Name of Council Candidate: David Garland Name and Title of Person Completing Questionnaire: David Garland, Candidate Campaign

Website: www.electdavidgarland.com

2013 CITY COUNCIL HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Many in the United States think of international affairs when they think of human rights. Our work emphasizes the applicability of the human rights framework here in the United States. Please share your thoughts on the domestic applicability of human rights, and discuss why human rights are important to you in the context of New York City and the City Council. I believe that the dignity of humans and their basic rights are a universal that should be defended and worked toward domestically as well as internationally. Injustices may vary domestically versus internationally, but often there is an assumption made that these types of issues are solely international and dont affect those within our borders. Though I believe the United States offers many opportunities that dont exist overseas, there are still many systemic obstacles to individual human progress here that we can work to overcome. 2. How have you used current or previous professional positions to advance human rights? I have a profound belief in the right of everyone to work to support themselves and their families, and to be paid a fair wage for their labor. I worked at the World Bank, where I was involved in a number of projects that supported responsible financing of new companies and projects, and therefore created millions of jobs in developing countries. Domestically I have been an entrepreneur, creating jobs for people in my companies, and worked as a management consultant to fix failing companies, saving jobs and creating new ones. 3. What will your top 3 legislative priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Education. Finding a solution to overcrowding in East Side Schools is one of my top priorities. Every child in America is entitled to a quality education. I am committed to keeping funding for our schools and exploring new ways to make sure children in our community get a top quality education. 2. Waste Transfer Station. To put an end to the reestablishment of the Marine Transfer Station on the Upper East Side. Putting a waste transfer station in the most densely populated area of the United States will be harmful to the Stanley Isaacs community, the children and adults from all over the city who use the Asphalt Green facility and those in the surrounding neighborhoods creating myriad safety, health, environmental and infestation issues. 3. To promote job creation throughout New York City through creative tax incentives and promoting new businesses. The past few years have been difficult for New York economically, and more and more people are leaving the city due to a combination of high taxes and a lack of job opportunities. There are many more

who are in an even more difficult position because they do not have the flexibility or cannot afford to leave. We need to make sure that there are good-paying jobs for all New Yorkers. I would use my seat in the City Council to champion training and job creation opportunities for all New Yorkers. 4. What will your top 3 budget priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Education for our children 2. Training, re-training, and job creation 3. Infrastructure and modernization of city services 5. Do you plan to use participatory budgeting to allocate your discretionary funds? Why or why not? Yes. I believe it is important to include all stakeholders in budgeting decisions. Participation of constituents in the process facilitates budgeting priorities that most accurately represent the needs of the people I seek to represent. I would continue to seek and value Community Board input as well. 6. Please provide examples of recent legislation in Council that you believe promotes human rights. Because I believe gainful employment is so critical to an individuals well -being, I strongly support the recent amendment to the City Human Rights Law which prohibits discrimination based on ones unemployment status. Though this has been difficult to enforce, it is a step in the right direction. In addition, though this is not a recent example, I am proud of New Yorks strong laws with respect to human trafficking in its many forms. 7. Legislation is only one of many ways in which Council Members can work to advance human rights. What ways other than through legislation will you advance the human rights of New Yorkers as a City Council Member? By word and deed. City Council Members, as privileged representatives of their districts, have the opportunity to set the tone and agenda of important issues affecting their constituents. By getting involved, supporting, and publicizing institutions that promote human rights, City Council Members are in a unique position to have a positive impact in this area by raising awareness and support levels. 8. Some advocates contend that the position of the Council Speaker has too much power over the progression of legislation. Please use this space to respond to that critique. The position of Council Speaker is a powerful one that can be used to block important legislation from reaching the floor for a vote. This gives the Speaker inherent control over the legislative agenda. I believe it is problematic for one person to hold so much control over city legislation. I see as much, if not more, of an obstacle in the fact that there is minimal diversity of opinion on the Council because 90% of its members are from a single party. I believe that monopolistic power always works contrary to the best interests of its customers, in this case the citizens of New York City. I believe this lack of debate and divergent viewpoints stifles the process of finding optimal solutions to New Yorks challenges. For more information, please visit www.urbanjustice.org.