[Editor's Note: while I am on vacation I am reposting stuff. As far as I know, this was the first public statement saying Norm Siegel really is running. I will add that fundraising has started and I chipped in my contribution to the man who should be our Public Advocate. I hope you will as well.]

After years with, effectively, no Public Advocate in NYC, 2009 will be the year we will elect someone to replace Betsy Who?, our current occupant of that position.

Many people are speculating who is going to be running. Names I have heard kicked around include Chris Owens (now eyeing Brooklyn BP), David Yassky (who really should run for Marty Connor's senate seat, many believe), and Marty Markowitz (who some people say should just give up the facade and go on Bruce Ratner's payroll).

After years with, effectively, no Public Advocate in NYC, 2009 will be the year we will elect someone to replace Betsy Who?, our current occupant of that position.

Many people are speculating who is going to be running. Names I have heard kicked around include Chris Owens (now eyeing Brooklyn BP), David Yassky (who really should run for Marty Connor's senate seat, many believe), and Marty Markowitz (who some people say should just give up the facade and go on Bruce Ratner's payroll).

But the name that most who really care about civil liberties are waiting to hear is Norm Siegel. Norm has run twice in the past. I have met him both times and found him to be the ideal man for the job. In fact, he has been our real public advocate for decades. He was Executive Director of the NY Civil Liberties union for 15 years. Since then, according to Democracy for NYC, he has done the following for New Yorkers:

Norman has advocated for and represented myriad groups including:

* the newly created Association of New York City Education Councils