Chapin Parent Enters Race for Public Advocate

Chapin Parent Enters Race for Public Advocate

Compelled by this moment in time, and with two decades of experience working in law and national-level politics under her belt, Chapin parent Dawn Smalls has entered the race for New York City Public Advocate. “I believe the world is on fire and I have very deep concerns about where this country is headed,” she explained during a visit to the Upper School.

In what has unfolded as a contentious and crowded race with 17 candidates, only four are women. “We need more women civically engaged,” Ms. Smalls implored the Class 12 history students seated around her.* “I don’t believe that there’s a figure coming to save us. We have to save ourselves.”

The Public Advocate is first in line in succession to the mayor and one of three citywide elected officials, along with mayor and comptroller. “Currently, all three of these positions are held by white males,” she noted.

Ms. Smalls went on to share the variety of ways the Public Advocate can create change. They can introduce new legislation at City Council; they can use their office as a “bully pulpit,” drawing attention to issues and putting pressure on the Mayor by speaking to the press; they can conduct investigations and demand information from other city officials; and finally, they can litigate by filing lawsuits.

“[Candidates] can make promises, but it doesn’t mean anything if they don’t get implemented,” Ms. Smalls said, explaining her love of efficiency and “digging in to make things work better.” “We put an emphasis on the ability of the government to be a force for good in people’s lives,” she added. “But that only holds true if the government works.”

One student asked the candidate what issues she hopes to tackle if elected. Ms. Smalls named the subway, which she called “the infrastructure that drives our city,” and homelessness – noting that more children under the age of 6 are homeless than single men. She also discussed affordable housing for working class families, saying, “We need authentic neighborhood shops and restaurants… that is New York. But the people that run these businesses are getting priced out.”

Another question was raised about the pressure to know everything as a candidate running for office. “It’s good to have high standards, but not if they hold you back from going out there and doing something,” Ms. Smalls answered. “You probably know more than you think you do. Women need to step up, engage and take ownership of our government structure.”

“How can we gain experience and get involved?” another student asked. The candidate encouraged the group to find the experiences or candidates that are meaningful to them and make themselves available (for internships, jobs, volunteering, etc.). “Experience is your currency. That is what will make you stand out. It gives you a foundation to build on,” she shared, asking them to be brave and seize opportunities as they come. “Step into the space you want to own. It won’t be perfect, and you might make mistakes, but you can’t make change from the back. You have to step into the front.”

As her time with the Class 12 students came to a close, Ms. Smalls urged the students who are old enough to spread the word and vote in the special election on February 26. Her determined spirit and commanding confidence clearly inspired these young adults who are poised to take on the world!

*Ms. Smalls also spoke to Class 2 students as part of their study of communities, sharing how governance works within a city, what the mayor and public advocate do, and the process of getting your name on the ballot.