Alex Zablocki receives the endorsement of the Staten Island Advance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 31, 2009

Contact:   Alex Zablocki

               347-885-1200

 

ALEX ZABLOCKI RECEIVES THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE IN THE RACE FOR PUBLIC ADVOCATE

 

The SI Advance says, Zablocki will use the office "to develop and promote ideas to make New Yorkers' lives better and to insure that city government serves the public as it's supposed to." and writes of his experience in city and state government

 

Staten Island, NY -- The Staten Island Advance says: FOR PUBLIC ADVOCATE: ALEX ZABLOCKI. 

 

Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate, received the endorsement of the Staten Island Advance today.  Describing Zablocki as an "independent, clear-thinking person", the Staten Island Advance urged readers to vote for Zablocki. 

 

In their endorsement, the Advance says:

 

"Mr. Zablocki says he would use the office of public advocate exactly as it was intended — to develop and promote ideas to make New Yorkers' lives better and to insure that city government serves the public as it's supposed to."

 

"And Mr. Zablocki, who even at his age has six years experience working in various government offices, has more genuinely novel, good ideas than any three other candidates we've encountered this fall."

 

"As public advocate, he'd put representatives in each borough, to make the public advocate's office more familiar and accessible and better able to serve as a liaison between people and City Hall. "

"He would also make better use of the office's standing power to participate on all City Council committees and some city boards in order to protect the interests of ordinary people."

 

      The Staten Island Advance also writes that Zablocki says "he's in the best position to focus exclusively on the public's concern because he's an outsider with no ties to special interests."

 

      "I am proud and honored to have the endorsement of the Staten Island Advance, my hometown newspaper.  While growing up on Staten Island, I saw my community change, sometimes for the better and sometimes not.  I decided to go into public service to make a difference and make my borough a better place to live - and I have.  The office of Public Advocate could be that voice for the outer boroughs and the communities often forgotten by City Hall. I am running to give us a voice and all people in the five boroughs who feel they don't have a seat at the table in City Hall. Most importantly, I have a plan to make this office work and take it in a new direction. I thank that Staten Island Advance for their support and will continue over the next few days engaging voters about our positive message for the future of New York City," Zablocki said. 

 

      The SI Advance is the second newspaper to endorse Zablocki's candidacy.  Last week, The Wave, Rockaway's newspaper, endorsed Zablocki and said that they "like his energy and his ideas and we urge a vote for Zablocki."

 

       Zablocki is 26 years old and the youngest candidate ever to run for Public Advocate.  He is a lifelong Staten Island resident and currently resides in the Tottenville section, where he owns a home.

 

       More information on Alex Zablocki and his campaign can be found at www.alex2009.com.

 

       The entire endorsement can be read here: http://www.silive.com/opinion/editorials/index.ssf/2009/10/for_public_advocate_alex_zablo.html

 

# # #

 

 

 

 

 

 

DE BLASIO USES CAMPAIGN FUNDS TO PAY PARKING VIOLATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2009

Contact:          Alex Zablocki

                        347-885-1200

 

WHILE THE WORKING PEOPLE ACROSS THE CITY FIGHT TRAFFIC AGENTS AT EVERY TURN, DE BLASIO LET THE CITY FOOT HIS BILL: ZABLOCKI SAYS DE BLASIO WAS WRONG TO USE TAXPAYER FUNDS TO PAY EIGHT PARKING TICKETS ISSUED TO HIS CAMPAIGN

 

Using the opportunity to discuss better ticketing policy, Zablocki calls for restrictions on where traffic agents can issue tickets; he calls for leniency when it comes to issuing tickets to motorists; Zablocki vows to work with small business owners and the NYPD to ensure traffic agents are better trained and willing to work with business owners and drivers

 

New York, NY – Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate, slammed his Democratic opponent today for using taxpayer money to pay his campaign parking tickets. From September 12, 2009 to September 25, 2009, Bill de Blasio received eight parking violations.  On October 8, 2009, de Blasio used taxpayer matching funds to pay $380 for parking violations to the NYC Department of Finance, as the table shows below:

 

(FROM NYCCFB.INFO)

 

INV._DATE	DATE	NAME	AMOUNT	EXPLAIN
09/12/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$92	parking ticket
09/16/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$77	parking ticket
09/30/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$45	parking ticket
09/28/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$42	parking ticket
09/29/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$34	parking ticket
09/29/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$34	parking ticket
09/24/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$28	parking ticket
09/25/2009	10/08/2009	NYC Department of Finance	$28	parking ticket

                                                                                                       $380

 

            "The Campaign Finance program wasn't created to pay the parking tickets of candidates.  It is no wonder voters have such a distrust of politicians.  Motorists across the city are being harassed by traffic agents and nickel and dimed by our city, while politicians use taxpayer money to pay their tickets. It's wrong and it has to stop", Zablocki said. "It might only be $380, but that is our money. I don't recall a program in place that allows regular people to use taxpayer money to pay their fines," Zablocki continued.

 

            Alex Zablocki will be writing to the Campaign Finance Board asking for their opinion and clarification on the use of CFB dollars to pay city fines. Zablocki thinks de Blasio should personally refund the city $380 to cover these violations.

 

Parking tickets aren't news to New York motorists.  At a recent meet and greet with voters at a Pathmark in Staten Island, Zablocki witnessed traffic agents storming the private parking lot issuing tickets to motorists for expired registration and inspection stickers.  While motorists shouldn't have expired stickers, Zablocki believes the harassment has to stop.  He says if elected Public Advocate, he would push legislation that would prevent traffic agents from entering private parking lots and issuing summonses.   Zablocki also wants traffic agents to have some leniency with drivers that "just miss" the expired meter.

 

"We need to work on better police and community relations, especially when it comes to issuing parking violations. Mistakes happen and traffic agents have to be mindful of that.  I believe traffic agents shouldn't be harassing motorists on private property.  With the economy the way it is, we don't need to put further burdens on drivers by ticketing their cars while they shop for groceries. Our city is better than that," Zablocki said.

 

Zablocki said that if he is elected Public Advocate on November 3^rd, he would hold meetings in every borough with small business owners, BID's, chamber of commerce associations and the NYPD to work on better practices for traffic agents and ways to work with shop owners and customers, so they feel they aren't criminals in the minds of traffic enforcement.

 

Alex Zablocki, who is the Republican candidate for Public Advocate, is 26 years old and the youngest candidate to run for the position.  Zablocki is a native New Yorker and resides in Staten Island where he owns a home.  More information about him and his candidacy can be found at www.alex2009.com.

 

# # #

Zablocki picks up first newspaper endorsement; Nine days to go

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

NINE DAYS TO GO!

 

 

We are finally here! With just nine days to go until election day, the campaign is picking up steam and we are running to the finish line.

 

This Friday, we picked up our first endorsement: The Wave, Rockaway's leading newspaper, has endorsed my candidacy for Public Advocate!

 

I attached the article for you to read. The Wave said in their endorsement that I have "a worthy plan to decentralize the office of Public Advocate, placing two representatives from his office in each borough to serve the people through the community boards in those boroughs."  They said they liked my energy and ideas and urges readers to vote for me this November. 

 

I want to thank The Wave for their endorsement and Howard Schwach, its editor.

 

___________________________________________________________

 

The campaign continues to take us to all five boroughs, as far as Woodlawn in the Bronx (or as close, depending on where you live!) to the heart of Brooklyn.  We have been to Queens speaking with small business owners and Manhattan talking to commuters.  And of course, we have been hitting the streets on Staten Island.

 

With a lot more work to do, I need your help! Sign up as a volunteer and speak to your neighbors about this campaign and the ideas that will give New Yorker's a voice and a seat at the table in City Hall. Handing out literature, displaying a lawn sign, placing a bumper sticker on your car, putting a poster in a storefront near you or telling a friend about our campaign will help us achieve victory on Tuesday, November 3rd.

