThriveNYC to better serve families in schools and healthcare settings.
3) Establishing an Indo-Caribbean Community Advisory Council to inform city agencies on culturally appropriate outreach and services.
4) Advocating for equitable discretionary funding to support Indo-Caribbean cultural centers, religious institutions, senior programs, and youth initiatives.
1) Public Safety – I want every resident in District 28 to feel safe. As a member of the public safety committee, I will have an opportunity to work with my colleagues in government to expand violence prevention programs, improve emergency health response, and hold agencies accountable to the communities they serve.
2) Sanitation and Solid Waste Management – Clean streets are a basic right, and too often, neighborhoods like South Jamaica, Rochdale, and along Liberty and Jamaica Avenues do not get the same attention as wealthier parts of the city. Illegal dumping, overflowing trash cans, and poor snow removal create health hazards and are a sign of neglect. On the Sanitation Committee, I’ll advocate for equitable cleanup schedules and enforcement against chronic violators. I’ll also work to expand DSNY job opportunities for residents. Clean streets mean safer, healthier communities.
3) Youth Services – By serving on this committee, I will be able to expand access to programs such as year round youth employment, support mental health and wellness, prevent violence and incarceration, and create pathways for youth leadership and civic engagement.
The most effective solutions to addressing gender-based violence is taking a preventive approach and as well as modeling a survivor-based approach. As a Councilmember, I would take a preventive approach advocating for violence prevention workshops in schools, especially as it pertains to healthy relationships. I would also advocate for an increase in funding for permanent supportive housing for survivors. I would also elevate survivor voices in policymaking.
Yes.
We need dedicated housing vouchers for survivors. We need to also expand cross-agency coordination to link services between NYCHA, NYPD, HPD, and HRA to streamline housing and support for survivors.
Yes.
I would advocate for funding to increase transitional housing and wraparound services. I would also fund programs operated by community-based organizations such as Safe Horizon, Sakhi for South Asian Women, or an organization rooted in cultures and languages in the communities they serve, to ensure no woman or child is without a safe place to go.
Yes.
Yes.
I will advocate for more frequent and reliable bus service, improve ADA accessibility, and cleaner, safer stations. I will also convene regular town halls with MTA and DOT officials to bring resident concerns directly to decision-makers and ensure transparency in transit planning.
No.
To protect immigrants in District 28, I will expand funding for free legal services, strengthen NYC’s sanctuary laws, and ensure no city agency cooperates with ICE. I’ll also support immigrant-led organizations that provide housing, health, and language-access services. Most importantly, I’ll use my platform to publicly stand against xenophobia and ensure every family can live in safety regardless of immigration status.
Yes.
I will use oversight hearings to evaluate HRA’s responsiveness and effectiveness in processing SNAP applications and renewals. I will also advocate for mobile enrollment vans, increased staffing, and improved tech systems to reduce delays and service gaps.
Yes.
I support significantly expanding funding for violence interrupters, youth programs, mental health services, and trauma recovery centers, especially in communities most impacted by gun violence and systemic disinvestment. True public safety means addressing root causes such as housing, education, and economic opportunity, so every community can thrive without fear.
Yes.
The “Me Too” movement has played a critical role in exposing the widespread reality of sexual violence and shifting our culture toward accountability, consent, and survivor-centered justice. It has given voice to people—especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color who have too often been silenced, disbelieved, or ignored.
I would support survivors and contribute to ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence in the community by expanding training for law enforcement and city agencies on handling sexual violence. I would also support legislation that strengthens workplace protections against sexual harassment, especially in low-wage and informal sectors where reporting is rare.
Yes.
I support abortion rights and transgender rights.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
As a lifelong resident of District 28, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with and building trust among our diverse cultural communities through direct, hands-on involvement. I’ve worked closely with local community organizations, attended cultural events, and hosted town halls to listen to the unique concerns of different groups, including South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Black, and Latino communities. By fostering open communication and amplifying the voices of residents, I’ve been able to create a more inclusive dialogue.
Moving forward, I will continue these efforts by regularly meeting with community leaders, ensuring that everyone—from immigrant families to long-time residents—has a platform to share their concerns. I will also prioritize language access, support culturally competent services, and advocate for policies that reflect the diverse needs of our district. Trust is built through consistent, transparent action, and I’m committed to making sure every community feels seen, heard, and supported in the work I do.