Hartigan creates Office of Senior Citizen Advocacy

ATTORNEY GENERAL Neil F. Hartigan's first official act was the creation of an Office of Senior Citizen Advocacy. He signed an order establishing the office January 11, a day after he was sworn in as attorney general.

Hartigan, a Democrat, had promised leaders of senior citizens groups in the state that he would set up the office if elected. The new office will examine nursing home abuse, consumer fraud and utility problems, as well as other problems facing the elderly. While lieutenant governor, Hartigan spearheaded the successful effort to create the cabinet-level Department on Aging.