Danny O'Donnell - Equality for All
Public Advocate candidate Danny O'Donnell.
News 12 Staff
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Feb 14, 2019, 10:04 PM
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Updated 1,904 days ago
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1. What would be your top priority as NYC Public Advocate?
Protecting equality for all New Yorkers.
2. How did you choose your party name?
I have been fighting for equality my entire life. After law school, I worked as a public defender with Legal Aid, helping low-income New Yorkers navigate our criminal justice system. In the Assembly, I have worked tirelessly to ensure all New Yorkers are treated equally, and I am especially proud to have been the prime sponsor on Marriage Equality and the Dignity for All act.
3. What do you love about living in New York City?
The people. I moved here in the 1990s with my now-husband because we knew we would be safe and accepted, and we'd be able to find a community. It was one of the smartest decisions we ever made.
4. What's your least favorite thing about living in New York City?
Subway delays.
5. What was your biggest challenge in school?
Morning classes before having coffee.
6. How do we fix public transit?
Our transit system is crumbling and we need to make serious changes to ensure that New Yorkers can get from point A to point B in a timely and safe manner. In the Assembly, I have fought for a Millionaire's Tax to help fund the repairs we do desperately need for our transit system. We need to secure funding, end the finger pointing, and demand greater transparency from the MTA.
7. If you could have dinner with any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be & why?
Eleanor Roosevelt - she lived and made history.
8. What needs to be done to improve conditions at NYCHA complexes?
We need to see increased investments from all parties involved - city, state, and federal governments - so that we can address the lead paint, heat issues, water shortages, leaky roofs, and other issues that too many NYCHA buildings have. Additionally, we need greater accountability from the mayor's administration.
9. Can you cook? What's your specialty?
Oh yes, I love to cook. It's relaxing. My specialty is poached fish and risotto.
10. What inspired you to get involved in politics?
I have been an advocate for my entire life and I was inspired by my mother's political activism when I was a child. After law school, I worked as a public defender. I am tremendously proud of the work I was able to accomplish as a lawyer to make a difference for New Yorkers across all walks of life, but I knew that if I wanted to make lasting change, I would need to be the one changing the laws, not trying to work within the system.
11. What's your favorite movie? TV show? App?
Favorite movie is An American President. Favorite TV show is any cooking show. My favorite app is the Weather Channel app.
12. Any hidden talents?
I do a mean electric slide.
