Name of Council Candidate: Theresa R. Scavo Name and Title of Person Completing Questionnaire: Theresa R.

Scavo, Candidate Campaign Website: scavoforcouncil.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. Today, as in days gone by, discrimination exists. Discrimination exists against people for different reasons. Whether, sex, color, creed or religion. I judge individuals by their inner-make- up not their outward appearance. It is up to me to like or dislike someone, not by their color, sex, religion or creed. As a Council Member, I would have the ability to be a voice for those unable to fight for themselves. I could be a driving factor in the fight against racism, sex discrimination or any infraction on one's rights. I believe all are created equal and must be given equal rights in all areas. We must educate our young to behold their neighbor not shun, to help foster friendship among our youngsters even when they are taught differently in the home. We must educate those in the workplace whether the employer or fellow worker. There must be sets of standards for each occasion. I will fight to ensure equality for all in all walks of life. 2. How have you used current or previous professional positions to advance human rights? As a woman, I have been treated differently my whole life. I was a small business owner for many years and whether by City Agencies or fellow merchants, I was always viewed as a woman not a fellow merchant. In my store the question to me was always, is the owner in?? My response, what makes you think I am not the owner!! Always the same response, I thought a man owned the store!! When I said I owned the store there was always a puzzled look. Now, As Chairperson of Community Board 15, I attend certain meetings and I am viewed as the woman. Many times I am ignored by the men in the A g e n c i e s . They put up with me but, they do not believe there is any substance behind my ideas. Not until several encounters do they realize I know what I am talking about. My appearance adds to the problem, many times I am addressed as the daffy blonde. Whether as a business owner or as a representative of our Community, I have seen the discrimination first hand and I promise when I am the City Council Member, I will fight to bring women into the new century, myself included.

3. What will your top 3 legislative priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Addressing the human rights of women, minorities, LGBT, the homeless and seniors 2. Affordable housing 3. Government transparency 4. What will your top 3 budget priorities be in your first term as Council Member? 1. Senior Centers 2. After school programs 3. Police and Fire 5. Do you plan to use participatory budgeting to allocate your discretionary funds? Why or why not? I believe, the community should dictate how my funds are allocated. Therefore, I would hold Town Hall Meetings, the voice of the Community will speak. The Community will vote and I will allocate the funds according to the majority vote. If my constituents believe my funds should go to the homeless, fine. Their voice will be heard and I will listen. 6. Please provide examples of recent legislation in Council that you believe promotes human rights. Co-op Rejection Disclosure----many times, buyers are rejected from purchasing a co-op for the wrong reasons. A person should not be barred from purchasing a home for any reason, including race or creed. Also, a person's previous financial background should not be a basis for rejection. The true reason should be disclosed and decided upon. Workplace Religious Freedom Act----there are many religions that require prayers during the day. Only if and when an employer can prove significant difficulty or expense should there be denial. Most times, workers pray quietly by their desk and there is no problems. There are those employers that do not want to bend the rules by allowing such practices. Workers have the freedom to pray desk side. Accessible Pedestrian Signals---at dangerous intersections, the DOT should install audible pedestrian signals. The law would make it easier for visually impaired individuals to cross crowded intersections and help improve the mobility of persons with disabilities. 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? As Chairperson of Community Board 15,I have always had an open door policy. Allowing the public to come to me with issues such as human rights violations, it allow me to know how to fight on their behalf. As Council Member, I would have the same open door. My constituents would be free to voice their issues and I would have a better knowledge of the issues before me. Knowing the problem is half the fight.

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. Agreed---without the Speaker on your side it is very difficult to get any legislation passed. But, I would work very hard to build a relationship with the new Speaker to advance my goals of equal rights for all. It will be my first job to build bridges if necessary to attain freedom.

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