 

Go to out website at www.alex2009.com and sign up to volunteer today.  Also, check out the latest news and while you are there, you can also contribute to the campaign - a last minute donation will help us purchase ads and literature as needed over the next few days.  Follow us on Twitter and join our supporters page on Facebook.

 

Read my plan for a better Public Advocate's office at www.alex2009.com/plan.

 

___________________________________________________________

 

I want to personally thank so many of you for your support over the past year and a half.  We have come a long way and have made such great progress. I hope I have served you proudly on the campaign trail and I hope this campaign brings some positive change to our government, the political process and our city as a whole.

 

 

Your friend and your candidate for NYC Public Advocate,

 

Alex Zablocki

 

Alex Zablocki for New York -- 103 Surfside Plaza, Staten Island, NY 10307 -- 718-734-1093 -- info@alex2009.com

STATEMENT BY ALEX ZABLOCKI REGARDING TODAY’S COURT DECISION ON STATE RENT LAWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2009

Contact:           Alex Zablocki

                        347-885-1200

 

 

 

STATEMENT BY ALEX ZABLOCKI, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC ADVOCATE, REGARDING TODAY'S COURT DECISION ON STATE RENT LAWS:

 

"Today's court ruling was certainly a win for tenants citywide, especially those in rent controlled apartments.  This decision goes far beyond the use of tax credits, rent controls and tenant rights.  It shows the great need and struggle by residents in this city for affordable housing.  Stuyvesant Town and Cooper Village were built for families and working individuals looking to live in New York City, while paying affordable rents.  While the population of these communities have aged over time, the community goal has not: to provide a safe, fairly affordable, clean environment to live and raise a family.  As Public Advocate, I will work with the City Planning Commission, the Mayor's office, the City Council and developers to bring more affordable housing to all five boroughs, for the young people like myself and seniors alike.  This decision should also bring reforms to the way tax credits are given, who they are given to and for what reasons.  The rules are the rules and the buildings in Stuyvesant Town and Cooper Village were purchased fully knowing that many units were rent controlled.  Developers shouldn't be able to use loop-holes or other means to force residents out of units they are rightfully entitled to."

 

 

# # #

ZABLOCKI SAYS CITY COUNCIL VOTE IN 2004 UNDEMOCRATIC; UPDATES PRESS ON CFB DEBATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2009

Contact: Alex Zablocki

347-885-1200

*ZABLOCKI SAYS **BILL** DE BLASIO'S VOTE IN 2004 WAS "UNDEMOCRATIC"
**AND**STIFLED DEBATE IN THIS ELECTION CYCLE; ZABLOCKI SAYS DE
BLASIO'S LEGISLATION
IN 2005 WHICH EXEMPTED UNIONS FROM THE SAME AFFILIATION STANDARDS AS
CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS MUST BE REVERSED; ZABLOCKI CALLS FOR **CFB** REFORM*

*Campaign Finance Board, **Manhattan* – "No debate equals no democracy".
Those were the words from Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public
Advocate, regarding the law that requires $25,000 be raised and spent to
participate in a city sponsored debate.

Since inception, the Campaign Finance program in New York City
did not require a certain amount of money to be raised in order to
participate in the first mandatory debate. However, in 2004, the City
Council passed Intro 124-A, which placed a requirement of $25,000 to be
raised and spent by a candidate in order to participate in the debates for
Public Advocate. The same legislation also eliminated one of the two
mandatory run-off debates and was voted for by Councilman Bill de Blasio,
the Democratic candidate for Public Advocate.

"No debate equals no democracy. This terrible piece of
legislation has stifled all debate, at least televised, for this race. For
Bill de Blasio and the City Council to place financial requirements on
candidates in order to be a part of democracy goes against everything the
Campaign Finance program is about. What Bill de Blasio and the City Council
did was self serving and parts of this bad piece of legislation must be
reversed", Zablocki said.

The legislation (Intro 124-A), which passed the City Council, was vetoed by
the Mayor and then overturned by the City Council, stated that "These Debate
Program changes will improve the functioning of debates, ease the process of
selecting debate sponsors, and enhance the value of the Debate Program for
City voters" but Zablocki said they did anything but improve and enhance the
value of the Debate Program for City voters.

