A Vigilant Watchdog Does More Than Make Noise

Yesterday’s article in Crain's, “The Return of the Public Advocate”, misrepresents my office’s accomplishments over the last eight years and the role of the Public Advocate.

The job of Public Advocate isn’t about making the most noise, it’s about serving as a vigilant watchdog over city services and helping solve the problems of the most vulnerable residents.

As Public Advocate, I have improved special education services; increased women’s access to reproductive healthcare; secured greater protections for abused and neglected children; reduced barriers to accessing food stamps; passed a bill to protect immigrants from misusing medication; and much more. This year, my office’s recommendations for maintaining mayoral control of the schools were used as a blueprint by the state legislature.

Additionally, each week my office solves hundreds of complaints from senior citizens seeking transportation and hot meals; parents needing school services; residents in hazardous public housing; and low-income families who encounter barriers obtaining public benefits.

All this with a budget that is about half of some borough presidents, and continues to be cut. Clearly, the next Public Advocate must continue to help needy New Yorkers.