Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is hosting a public advocate forum at Medgar Evers College on Tuesday, February 5, at 6:00pm.
A crowded field of candidates is vying for the seat previously vacated by now New York Attorney General Letitia James.
So far, more than 20 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring, including Brooklyn hopefuls Councilmembers Jumaane Williams and Rafael Espinal, as well as Assemblymember Latrice Walker, who have confirmed their attendance for next week's forum.
Other confirmed candidates are Assemblymembers Danny O'Donnell and Michael Blake, Councilmember Eric Ulrich, State Committeeman Ben Yee, attorney Dawn Smalls, Columbia University professor David Eisenbach, activist Nomiki Konst and DOT coordinator Michael Zumbluskas.
The forum will be divided into two rounds, with five to six candidates each. All candidates will receive three minutes for their opening statements, followed by brief three 30-second response questions and five yes-no questions. Lastly, each candidate will have an additional two minutes for closing remarks.
The forum is organized in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and political action groups Arena and Curiosity Lab.
As a non-voting member of the New York City Council, the public advocate has the right to introduce and co-sponsor legislation, and serves as an ombudsman who provides oversight for city agencies, investigates citizens' complaints about city services and makes proposals to address any of their shortcomings; the PA is also the first in line to succeed the mayor.
Mayor Bill de Blasio set the special election date for February 26, after James was sworn in as New York State attorney general at the beginning of January. Council Speaker Corey Johnson is serving as public advocate in the interim.
For more information on the public advocate election, as well as a complete list of candidates, go here.
Public Advocate Forum at Medgar Evers College
When: Tuesday, February 5, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Medgar Evers College, Founder Auditorium, 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
To RSVP, go here.