"What the City Council and Bill de Blasio did in 2004 did not enhance the
value of the Debate Program for City voters. They merely placed a price tag
on ones ability to participate in debates and in-turn ended debates and
discussion about the general election," Alex Zablocki said.

The Mayor's veto message said that "…some changes made by Int. No. 124-A are
questionable. The elimination of one of the two runoff primary debates does
not serve the public interest…" Zablocki believes less debate during the
run-off led to lower voter turnout.

Zablocki thinks all candidates should be able to participate in the
mandatory CFB debates, regardless of how much money they raise. The real
test of ones candidacy is the fact that they make it on the ballot, Zablocki
said, and by how many signatures they file. Zablocki filed nearly 30,000
signatures for this candidacy; about four times the legal requirement.

Alex Zablocki also points out that Bill de Blasio was the prime sponsor of
Intro 564 in 2005, which exempted unions from the same affiliation standards
as corporate contributions. The Village Voice, in an article titled "De
Blasio leads unholy union war on City's Campaign Finance Board", published
November 15, 2005, wrote that "De Blasio is a poster boy for conflict of
interest on a bill that essentially exempts unions from the same affiliation
standards that the Campaign Finance Board has long applied to all
institutional donors, including corporations and partnerships." The Village
Voice notes that the New York Times ran an editorial calling de Blasio's
legislation "meaningless". The legislation helped organizations like SEIU
Local 1199 and HERE, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees
International Union, contribute limitless amounts of money to candidates
like Bill de Blasio – and all of these groups are connected to de Blasio's
campaign and his family.

"De Blasio opened the door to corruption and unlimited campaign funds from
big unions through this legislation. As the Village Voice stated, de Blasio
is a poster boy for conflict of interest. How can we elect him to the Pubic
Advocate's office where special interests will control his every move? It is
time we get the special interests out of government and elected people
willing to stand up to these groups," Zablocki said.

If elected Public Advocate, Alex Zablocki will work with the Campaign
Finance Board to introduce legislation that will open up the mandatory
debates to all candidates that make it on the ballot. Zablocki will also
seek to strengthen the loopholes in campaign finance law that allows special
interests to give unlimited amounts of money to candidates. If Zablocki
isn't elected, he will be speaking at the meetings held by the CFB after the
general election to discuss campaign finance reform.

At 26 years old, Alex Zablocki is the youngest candidate ever to run for
Public Advocate. A native New Yorker, Alex lives on Staten Island where he
owns a home. More information on Alex and his candidacy can be found at
www.alex2009.com.

The legislation and the Mayors veto message is attached to this release.

# # #

ZABLOCKI TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE REGARDING CFB DEBATES

October 19, 2009

FOR SCHEDULING

Contact:           Alex Zablocki

                        347-885-1200

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

ZABLOCKI TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE BOARD CALLING FOR REFORMS TO THE CFB PROGRAM; ZABLOCKI TO POINT OUT THAT BILL DE BLASIO VOTED FOR AN UNDEMOCRATIC BILL IN 2004 TO RESTRICT DEBATE AND WAS THE PRIME SPONSOR OF LEGISLATION IN 2005 THAT EXEMPTED UNIONS FROM THE SAME AFFILIATION STANDARDS  AS CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Who:               Alex Zablocki

                        Republican candidate for Public Advocate

 

Where:            NYC Campaign Finance Board

                        40 Rector Street

                        Manhattan

 

When:             Monday, October 19, 2009 at 4pm

 

What:

 

Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate, to hold a press conference at the Campaign Finance Board in Lower Manhattan to update the press on the status of the Public Advocate's debate that was to be hosted by WABC this Friday.  Zablocki will call for reforms to the CFB program and point out that Councilman Bill de Blasio voted for Intro. 124-A in 2004, which placed a "price tag" on debates and eliminated one of the two mandatory run-off debates.  Zablocki will also call for a ban on union contributions and point out that Councilman de Blasio refused was the prime sponsor of Intro 564 in 2005 that exempted unions from the same affiliation standards as corporations under the CFB program. The same unions this bill supported helped fund much of de Blasio's campaign.

