It was responsible to make government "more accountable and responsive to the needs of New Jersey residents" through legal advocacy, policy research and reform and community and legislative outreach.

[4] The New Jersey Legislature passed the Public Advocate Restoration Act (NJ P.L.

[5] In 2006, Governor Jon Corzine appointed Ronald Chen to serve as the first Public Advocate since the position had been abolished in 1994.

[7] Wilfredo Caraballo served as Public Advocate from 1990 to 1992, resigning in protest of Republican Party efforts in the legislature to reduce his powers.

[8] Upon entering office as governor in early 2010, Republican Chris Christie began plotting the elimination of this department.