Chris Owens, Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, 11th District

I support the creation of "affordable housing" and employment opportunities for Brooklynites. I also understand the desire to have a professional sports team again call Brooklyn home. But I have opposed developer Bruce Ratner's Brooklyn Atlantic Yards proposal since its announcement in 2003. Ratner has created a deceptive proposal dependent upon public dollars. He has circumvented substantive community input as well as local elected officials.

Significantly, the proposal itself masks losses from the financial sinkhole of a sports arena with proposed revenue from an inappropriate set of gargantuan buildings -- and tax breaks -- that create a host of environmental and other issues. And, unfortunately, the collusion of the developer with high-ranking politicos, government agencies and media members has only whitewashed this disaster. There are alternatives to the Ratner plan, as well as a better process.

Our voices and activities are having some effect. We have influenced the substance of negotiations for the betterment of the community and New York City as a whole. We have even convinced the primary cheerleader for this project, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, to state that maybe some scaling back is in order. As we enter the period of environmental review, we will continue to be active and to make a difference.

Eminent Domain is a power reserved to the public sector ostensibly to promote the general welfare of the public. Traditionally, situations leading to the use of eminent domain have involved projects that are a “public good” such as hospitals, highways, schools, parks, or all too often, prisons. The desire of a local government to enhance its tax base through the conveyance of privately-owned property to a new private owner is misguided, destructive and unjust. The federal government should be involved with efforts to constrain the use of eminent domain by local governments.

In Brooklyn, I have been an active opponent of eminent domain abuse. The concept of eminent domain has a place in our society. But I oppose the use of the power of eminent domain by government to take private property and convey it to another private owner. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (Kelo) was a significant disappointment and will allow for abuses that will disproportionately impact poor people and people of color. It is not just the inappropriate use of eminent domain that is at issue, it is the threat of such use that is equally objectionable -- and, here in Brooklyn, we are dealing with that threat right now.

I support closing the Park's roadways to automobiles on a permanent basis for health, safety and economic reasons. There is documented evidence that traffic in the Park, however limited, has led to injuries and deaths. Furthermore, the need to maximize Prospect Park's potential as a tourist attraction and employment generator also mandates maintenance of an environment that is as "user friendly" as possible.

I recognize, however, that this may create a greater degree of inconvenience for surrounding areas. Therefore, I support the implementation of a "pilot study" to assess the degree of inconvenience or other hazards (if any) before making a permanent decision. This approach was recently articulated by Transportation Alternatives, a not-for-profit organization, through a study of Park-based traffic and the dangers thereof to Park users. I participated in the Press Conference calling on the Mayor to implement the study period.

I am a father and husband, musician, businessman, community activist, non-profit leader, former elected official and public sector worker, an aggressive progressive Democrat, and a son of incumbent Congressman Major R. Owens.

I have worked with my father on numerous public policy issues and political activities since graduating from college 25 years ago. (In fact, I worked with then-State Senator Major Owens organizing the traffic-stop protests against Beame budget cuts that hurt poor communities – in 1975.) My work in politics and community activism has focused on local services and political empowerment. Without a powerful voice – or powerful voices – the concerns don’t get heard.

In addition to my years of experience working with a Congressman on federal issues, I have 10 years of public service experience as an elected and appointed official at the local level. I am the only candidate with significant private sector and non-profit sector work experience supplementing my public sector work. I have supervised staffs of up to 40 people with multi-million dollar budgets.

Also, I am the only candidate who has been an independent businessperson, running a small business here in Brooklyn. I am the only candidate who has children in the New York City public schools -- and they are 5 1/2 and 9 respectively, so I will be involved with their schooling for a long time to come. I am the only candidate who has committed to pursuing a Committee assignment in the House of Representatives on the Education & Workforce Committee. At present Congressman Major Owens is the only House member from New York City on this committee. Without a replacement -- a strong and committed replacement -- our 1.1 million schoolchildren will not have the voice they need.

I am the only candidate to serve on the NARAL PAC -- the only African American male to ever do so -- educating elected officials in New York on choice issues and holding them accountable. I was the first candidate to call for the impeachment of George Bush, the earliest opponent of the Iraq War, one of the first supporters of Howard Dean for President, and an early supporter of Norman Siegel for Public Advocate.

Last, as I have stated already, I am the only candidate who has reviewed the Atlantic Yards proposal with a critical eye from the start and remain opposed to the project in its present form. I don't believe you can best serve your community by immediately rubber-stamping projects of this scope -- and then weakly "raising concerns" after the people are outraged.