 

A photographer is respectfully requested.

 

 

# # #

MAKING THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE’S OFFICE WORK FOR NYC PARENTS AND STUDENTS

October 17, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:           Alex Zablocki
                        347-885-1200

 
MAKING THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S OFFICE WORK FOR NYC PARENTS AND STUDENTS:
ZABLOCKI SAYS HE WILL PUSH FOR EDUCATIONAL GREEN ROOFS ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, APPOINT A PARENT OF A SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT TO THE CITYWIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, WORK WITH COMMUNITY BOARDS ACROSS THE CITY TO CREATE A LOCAL POINT OF CONTACT FOR PARENTS TO SPEAK ABOUT ISSUES REGARDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DEVISE A CURRICULUM FOR 6TH GRADERS ON LOCAL HISTORY AND IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOLS

 
New York – Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate, announced today how he would use the tools of the Public Advocate's office to affect change in our public school system. The measures range from creating new educational initiatives and raising environmental awareness to giving parents a voice in their child's education on the most local level.
 
If elected Public Advocate, Zablocki would:
 
·        Work with the Department of Education and a non-profit partner to transform most flat public school roofs into green roofs.  This initiative would allow students to cultivate fruits and vegetables in pots, learn about gardening, provide much needed green space, especially in the inner-city, and educate students about nutritional foods.
·        Appoint a parent of a special needs student to the Citywide Council on Special Education.  Zablocki will also work with this representative to engage all parents of school children in District 75, holding forums in each borough, to hear from parents and speak about issues important to them on the Council.
·        Work with all 59 Community Boards across New York City to create a local point of contact for parents to come and speak about issues regarding public schools.  Zablocki would look to publish a report on each forum quarterly, publishing it online and seek public input.  These reports would be used to reform the Department of Education and seek to affect public school policy. 
·        Devise a curriculum on local New York City history (by borough), as a board member of the Museum of the City of New York, to be approved by the State Department of Education, for 6th grade students.
·        Improve communications between schools and parents by discussing and implementing new online tools as a member of the Commission on Information and Communication.
 
"These initiatives can all be carried out as Public Advocate. While we have to look at ways to give parents more of a voice in the public school system, I think the position of Public Advocate can also be used to improve education programs," Alex Zablocki said.
 
Zablocki said recommendations from each forum on public education would be made to the CEC and the Department of Education.  The Public Advocate has the power to introduce legislation and sits on every City Council Committee, which includes the Education Committee, and these recommendations could lead to legislation and discussion in the City Council. Zablocki will also use the position to speak out against cuts to public education.
 
"We have to look at the Public Advocate's office in a new way and that means utilizing the defined duties of the Public Advocate to affect positive change in our public school system.  The Public Advocate is our independent voice in city government and is the best place for parents to turn when they aren't getting results from City Hall," Alex Zablocki said. "This office shouldn't just be used as a soap box by politicians looking to run for Mayor. It should be used in a positive way to make our government work for all New Yorker's," Zablocki said.
 
Zablocki also notes that he would seek to work with the private sector to improve, and in some cases bring back, arts and physical education programs in schools.
 
Alex Zablocki is the Republican candidate for Public Advocate.  At 26 years old, he is the youngest person ever to run for the position.  Alex is public school educated and his mother is a teacher in NYC public schools for nearly 40 years.  Alex's sister serves as a special education teacher as well.  More information about Alex and his campaign can be found at www.alex2009.com.
 

