Outside of races for offices that represent the interests of South Queens communities, The Forum generally shies away from political endorsements.
However, there are special cases. And since this Tuesday, Feb. 26, is the special election for public advocate—this is one of those rare instances in which your favorite newspaper feels the need to wade into citywide office waters and offer an opinion on a candidate.
Before we get into our recommendation, let’s learn a bit about the office. According to the City, the public advocate acts as an ombudsperson for all New Yorkers – a government official who champions the public and ensures government is responsive to their needs. In addition to other duties, the public advocate shall: monitor the operation of the public information and service complaint programs of City agencies and make proposals to improve such programs; review complaints of systemic problems with City services and programs, and make proposals to improve the City’s response to such complaints; and to take, investigate and otherwise attempt to resolve complaints from individuals concerning City services and other administrative actions of City agencies. The PA also is an ex-officio member of all City Council committees, with the power to introduce legislation.
Seems like crucial duties for an office that so many elected officials and pundits have been calling to be eliminated for many years.
And for such an important participant in New York City’s legislative process, The Forum believes that City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) is the man for the job.
We feel compelled to publish this endorsement for much of the same reasons we have supported Ulrich’s Queens candidacies. It’s not because the other candidates are awful—it’s because Ulrich is the best of the bunch.
As a member of the City Council, representing the interests of residents and business owners in the neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Neponsit, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, Hamilton Beach and Woodhaven for the last 10 years, Ulrich has gained the political and administrative experience necessary for citywide office.
He has proven, time and again over the last decade, to be the passionate gadfly, speaking truth to those—regardless of political affiliation—who have been elected to lead the City, State, and country, but who often have left much to be desired. You know who you are.
And Ulrich has a track record of standing up for his constituents, something many politicians forget should be Number 1 on their daily to-do list.
With roughly three more years left on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s term (that’s if he doesn’t dip his toe into the 2020 presidential race), wouldn’t you want the person who has been a true check on de Blasio’s power in the office that is charter-mandated to provide said checks on Hizzoner?
“Time and time again, this mayor has let us down, or he sold out the people of this city in exchange for a campaign contribution or a political favor. It’s no secret that it’s the special-interest groups and the lobbyists that are calling the shots at City Hall,” Ulrich said in his video announcing his candidacy. “It must end. And it can end.”
If you vote for Eric Ulrich for public advocate on Tuesday, Feb. 26, that corrosive culture at City Hall will end.