There are a few things that make this list. The most important one that I believe is relevant for this questionnaire is my ability to publicize the work of the Congressional office -- to educate the community regarding the office's responsibilities, limitations and achievements. I have more professional experience in this area than my librarian-turned-activist father did when he took office.

Regarding unemployment, racism in employment must be confronted directly and sincerely, and the federal government has an obligation and a role in this struggle. A recent Princeton study has illustrated how race adversely impacts the hiring of Black men, whether or not they have been incarcerated. As has been documented, 50% or more of the African American men here in New York City seeking employment cannot find a job -- and the rate for women is not much lower.

Most importantly, there need to be concrete commitments to jobs for Brooklyn residents and people of color, in particular. With over 50% of our men and women unemployed, the Black community has a right to demand real short-term and longer-term employment -- not empty promises. The health, tourism and energy sectors can provide enhanced employment opportunities for all of Brooklyn. We know that health care institutions constitute one of the largest groupings of employers in the borough. We know that more and more people are coming to Brooklyn to experience what we have to offer – and jobs are emerging from that curiosity. We must plan and grow our ability to participate in the energy sector – new technologies and manufacturing potential exists.

Gun violence is a function of many things – including the availability of guns. I have worked with Congressman Owens (targeted by the NRA for many years due to his support for repeal of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution) and others pursuing the reduction of guns on our streets. The House of Representatives must and can take on a more aggressive approach to managing inter-state gun trafficking – a key problem for New York and other areas. I will certainly support and generate legislation addressing this issue.

Housing is difficult for many to secure today, and also afford considering the current rate of unemployment. The federal government has always been the most powerful force for affordable housing. Republican administrations have been cutting back on the programs and funding that have enabled urban areas, in particular, to provide affordable housing for Americans. These cutbacks must be stopped and new legislation developed.

Opportunities to support community land trusts and partnerships between the public, private and non-profit sectors must be developed and refined to provide taxpayers with value and Americans with affordable housing. It is clear that market forces, when left unchecked, cannot meet the needs of urban Americans -- many of whom have fewer resources and greater needs.

The high number of people living in poverty in our district is related to worker’s real wages, which rose across the board in the late 1990s, but are falling, along with family incomes. The minimum wage has not been raised for six years, and inflation has eaten away all the gains of those increases. The minimum wage now stands at $5.15, the lowest level in real-dollar terms in 50 years in all but one year. Therefore, I wholeheartedly support campaigns to raise state minimum wages.

Please note that there are numerous existing initiatives that I would support as a member of the House of Representatives, which will positively impact the 11th Congressional District. (Some mentioned in this questionnaire.) These include immediate withdrawal from Iraq, universal health coverage, federal regulation of eminent domain, greater regulation of cell phone towers, and the protection and expansion of voting rights.

The 11th CD will continue to change in many different ways. The displacement of higher-income-earning individuals and families from Manhattan and other areas will continue to drive the cost of housing upwards. Federal financial strength and commitment is needed to address this issue.

The demand for quality and affordable health insurance will only increase as Brooklyn's population density increases. More federal support of health initiatives and the development of a single-payer based health care system are needed. The concentration of different immigrant groups will increase significantly, driving the demand for appropriate services and skills.

I would like my legacy to be the following: “Chris Owens has worked and fought to provide socio-economic equality for all Americans and, in doing so, he succeeded in improving the quality of life for everyone in the 11th Congressional District.”

More specifically, my goals are to transform public education, housing, and health care policies at the federal level. I will work towards a sound economy and sensible tax policies, along with solvent Social Security and Medicare programs. I will defend the environment, the homeland, our civil liberties and our allies. And, I will seek an enduring peace built upon respect for the many different peoples who share our world.

We have now learned of the Bush Administration's flagrant, arrogant and admitted disregard for laws passed in the aftermath of Watergate -- laws designed to prevent abuses of Executive power while providing flexibility and support for domestic law enforcement activities. We must remain vigilant in opposing those who would eviscerate our Constitution, deliberately or naively, in the name of "freedom."

Accordingly, only by pursuing the truth in the most aggressive manner possible will we ensure that checks and balances on tyranny actually work. This President has always had the option of coming to Congress to address perceived deficiencies in our nation's ability to address the threat of terrorism. He chose not to. We do not know if that choice is based upon incompetence or indifference. It is time to send a clear message that Presidential administrations cannot use fear to ignore or manipulate the true meaning of our Constitution and laws promulgated to protect it.

