A Greener New York

As a civil liberties lawyer, I have defended many groups of environmentally-aware New Yorkers, such as the following:

Health Care

All branches of government should play a significant role in funding public health care delivery. I believe that health care is a right, and that New York City should deliver affordable, quality health care to all of its residents.

Same-Sex Marriage

Not only do I wholeheartedly support allowing same-sex marriage, but I actually have the experience of advocating for same-sex marriage in a court of law, when I represented the Nyack 10, suing to obtain marriage licenses for same-sex couples.

Term Limits

Not only did I actively oppose and speak out against Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council’s legislative extension of term limits, but I am also co-counsel in Molinari v Bloomberg, which challenges the constitutionality and legality of the extension from 2 to 3 terms.

Affordable Housing

As the former head of MFY Legal Services, I know all too well the difficulty low and middle-income New Yorkers have in finding affordable housing.

Education

There are many ways New York City schools can be reformed without centralizing power in the hands of the Mayor.

The Economy

Norman issued the following open letter to New Yorkers on the economy on March 3rd, 2009:

14 point approach to the Office of the Public Advocate

The backbone of my campaign and my desire to serve as New York City’s Public Advocate is my vision for how this unique elected position – the only position in America that represents the people against the government – can operate as an example of democracy in action. No New Yorker would have to ask “what does the Public Advocate do?” if I were in charge of the office.

The Case for a Special Prosecutor

The April 25, 2008 verdict by Justice Arthur Cooperman in the Sean Bell New York City case confirms the widely held belief that it is difficult – almost impossible – to prosecute on-duty police officers in police misconduct cases, especially those involving homicide allegations. The verdict underscores the need for systemic change in the way New York state handles these important and, at times, high-profile cases.

No to Racial Employment Discrimination

Racial discrimination in the workplace is illegal and wrong. Federal, state and local human rights laws explicitly state that employers cannot discriminate against an applicant or an employee because of his or her race.