Perhaps it's a mere coincidence that at the moment in our history that often finds entries in the press about waste and abuse in government operations and by elected official, there are editorials, a blog entry and even a bill being considered by a sitting City Council member to abolish the office of Public Advocate, the office designed to shed sunlight on those very abuses and institute procedures to protect the public.
New Yorkers are rightfully appalled at New York State's dysfunctional legislature and its inability to get its act together and conduct the people's business in Albany. The legislative process is at a standstill at the very instance critical pieces of legislation are expiring or need to be brought to a definitive vote. Unfortunately, there is no New York State Office of Public Advocate to intervene in bringing order and sanity to the out-of -control state legislature.
In New York City, however, we are quite fortunate to have the Office of Public Advocate with the power to do the people's business and hold those in power accountable. That being the case, why would a City Council member, just this past week, propose elimination of the one office with the power to shine a light on what is really going on in city government?
The Public Advocate can hold hearings, issue reports, bring media attention to an issue and recommend, support and initiate corrective legislation, as well as advocate for judicial hearings where there has been any showing of government impropriety. The fact that the incumbent has not effectively used these powers is little reason to eliminate the office. In fact, I submit, the current political climate calls for even greater use of the powers inherent in the Public Advocate's office.
The Brooklyn Councilman proposing elimination of the office isn't the only legislator to try to eviscerate the Public Advocate's office prior to the selection of a new office holder in this year's election. Recently, the Executive and Legislative branches of New York City government agreed on a 40% budget cut to the office of Public Advocate. Are those in power concerned that a new day is coming? Is it possible that those in power may actually be concerned that in the right hands this office can make serious strides at making government work for the people as it is intended and be aggressive where democracy is being threatened or undermined?
The Public Advocate can hold hearings in communities throughout the city to listen to New Yorker's concerns and complaints. The Public Advocate can recruit, train and supervise hundreds of volunteer public advocates to participate in weekly intakes at housing developments, public libraries and senior centers to identify systemic issues and recurring grievances that are plaguing city government and then pursue appropriate remedies. We are fortunate to have an office that can investigate and help implement constructive change. It's time we took full advantage of the potential of the Public Advocate's office
