Kudos to Blank Slate Media and the Port Washington Times for exposing the rise in crime across Nassau County over the last six months. While other newspapers were talking of the “perception” of crime, Blank Slate Media demanded and received recent crime stats for Nassau County which were alarming to read about. Crime has no boundaries and is even prevalent across Long Island.
Former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton several months ago revealed on a morning radio talk show that he requested the Metropolitan Transportation Authority back in 2014 to install cameras on the trains. Sadly, this request fell on deaf ears under Gov. Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Hochul’s watch. Gov. Hochul, who is running scared due to the crime situation, has just announced the future installation of cameras and an increase of police officers on transit patrol. The recent increase in property thefts on the Long Island Rail Road has contributed to the lawlessness in the transit system.
Gov. Hochul’s new initiative entitled “Cops, Cameras, Care” falls short because it should be called “Cops, Cameras and Jail.”
Gov. Hochul has refused New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ sensible request to give judges more discretion in deciding whether to release crime suspects. Obviously, the NO Bail, NO JAIL initiative is failing New Yorkers. Even New York Attorney General Letitia James is finally admitting that “bail reform” has to be reformed.
Lee Zeldin is striking a nerve with voters of all kinds, including Democrats, in acknowledging that there is a definite crime pandemic and the recidivism rate is a reality that needs to be addressed. If Gov. Hochul is serious about addressing crime, maybe she can reallocate some of the 65 state troopers assigned to the Governor’s Detail. The Albany Times-Union in August 2021 identified that approximately 65 police officers are assigned to the governor. Put most of these state troopers where they are needed in the communities where we live.
Gov. Hochul has only agreed to one debate after early voting has begun. Obviously she wants to avoid being transparent on discussing the crime rate, New York State earning the distinction of the “highest tax burden,” and the shady deals surrounding the Buffalo Sports Stadium bailout and the Penn Station revitalization. The continued use of “emergency authorizations” allowing for executive purchases without competitive bidding and legislative review is alarming to those of us wanting good government practices.
Even President Biden has already spoken of the Covid-19 pandemic as being over. Gov. Hochul’s continued use of “emergency authorizations” lacking in oversight must be ended by us voting on Election Day. It is obvious to many that a state governed by a governor and a legislature of the one and same party stifles democracy. As a voter who changed my party affiliation to “independent” years ago, I realize that the status quo in Albany must be changed.
Thanks again to Blank Slate Media for raising our consciousness by reporting the news that other news outlets choose to minimize or avoid. I look forward to my weekly print and email version of the Port Washington Times. It is a thought-provoking media source well worth the subscription cost.
Joseph Campbell
Port Washington