Runoff TODAY for Public Advocate

danaeo

Today, Tuesday, October 1 is the runoff election for Public Advocate. Since the taxpayers are spending more than $15 million to hold the runoff, you might as well get out and vote.

The candidates are:

City Council Member Letitia James

State Senator Daniel Squadron

The runoff is being held because no single candidate received more than 40% of the vote as required by law for a city-wide office. Tish James received 36% of the vote; Dan Squadron 33%.

The position of Public Advocate was created as an ombudsman, to assist the public in navigating city agencies and to ensure that government is accountable. The Public Advocate serves as an ex-officio member of all City Council committees and has the power to introduce legislation and initiate legal action on behalf of the public as well as to appoint representatives to several key city commissions such as City Planning and the management of retirement funds.