Name: Norman Siegel
Age: 65
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Money raised thus far: $286,000
Occupation: Attorney, served as the Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) from 1985 through 2000 and continues to practice as an attorney.
Why did you decide to run for Public Advocate? “The position is a unique one created by the city charter; it is mandated to protect the rights of all New Yorkers and hold city government agencies and officials accountable to the people,” Siegel said. “That’s what I do; that’s who I am.” Siegel said he is not a career politician, and he doesn’t have any aspirations to be the Mayor, however he wants to remove the cloud hanging over the Public Advocate’s office. “I believe I can transform it,” he said. “I can make it alive on a day-to-day basis.”
What are two major issues in the campaign? Siegel said that a few of the issues he thinks are essential to the campaign are making sure services are provided to residents in difficult economic times and make sure children receive a sound, basic education – something he does not believe all children are receiving.
What is the first thing you would do a Public Advocate? Siegel said the first thing he would do if elected would be to form an economic commission and then hold public hearings on the economy to gear up for the 2011 budget, which he said would be a “herculean challenge.” He also spoke about setting up a Public Advocate’s office in each of the five boroughs – possibly locating it in each of the Borough Halls – in order to bring more credibility and visibility to the office. He thinks by putting the offices in each of the boroughs, more people will be able to come to the office for help, and it will be more responsive to city residents.
