By the Editorial Board
Over the last decade, New York’s Haitian community has been thrust into the spotlight over Haiti’s natural disasters and political turmoil. As the focus on Haiti has ebbed and flowed over the years, Councilman Jumaane Williams has never relented in his work advocating not only for the Haitian community, but for all marginalized and underrepresented voices in the city.
Prior to this race, the office of public advocate was one that many weren’t aware of, and if they were, they’d be hard pressed to explain what the role entailed. However, Williams stands to breathe new life into a position that many were starting to see as obsolete. Positioning himself as the people’s advocate, Williams is best suited to use the office to its full potential, pushing for progress on issues that impacts all New Yorkers, such as affordable income targeted housing.
The Haitian Times endorses Williams for this position for which 17 candidates are vying.
For naysayers who doubt his effectiveness in bringing change to the city, they can defer to his legislative record — he served as the prime sponsor on more than 50 pieces of legislation — or his history as an activist.
This special election offers New Yorkers a rare opportunity to elect a man who has spent more than 20 years essentially doing a job that he had not yet been hired for. The city needs someone on their side with moral fortitude, has independent thinking and a demonstrated record of effectiveness. Jumaane Williams has proven himself to be that man over and over again, and this time is no different.