A Message from Letitia James

I’ve built a public service career on my passion to fight for New York’s middle-class and working families. Time and time again, I’ve stood up to powerful interests and made sure everyday New Yorkers, including those who advocate passionately for progressive causes, have a seat at the table. I’ve also repeatedly taken on unfair budget cuts and worked hard in pursuing economic security for workers.

Specifically, I was proud to lead the way on the passage of the Safe Housing Act, improving the lives of New York City tenants by ensuring that crucial repairs are made in apartment units. I have stood up to powerful developers and wealthy corporate interests by demanding that local communities get a fair shake as part of the Atlantic Yards development mega-project. And I successfully advocated for funding for first responders, legal services, and after-school programs.

My values and vision for the City are aligned with New York’s long standing Democratic traditions of advancing social and economic justice. I’ll bring the same passion for progressive policies to the Office of the Public Advocate that I’ve demonstrated in the City Council and throughout my career in public service.

The Office of the Public Advocate will be a platform I will use to push for economic and social justice for all New Yorkers. Under my leadership, the Office will work with partners to influence progressive legislation, funding, and regulations. I will use my position to advocate for fair wages and benefits for workers as part of any relevant agreement the City government signs on to. I will fight to end Stop and Frisk and make sure New York’s diverse communities have a voice in government.

 As our next Public Advocate, I will engage communities across the city and ensure that we end the “one-size-fits-all” approach to policy making for our dynamic city. I will speak out for fair treatment of all neighborhoods and bring the Office of the Public Advocate to where the people are, establishing a presence across the City. I will scrutinize developments in the City to make sure that local communities are reaping the benefits of these investments and Minority and Women Owned Businesses (MWBE’s) get their share of work. I will take a stand against school closings and insist that the City’s focus is on improving the quality of education our children receive, not on shutting down schools, teaching to the test, and scapegoating teachers.  And I will hold the mayor – whomever he or she may be – accountable and make sure our city continues to move in the right direction.

As a lifelong New Yorker who comes from humble beginnings, I know how hard people in our city work to survive, and thrive. I’ve fought for them as an activist and an elected official. I will continue to fight for every single New Yorker as our next Public Advocate.

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commented 2013-11-25 23:29:44 -0500 · Flag
What I would like to know is what you intend to do to help the poor in this city, specifically those who receive Welfare. There is a wonderful Advocacy group called Welfare Rights Initiative. Their goal is to help college students stay in school and continue to receive assistance benefits. Are you familiar with them at all and if not, are you willing to find out what they are about as well as helping with their, much needed, Advocacy group?

New York City’s policies concerning education and welfare are completely counter productive. I simply cannot understand why so much of the city’s money is being wasted trying to keep recipients from obtaining an education which is the TRUE PATH OUT OF POVERTY.

This Organization is trying to bring about change to this system so that people can move from Welfare to Work permanently. These are the changes we are fighting for: Change NYC’s current 35/40 hour work requirements to 20/30 hours. Federal and state laws require no more than 20 hours of work activity for families with children under the age of 6, and 30 hours for all others. Count Homework assignments in higher education and other programs towards the work requirement. Federal law allows it. Other states count homework and report great outcomes. Fully implement the Work-study/internship law. Support the NYS legislature to pass S2323/A2471 which broadens access to education from ABE through to college and counts 4-year college as participation requirement conforming to current federal regulations.

I am writing to find out what your plan is to address this matter as a Public Advocate. There are so many New Yorkers who simply cannot find a job in this economic climate and the Welfare System with it’s Work First policies are not helping the people at all.

I look forward to your response.
commented 2013-09-12 17:00:38 -0400 · Flag
I’ve gotten a question I can’t answer: what’s your position on the Central Park carriage horses?
commented 2013-09-11 18:13:02 -0400 · Flag
People understood your message and your passion to improve the condition of all people in NYC. Great showing in the election, now on to the runoff go get em! Cant wait for October.
commented 2013-05-16 16:37:42 -0400 · Flag
Hi “Tish”! I was looking for some contact info. on your website, and found none. Could you please send me your campaign’s email address and mailing address? Thank you. My email is [email protected]
—Strati in Staten Island
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