July 12th was a great day for New Jersey residents! The Public Advocate is back in New Jersey, and there is now a state office dedicated to fighting for citizens and consumers that have been treated unfairly by special interests. Here is the report from the
New York Times:
TRENTON, July 12 - Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey signed a law on Tuesday to bring back New Jersey's Department of the Public Advocate, a move he billed as the latest in a series of steps to reform state government before he leaves office at the end of the year.
The office, which was eliminated more than a decade ago by former Gov. Christie Whitman on the grounds that it was unnecessary and expensive, is supposed to function as a government ombudsman, consumer watchdog and lawyer for the indigent, the elderly and the mentally ill. The office will derive much its influence from its power to bring civil suits against state and local officials.
Mr. Codey said that the new public advocate would be a "champion of ordinary people with real needs but without political capital," and he called Mrs. Whitman's decision to cut the position "penny-wise and pound-foolish."
As the times report mentioned Governor Whitman abolished the Public Advocate in the late 90's. Since then Common Cause activists in New Jersey have been playing an instrumental role in the fight for the office's reinstating. Within the past few months, boosted by the email activism of hundreds and of our activists, the bill (A1424) passed both houses of the New Jersey legislature, and was signed into law last week!
Lauren on far right
Though Common Cause New Jersey was among good company of advocacy groups that supported the legislation, we were the only asked to speak at the bill signing with Acting Governor Codey, Senate Sponsor Vitale (D-19), and Assembly sponsor Caraballo (D-29) (pictured above). With much media present, the attention focused on CCNJ was overwhelming in the press, radio and television markets!
With the reinstating of the Office of Public Advocate, Common Cause New Jersey is not the only winner here. Now the indigent population of our state not only has a voice, but legal power to back it up. Great news all around.
Lauren Skowronski
Director, Common Cause New Jersey
