Name of Council Candidate: Olanike Alabi Name and Title of Person Completing Questionnaire: Olanike Alabi, Candidate Campaign

Website: www.olanikealabi.org

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. New York is an international city. Human rights are intrinsic and universal to everyone. Its also an international and domestic issue. Essentially what happens abroad affects us locally and in the words of Dr. King, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. 2. How have you used current or previous professional positions to advance human rights? I have attended rallies and events in support thereof and circulated petitions. 3. What will your top 3 legislative priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Education 2. Affordable housing 3. Healthcare 4. What will your top 3 budget priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Food banks/food pantries 2. Senior services 3. Education

5. Do you plan to use participatory budgeting to allocate your discretionary funds? Why or why not? Yes. Its a wonderful way to accomplish transparency and civic engagement.

6. Please provide examples of recent legislation in Council that you believe promotes human rights. Discrimination based on employment status Living wage

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? I would introduce resolutions and support petitions that seek to advance human rights. 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. Its fair to say that the position of Council Speaker has a lot of power over the progression of legislation, but its also fair to say that theres a system of checks and balances. Council members can also act to move proposed legislation in accordance with the rule of the Council.

For more information, please visit www.urbanjustice.org.