Name of Council Candidate: Sean Gardner Name and Title of Person Completing Questionnaire: Khadijaha Gully, Campaign Manager

Campaign Website: www.votegardner2013.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. There is nothing more important to the citizens of the United States then the protection of our Human Rights which paves the way to the acquisition of the American Dream. At the root of my decision to join the race for City Council in District 8 is the protection of the Human Rights of its constituents. As the City Councilman in District 8, my job is to ensure human rights and my duties afford me the opportunity to be a voice for each constituent. Advocacy by Human Rights organizations and legislation of past elected officials over the last 10 to 15 years has taken center stage when it comes to the quality of life that Americans expect in the 21st century. Just like my responsibilities as a City Councilman for District 8 will run the gambit from housing, jobs, education to domestic violence and sex offenders, so does the array of issues protected under Human Rights legislation for which I will champion for on behalf each person. I am known as the People's Candidate because I am in tune with voice of the constituents and they are in need of a spokesman that not only knows how to speak for them but will protect their rights via legislation. Although this holds true for my community, certainly we need to keep Human Rights at the forefront to ensure all New Yorker have the same right and are treated fairly. 2. How have you used current or previous professional positions to advance human rights? Over the past twenty years I have been the Senior Pastor for East Ward Baptist Church, worked for the New York City Police Department in various positions and served the US Marine Corp. simultaneously. Through my employment I have individually and collectively been afforded a rich opportunity to serve the constituents of City Council District 8 specifically and as a citizen of New York and the United States to advance human rights. As a Detective of the New York City Police Department, I pledged an oath to protect and serve, as a Reverend I preach to constituents of District 8 hope, self- empowerment, collective work and responsibility as a means of helping those who are struggling with the daily struggles of life. I impart on my congregation the need for altruism and volunteering thru the 52 different ministries we assist the community with a plethora of issues ranging from housing to economic empowerment and education. Our elderly especially need the care of the younger generations to ensure their safety and health. Organizations that deliver hot meals, like meals on wheels or (insert org here) allow for our mothers and father to live out their lives in comfort and with less worry. I have lobbied for (insert instance here). My congregation is active in the

community with (insert number) of our young members serving as big brother/big sister to family and friends. My AIDS/HIV awareness drives teach children the importance of safety and the pursuit of marriage and the family structure as a goal which is also a Human Right. 3. What will your top 3 legislative priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Employment / Green Initiatives 2. Education / A f t e r - s c h o o l Programming 3. Housing Preservation / Quality of Life 4. What will your top 3 budget priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Education / After-School Programs 2. Employment / Green Jobs 3. Housing Preservation I Quality of Life 5. Do you plan to use participatory budgeting to allocate your discretionary funds? Why or why not? Discretionary funds are critical for the development and advancement of services that assist to fund programs and agencies which service constituents within City Council District 8. Programs for Small Business Services, Employment, Youth I Senior Services and Parks and Recreation and others will depend on me, as the City Councilman, to allocate discretionary funds. The constituents of District 8 will have an active role in the participatory budgeting process and I look forward to working with Community Boards 11 in Manhattan and 1, 2, and 4 in the Bronx. Transparency, public input and interagency collective work will safeguard earmarked funds for appropriate usage. The allocation of funds for the improvement and progression of constituents of District 8 is an investment that empowers the people and nurtures ownership of their community ultimately preventing crime, improving educational services thereby fostering pride and confidence. It is the democratic right for constituents to decide what is best for their community and depend on the expansion of funding to clean streets initiatives, play streets, green initiatives, alternative transportation, senior and youth services. 6. Please provide examples of recent legislation in Council that you believe promotes human rights. Legislation by the City Council such as Climate Change Panels is the type of work I intend to build upon. Panels advising the city on the threats of global warming are vital. Constituents of City Council District 8 will be directly affected by the projections of scientists who say that sea levels around New York will rise nearly five feet by the end of the century, posing an increased risk of major and more frequent coastal flooding. As the global leader for the fight against tobacco, I will champion for legislation that expounds on legislation such as the 2002 Smoke Free Air Act that prohibited smoking in all workplaces and indoor recreational venues to the 2011 legislation that it is illegal to smoke in New York City parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas. 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? Programs such as Meals on Wheels, Green Markets and Food Pantries will have my full support. The allocation

of funding, educational awareness, public advocacy in collaboration with local businesses, religious and social organizations will continue to furnish constituents with the type of support needed to nurture a healthy tomorrow. Being an advocate, modifying laws and increasing awareness of child sex offenders, such as the ones found on Wards Island, will equip partners to properly protect their children and strengthen the legal ramification for violating the laws. Furthermore, I will support services for the domestic violence which occurs within City Council District 8. Domestic violence has had an adverse effective on residents by splitting up families, creating financial instability on single parent households and hampers fathers and/ or mothers ability to have a nurturing relationship with his or her children. Partnering with organizations that educate, dispense services and bring awareness to eliminate violence is the only resolution. A c c e s s to therapy and mental health services will not only teach coping mechanisms but reduce abuse. I will work diligently with the constituents, businesses, elected officials and City, State and Federal agencies to ensure the quality of life within City Council District 8 is optimal. 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. Checks and balances are at the heart and soul of our democratic process. It is the obligation of every elected official to ensure the protection of civil liberties and human rights. It is incumbent upon elected officials to work collectively in pursuit of Human Rights for all constituents. I intend to work on behalf of the people and for the people. I am Sean Gardner, the People's Candidate. For more information, please visit www.urbanjustice.org.