Candidates for New York Public Advocate are racking up public appearances as election day draws nearer. Council Member Rafael Espinal was one of five candidates invited to a public forum hosted by the Center for Community and Ethnic Media at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in Manhattan. Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, the other Brooklyn candidate invited to the forum, was missing in action. But that may have to do with the fact that she’s not running anymore (though her name will still appear on the ballot).

Candidates that were invited to the forum were chosen based on top names selected by local journalists and ethnic media. Council Member Espinal, who represents Bushwick, focused on reinforcing his platform of supporting marginalized communities and tackling environmental injustice.

“I’m running for public advocate because I think it’s time that we have a fresh new voice that’s able to take on issues with a different approach,” Espinal said. “I’ve shown the city council that I have been creative with the legislation that I’ve pushed forward.” Here are a few things we learned about the councilman’s plans for Public Advocate: