PETITIONING

The only way to get on the ballot for municipal office is to get the required number of signatures from your party’s voters, which is 7500 for Public Advocate between June 9 and July 11. (Although you need a multiple of that since some folks sign wrongly thinking that they’re Democrats or do so in a flawed way.)
 
While a Michael Bloomberg doesn’t have to hit the pavements himself since his paid staff can gather signatures and some Democrats need not do so if they have enough unions and clubs doing it, I’ve always personally petitioned along with lots of volunteers and others because it’s actually fun and informative.
 
You really learn a lot about the City and yourself when you spend hours on the street vulnerable to any and all comments. So last Friday and Saturday at the Parsons/Archer Jamaica Center Station, then at Fairway Market on 74th and Broadway and finally in Park Slope, I get an earful.
 
"Oh, you cut yourself shaving," was my favorite, which I hadn’t realized until I was told. I hear a lot about parental involvement/mayoral control in schools, landlord-tenant issues, Bloomberg’s undemocratic move against term-limits...but the #1 topic by far is the "circus" in Albany when the Republicans in a surprise move last week sought to retake majority control. (I later see Majority Leader Malcolm Smith at the Puerto Rican Day Parade and he says with a smile and poise, "well, I’m more famous than you this week!")
 
And I get frequently asked,
"What are you running for?"
"Public Advocate again."
"Why?"
"Loved it, love public service, let the voters decide if I can help more."
"Sure I’ll sign."

Again and again and again.

If you're allergic to repetition, a political campaign is not for you, not for you.
 
So ... four hours and three petition stops later, we add 'em up. 369 signatures. "And miles to go before we sleep, And miles to go before we sleep."