# # #

Candidates to "Paint the City Pink"

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Zablocki organizes candidates from across the city to "Paint the City Pink" in an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of getting screened

 

What:                          "Paint the City Pink"

Groups will be handing out over 2,000 pink breast cancer awareness ribbons citywide over the next few days

 

Who/Where/When:    Due to the possible nor'easter, location/times and dates are subject to change

 

Thursday, October 15, 2009

 

Alex Zablocki

                                    Candidate, Public Advocate

                                    Bowling Green Station, Manhattan, 9:30am

                                    Contact: 347-885-1200

 

                                    Marc D'Ottavio

                                    Candidate, Brooklyn Borough President

                                    Subway, 77^th Street and 4^th Avenue, Brooklyn

                                    Contact:  347-408-5705

 

                                    Gene Berardelli

                                    Candidate, City Council, 46^th District

                                    TBD

                                    Contact:  347-301-6143

 

                                    Joseph Nardiello

                                    Candidate, City Council, 39^th District

                                    TBD

                                    Contact:  718-670-3211

 

                                    Angelo Maragos

                                    Candidate, City Council, 26^th District

                                    #7 train, 46^th Street and Queens Boulevard, 7:30am-9:30am

                                    Contact: 646-206-7094

 

                                    Ashok Chandra

                                    Candidate, City Council, 4^th District

                                    77^th Street subway, 6:30am – 7:30am

                                    Contact:  413-262-6099

                                   

Candidates for elected office from across New York City join Alex Zablocki, candidate for Public Advocate to "Paint the City Pink".  Candidates will hand out over 2,000 pink breast cancer awareness ribbons across the city over the next few days in an effort to raise awareness about this disease and the importance of getting screened.  Each candidate will also be talking to their future constituencies about health care issues.

 

Due to the storm approaching New York City, the above times and dates are tentative.  Please contact each campaign to confirm a location and time.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG WRONG TO CALL FOR ELIMINATING PUBLIC ADVOCATE’S OFFICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            October 12, 2009

Contact:           Alex Zablocki

                        347-885-1200

 

MAYOR BLOOMBERG WRONG TO CALL FOR ELIMINATING PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S OFFICE

 

The cost of the Public Advocate's office far outweighs its benefits; if Bloomberg gets his way, our City Planning Commission, pension system, numerous boards and commissions across the city and our system of checks and balances would be weakened, Zablocki says; the office is what you make of it, says Zablocki

 

Staten Island – First the Mayor and City Council raised our property and sales taxes, destroying the middle class in our city.  Then they overturned term limits by legislation to give themselves another shot at staying in office.  Now Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to eliminate the people's independent voice in city government – the Public Advocate. Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate, calls Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent comments to the Staten Island Advance calling to eliminate the position "wrong".

 

The move to eliminate the position would to end most checks and balances in city government.  Speaking with the Advance, Mayor Bloomberg said of the office: "You should get rid of the public advocate. It's a total waste of everybody's money. Nobody needs another gadfly and we have an aggressive enough press."

 

Sorry Mr. Mayor for being a "gadfly".

 

"The position of Public Advocate is an important one for New Yorker's. This is our only independent voice in government; it is a place people can go to when no one else is listening to them.  This office is what you make of it and that is why you need someone independent and energetic at the helm to get results.  I respectfully disagree with the Mayor on this one. For the Mayor to call for eliminating the office is just wrong," Zablocki said.  "Eliminating this office will end a checks and balances system that our city needs now, more than ever before. Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council may have overturned term limits, against the will of the people, but they will not destroy the foundation of our government," Zablocki continued.

 

The budget of the Public Advocate's office is just $1.8 million, which equates to about 21 cents per taxpayer. Eliminating the office will do nothing to save the taxpayers real money, Zablocki says.

 

"If Mayor Bloomberg was so concerned about saving New Yorker's money, why did he propose higher property taxes in a time of economic unrest?  Where was his voice when the slush fund scandal was uncovered at Christine Quinn's office?  I say keep my 21 cents and keep someone in government that can keep everyone else honest! There are better ways to save the taxpayers money and certainly this gimmick isn't the way to go," Zablocki said.

 

Mayor Michael Bloomberg called on eliminating the office of Public Advocate at a recent editorial board meeting at the Staten Island Advance.  He also spoke of his support for Speaker Christine Quinn, calling her "..a team player."

 

"Mayor Bloomberg's biggest puppet, Christine Quinn, should be the first to go. She has led the charge to overturn term limits, increase burdens on small businesses and force the middle class out of New York City by raising property and sales taxes.  The only team she plays on is Team Bloomberg,' Zablocki said.

