RECLAIMING OUR DEMOCRACY, OUR COUNTRY, AND OUR SOUL, KEEPING THE "DOWNING STREET" DRUMS BEATING
Anthony Wade / OpEdNews
http://www.opednews.com/wade_061805_reclaiming.htm

THE SIEGEL ADVOCATE: Newsletter for Norman Siegel's Campaign for Public Advocate of New York City or Visit Norm Siegels Website at http://www.norman2005.com

Congressman Major Owens Endorses Norman Siegel!
One of New York Citys most respected legislators has backed Norman Siegel for Public Advocate! On Monday, June 6th, Congressman Major Owens endorsed Normans campaign, specifically citing the Campaign for Fiscal Equity's attempt to secure equal funding for NYC's public schools. "We have no leadership in this city that will mobilize the people in this city to make the legislators and the governor obey the law," Owens said. "This is a task thats tailor-made for the Public Advocate, but right now we have a weak and inadequate Public Advocate." By contrast, Owens said, Normans record "speaks for itself." He called Norman "a fighter who never retreats from a worthy cause." Joining Congressman Owens in showing grassroots support for Norman were former Assemblyman Frank Barbaro, Zenobia McNally, candidate for City Council in Crown Heights, and 2006 congressional candidate Chris Owens.



Frank Barbaro Endorses Norman Siegel for Public Advocate
Citing a shared vision of bringing accountability and progressive politics to New York City, former Assemblyman Frank Barbaro has formally endorsed Norman Siegel to be New York Citys next Public Advocate! Barbaro views Siegel as someone who can turn the Public Advocates office into a position as meaningful and powerful in New York City as Eliot Spitzer has made the Attorney Generals office in New York State. "The people of the city of New York definitely need an advocate to protect them from the misconduct and greed of business and city government," Barbaro said. "Norman has shown that he is willing to take up these fights where injustice is being imposed on people. This is the mission of the office of the Public Advocate. Betsy Gotbaum has given it up and Norman will restore it." Barbaro also cited Siegels dedication to building support from New Yorks real grassroots community. "Norman has shown he has the commitment and know-how to build this movement," Barbaro said.

Norman Wows 'Em in Staten Island
While Betsy Gotbaum hangs out with the city's elite at the Regency, Norman is bringing his message to the Muddy Cup in Staten Island. Speaking there last week, he called Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum "ineffective" and charged that she has "under utilized" the office since being elected in 2001. The Staten Island Advance provides great coverage of Norman's campaign stop.

Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn Say YES on Norman
Norman Siegel's grassroots campaign for Public Advocate won another important endorsement on Monday, from the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn. L.I.D. is Brooklyn's oldest and largest lesbian and gay organization, with over 300 members and 5000 friends. "L.I.D. honors and respects Norman Siegel's years of outstanding civil rights activism," said L.I.D. President Gary Parker. "Our endorsement is a testament to Norman's reputation as a fierce and fair critic of city systems and of discrimination against the LGBT community."

Volunteer for Norman's Campaign for Public Advocate!
We've set up a new section of the website for volunteer opportunities and grassroots participation in Norman's campaign for Public Advocate. At community.norman2005.com, you can browse volunteer opportunities and even set up your own volunteer event. If you would like to find out more about volunteering, call us at 718-857-4580 or 212-686-3911.