“New York City could use a blue collar hero in the role of public advocate. Cathy Guerriero looks to fit the bill.”
While the New York media have been concerned with the travails of bad boys running for mayor and comptroller, Cathy Guerriero, a little known but energetic professorial dynamo has been crisscrossing the five boroughs like a veritable (“bing, bing, bing”) Ricochet Rabbit. Her frenetic schedule nearly rivals that of John Liu, who is also seemingly ubiquitous.
Cathy burst into the collective media consciousness late last month when a poll showed her besting most of her better known, more moneyed and politically connected competitors in the public advocate’s race.
I met Guerriero for coffee in April when few people were aware of her candidacy. I came away impressed, as much by her academic pedigree as her “no fear” approach to her maiden political voyage.
Upon hearing her distinct outer borough accent that morning, I was convinced she could connect with the working class New Yorkers I grew up knowing.
Fine and good, but I have concerns about this job being just another example of government layering. If it is to exist, I think what NYC needs in a public advocate is someone who can get the general public to advocate more. There should be some kind of expectation for public participation in issues. Can Cathy G. fill this bill?
Go to cathyguerriero.com for more information and to ask your question.
Dale:
This is Cathy Guerriero .. thank you for responding to Michael’s article, and voicing your concerns on the job of PA is valid. Please email me at cathyguerriero@gmail.com and we can set up a time to chat about it.
Sincerely,
cg
Dale is a public school teacher, too.