 

Just last week, Alex Zablocki released a plan for the Public Advocate's office to make it work for all New Yorker's. The plan can be found at www.alex2009.com/plan.

 

For more informaton on Alex Zablocki and his campaign, visit www.alex2009.com.

            Alex Zablocki is the Republican candidate for Public Advocate. A Staten Island native of 26 years of age, he is the youngest candidate ever to run for the position.

 

# # #

Media Advisory

Contact:  Alex Zablocki

                 347-885-1200

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Who:      Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate

                Angelo Maragos, Republican candidate, NYC Council, District 26

 

What:     Zablocki and Maragos to attend street fair in Long Island City/Sunnyside, campaign, talk to voters and small business owners

 

Where:   Meeting at Angelo for City Council Headquarters

                 44-61 23 Street
                 Long Island City, NY

 

                Columbus Day Street Fair

                Greenpoint Avenue, between 44 and 48 Street

 

When:    Monday, October 12, 2009

                12:30pm

 

Why:

 

Citywide candidate for Public Advocate and local City Council candidate unite to campaign and speak with voters and small business owners in Long Island City/Sunnyside.

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

September 25th, 2009

Contact:

Liam McCabe

(O) 347-233-3748

(C) 718-496-7814

liam@ericulrich.com

 

Ulrich to Campaign with Alex Zablocki

Councilman Ulrich will campaign with, Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate on Cross Bay Blvd.

 

October 8^th, 2009 (Howard Beach, NY): New York City Councilman Eric A. Ulrich (R-Queens) will be campaigning with the Republican candidate for New York City Public Advocate, Alex Zablocki. They will campaign together on Crossbay Blvd in Howard beach, NY.

 

 

Date:               Friday, October 9 ^th, 2009

 

Time:               6:00pm

 

Location:        New Park Pizza, 156-71 Crossbay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414

 

###

 

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Friday, October 9th. Zablocki to campaign with Ulrich

FOR SCHEDULING

Contact:           Alex Zablocki

347-885-1200

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

ALEX ZABLOCKI TO JOIN COUNCILMAN ERIC ULRICH TO CANVASS NEIGHBORHOODS, GO DOOR-TO-DOOR AND TALK TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NYC

 

Who:    Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate

            Eric Ulrich, Councilman, 32^nd District

 

What:   Walking neighborhoods, door-to-door and talking to small business owners

 

Where: Campaign Headquarters of Eric Ulrich

            92-19 101^st Street (enter on 93^rd Street)

            Ozone Park, Queens

 

When:  Friday, October 9, 2009

            11am

 

Why:    Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate joins forces with Eric Ulrich, Republican Councilmember from Queens, to engage voters and canvass parts of the 32^nd Council District.

 

A photographer is respectfully requested.

 

 

# # #

ZABLOCKI RELEASES HIS PLAN FOR A BETTER ADVOCATE’S OFFICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2009

Contact: Alex Zablocki

347-885-1200

*ZABLOCKI RELEASES HIS **PLAN** FOR A BETTER ADVOCATE'S OFFICE **AND** A **
PLAN** FOR A BETTER **NEW** **YORK** **CITY***

*Zablocki says "The only way to make this office work is to reform it and
put someone in the office that understands the position. I am that person."*

* *

*City Hall – *Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate,
released his plan for a better Public Advocate's office calling for reforms
to the duties of the Public Advocate by way of a Charter Revision Commission
and changes to the structure of the office.

The comprehensive plan, which can be found at
www.alex2009.com/plan, calls for three changes to the City Charter under
which the Office of the Public Advocate operates: Setting the budget of the
office independently; giving the Pubic Advocate subpoena power; and make
changes in succession to the Mayor. The plan also calls to eliminate the
Public Advocates (and Borough Presidents) seat on the board of NYCERS (New
York City Employee Retirement System) replacing it with an appointment of a
qualified investment professional.

Zablocki said he would call on a Charter Revision Commission
immediately after taking office.

