Last week, the NY Daily News published an editorial that misrepresented my accomplishments over two terms in office. I responded in a letter, published today and posted in full below:
When the Daily News editorial board comments on my record, it tends to ignore its own coverage – over 300 news articles – of nearly eight years of accomplishments and actions by the public advocate’s office. Last week’s endorsement for public advocate ("Gioia for public advocate", September 10) is no different. It calls for reinventing the office to improve the lives of New Yorkers—just what I have done over my two terms. It calls for a problem solver who champions quality-of-life benefits, instead of a ‘mayoral critic’. This is ironic because I have been accused over the years of focusing on assisting New Yorkers in need instead of picking public fights with the mayor. And it mentions noble successes backed by Councilmember Gioia – improving the food stamp application; persuading Costco to accept food stamps – without noting that these would not have occurred without my leadership and the seat I occupy.
The people writing those editorials likely do not need the help of your office as much as the people without voices.
Posted by: Virginia Hooper | September 18, 2009 at 12:10 PM