The office of public advocate was created expressly to balance the power of the mayor and City Council (“The Public Appendix,” Editorial, July 6).

The public advocate has undertaken the uncelebrated causes of millions of New Yorkers, particularly those of low income and little means, and continues to be on the front line of fighting for so many.

Betsy Gotbaum, to her credit, has fought for New Yorkers on issues including school governance, mayoral control, the DOE’s withholding of services for students and food-stamp enrollment. She brought almost $100 million in additional federal benefits to the local economy.

The battles and successes of the advocate’s office are numerous and done with a small budget that was further reduced 40 percent by the mayor.

David R. Jones

President & CEO, Community Service Society of New York, Manhattan