Issue Position: Bail Reform

Issue Position

Reckless legislation like the so -called "bail reform" should have never been passed in the first place. We are less safe because of this ridiculous law. It seems like every day we wake up and hear another horrific tale of someone being victimized by repeat offenders with long rap sheets. Recently a young woman in Bay Ridge was saved from a vicious sexual assault in the subway by a good Samaritan. The alleged perpetrator had recently released without bail based on the legislation that was passed by Albany.

This "bail reform" law was passed without any public input and by ignoring the warning of our Judges, District Attorneys, and law enforcement professionals. The special interest groups that passed this law are barraging the public with disinformation. For example, the claim that that arrests for minor crimes are burdening the jail population with people held on bail is just plain false. The NYPD has gradually lowered the number of misdemeanor arrests, which are down 38% in the past five years. Almost 90% of arrested people are already released at arraignment. New York City's jail population has gone down for years, down 35% since 2013 and down over 60% since 1993. New York and only three other states in the country prevent judges from taking public safety into account when determining whether they can let someone go without setting bail. For example, someone charged with selling or possessing large amounts of narcotics, one of the state's most serious felonies must be released without bail.

The manner in which Albany passed this law in the first place shows us why need to vote for change and bring independent leadership and common-sense solutions to this district. If the voters of this district send me to Albany, one of my first priorities will be to call out the bureaucrats, the politicians, and the special- interests groups that passed this law endangering all of us. We must focus on balancing public safety and fairness to those charged with criminal offenses. Albany has decided that it's a zero sum game, I'll make sure we change the law in a real meaningful way so that we don't waste taxpayer money on imprisoning those who don't pose a threat to the public, but also make sure Judges aren't forced to release dangerous repeat offenders back on the streets.

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