"These proposed changes would make the Public Advocates office
stronger. Some of them have been talked about for over a decade and if
elected, I will seek to implement these changes on day one. That is why I
have promised to call for a Charter Revision Commission immediately after
taking office to look at not only the position of the Public Advocate but
all branches of government. We need to make government work for the people
and that means reforming our laws to strengthen the Public Advocate's
office," Alex Zablocki said.

Zablocki also proposed other ways he plans to make the Office of
Public Advocate more accountable to taxpayers and make it more
accessible. Zablocki
says his plan will include decentralizing the office, opening an office in
every borough, including northern Manhattan. Zablocki will also appoint at
least one coordinator to represent each borough and work with all 59
Community Boards to identify problems in government and improve city
services.

"My office will represent all New Yorker's in every borough.
That is why I plan to start decentralizing the office on day one. I plan to
appoint a representative to each borough and work closely with every
Community Board to identify problems in government and improve city
services," Zablocki said.

Alex Zablocki released his plan for this office because too many
New Yorker's don't understand the structure and duties of the city's second
highest office and what exactly a Public Advocate can do to affect change in
city government, save taxpayers money and improve their quality of
life. Zablocki
also notes that it is the person in the position of Public Advocate, not the
position itself that makes or breaks the office.

"The only way to make this office work is to reform it and put
someone in the office that understands the position. I am that person," Alex
Zablocki said. "It's about the person and the ideas, not the politics. This
isn't just an office where the Public Advocate stands on a soapbox and
screams and yells until someone listens. There are real, important duties
of the Public Advocate that can be used to make New York City a better place
to live," Zablocki continued.

Some of the highlights of Zablocki's plan include:

- Improving access to city services and holding government accountable
- Saving taxpayers money by auditing all city agencies and services,
working with the Independent Budget Office (IBO), and recommend ways to make
these agencies work more efficiently
- Appoint a strong advocate to the City Planning Commission that will be
a voice against overdevelopment and a supporter of smart, affordable
development and green development
- Educating Community Boards and Civic Associations on the land use
process
- Introduce legislation the City Council will not carry and allow
residents to submit legislation through a "Citizens Legislative Panel"
- A vocal voice in favor or opposition of legislation in all City Council
committees
- Improve communication between city agencies and the public
- Coordinate information sharing between city agencies and all branches
of government
- Make most city documents available online, in one place, including the
city budget
- Reform the Voter Assistance Commission and transform it into CIVIC to
assist perspective candidates for office, improve ballot access, recommend
election law reforms and improve voter participation
- Work closely with all 59 Community Boards and allow all call data and
complaints to be shared between the Community Boards, the Public Advocate,
the City Council and 311

Zablocki's plan outlines all of the duties of the Public
Advocate and plans for each. The detailed outline of what his office would
look like over the next four years can be found online along with a
flowchart at www.alex2009.com/plan. (The flowchart is attached to this
press release)

Alex Zablocki is the Republican candidate for Public Advocate. A
Staten Island native of 26 years of age, he is the youngest candidate ever
to run for the position.

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Media Advisory October 7, 2009, 11am, City Hall

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

For scheduling

Contact: Alex Zablocki, 347-885-1200

 

Alex Zablocki, Republican candidate for Public Advocate to announce 

A Plan for a Better Advocate's Office
A Plan for a Better New York City

Strengthening our independent voice in government…making government work for you

Who:         Alex Zablocki
                  Candidate, NYC Public Advocate

Where:     Steps of City Hall
                   Manhattan

When:       Wednesday, October 7, 2009
                   11am

What:      Alex Zablocki will announce his plans for a better advocates office and a plan for a better New York City.  Alex will discuss the role and duties of the Public Advocate, how he would structure his office, his proposed changes to make the office work better and what his plans are for the office on day one. Alex will discuss ten important points of how his office would function if elected Public Advocate.

A preview of the plan can be found at www.alex2009.com/plan

Visuals include the candidate, flowchart on proposed office structure (and digital format) and information boards.

A photographer is respectfully requested.

Contact:  Alex Zablocki,   347-885-1200

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