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Norman's statement at City Hall on Monday, November 3rd, prior to the Mayor's signing of the bill extending term limits.

Mr. Mayor, where I grew up in Brooklyn we were taught that whenever we were critical of someone we were to tell them why we disagreed with them face to face. So, this morning I will respectfully do exactly that.

As you’ve probably heard by now, a majority of the City Council voted on Thursday to overturn the decision of voters, as expressed in 1993 and 1996, to limit officeholders to two four-year terms. Norman and a group of other lawyers are preparing to challenge their decision to vote for the third term instead of taking it to the public via referendum. We thought we’d share the following quote in Friday’s New York Times article “The Future of Term Limits Is in Court”:

On Sunday, September 7th, Norman spoke at a rally on the steps of City Hall to inaugurate The People Have Spoken Coalition, a group opposing the potential extension of term limits. The New York Times blog, City Room, covered the event... this was Norman’s statement:

On Sunday, August 24th, Norman received the Political Awareness Award from the 42nd A.D. Democratic Club at its Annual Awards Luncheon. The plaque salutes Norman as an advocate and protector of the civil liberties of all mankind. The 42nd A.D. Democcratic Club is Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs's home club in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn.

On March 28, we had our first Lawyers for Norman Siegel organizing breakfast, a discussion between Norman and twenty other lawyers representing many different firms. That set the stage for the Lawyers for Norman Siegel Kick Off Party at Skadden, Arps, Slate Meager & Flom on Wednesday, June 26. More than a hundred lawyers came out to show their support; you can view the video further down on the page.

NYPD and the Cyclists:

Check out the NYT link below, written by James Barron, and read about Norman's role regarding the controversy of the NYPD and the bikers of Critical Mass. Here is yet another example of how Norman is a perfect fit for the role of NYC Public Advocate!

Two hundred thirty two years ago, 55 men from 13 Colonies signed our "Declaration of Independence" and so began our United States of America. I consider the 4th of July to be the most important American holiday because it celebrates the principles upon which our nation was founded.

Introduced by Hon. George Bundy Smith, Siegel cited for skills as a mediator, consensus builder and for outstanding record on the issues important to New York and New Yorkers.

The April 25 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.