The danger of not speaking out on this issue has been demonstrated more graphically by the revelation that data pertaining to our telephone calls are being collected by the NSA for counter-terrorism purposes. It must be noted that had there not been a previous controversy, we might never have known about this newest issue.

We have seen democratic elections around the world without U.S. – led wars, including in South Africa and the Ukraine. We did not need this war, - a war based upon inaccurate facts and false justifications. However, we have always needed the willingness to build and invest in people and in peace. I have stood strong against this war from the start – and before – and I have urged others to do the same. Our sons and daughters need our support. Let us be heard for peace and justice.

Pressure must be continuously placed upon the Bush administration to bring our troops home now. The pressure has already allowed Americans to engage in a greater degree of patriotic dissent and has forced positive changes in the attitude and recommendations of policymakers regardless of political affiliation. Cindy Sheehan is a courageous person with a strong and clear voice and I support her inspirational efforts to bring the anti-war message home to President Bush and all of us.

I support the brave men and women in all branches of the armed services risking their lives in Iraq, many of whom are members, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, husbands, and wives. They deserve leadership that fully values their courage and sacrifice, including a commitment from our country’s leaders to bring them home rapidly. An unending military presence will only waste lives and resources, undermine our nation’s security, and weaken our military. We have already undermined our bargaining position with Iran, with North Korea and, most importantly, with the rest of the world around the Darfur crisis.

Our returning troops should be able to return to their jobs, with seniority and benefits (not to mention some guaranteed housing upon discharge).

By setting forth "balance" as an “issue,” I feel the question starts off a bit loaded. A fairer question would be "Do you feel that US attempts to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority have been helpful? If so, why? If not, why not?"

I support the existence of the State of Israel and its right to a peaceful existence. I also believe that there will be no peace or prosperity for anyone in the region unless there is a regional economy that provides for all residents regardless of nationality or ethnic grouping. Accordingly, I support the creation of a regional economic structure that includes Israel, an independent Palestinian state, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria - as the first tier -- and include Yemen, Egypt and Saudi Arabia at a later point in time.

Historically, the options of the Palestinians have been unreasonably limited at times. However, the Palestinian leadership -- not the people -- has squandered opportunities to take the high ground in its relationship with Israel and, accordingly, is in a perpetually weaker position. This has been illustrated most recently by the words and actions of Hamas, now the majority Party in the Palestinian parliament.

The U.S. has had an inconsistent role over time. Each administration has worked in a different way, with unfortunately similar results. I do not pretend to be enough of an expert in this area to judge whether or not the "balance" has been fair. I have heard plenty of arguments on all sides. Regardless of what happened before, Israel has taken some very courageous steps during the past year. If we are to see peace in the region, courage must be met with courage.

The “fence” does bother me in many ways and I believe that an injustice has been done to many people during its construction. Furthermore, the barrier creates additional political issues that complicate an already complicated situation. Unfortunately, again, I am also reminded of the Robert Frost poem and the fact that the number of terrorist bombings in Israel has been dramatically reduced since the construction of the objectionable barrier. It is my hope that the barrier will not be viewed as a necessary evil for too much longer.

Education must be treated as a human and civil right; it is the great equalizer and opportunity-creator. This is the philosophy that must guide our national education policy. Whatever I can do to improve the quality and accessibility of public education will fulfill me individually and also bring direct benefits to the 11th Congressional District.

It is in the interest of our nation that we maintain quality public education for everyone. Private school vouchers, k-12 education savings accounts and other schemes, such as education tax credits for K-12 private school expenses, undermine public education by taking scarce public funds away from public schools, which are open to all students, and shifting them to private schools.

As the federal government reduces or limits federal spending on education (due to tax cuts, the Iraq war etc.), education is suffering, and the testing requirements forced into place are leading to the abandonment of important elements of a child’s development. We know the stories, and we experience first-hand the lack of music and art in our elementary schools. In addition, our reliance upon high-stakes tests is an incomplete approach to evaluating the performance of children in our education system. This is particularly true if the tests are the primary system of evaluation used to determine if a child advances from one grade to another.

Too many of our nation’s rural, suburban and urban public schools are overcrowded and in poor condition. One-third of all public schools also need extensive repair or replacement, and all public money for education should be used for public schools. As the only Congressional candidate who is a parent of children attending NYC public schools, education is and will remain a primary concern.

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NOTE: PlanetPLG has submitted these 12 questions to all candidates running for Congress in the 11th district. We will gladly publish the responses of the other candidates when they become available.