New Yorkers’ concerns about crime and public safety haven’t subsided since Albany’s botched criminal-justice “reforms” in recent years. In fact, the shortcomings of Democrats’ policies and inadequate prosecutorial priorities become more glaring with time. A recent Siena Poll shows a majority of New Yorkers believe crime has worsened in the past year. Amid heightened tensions, […]
New Yorkers’ concerns about crime and public safety haven’t subsided since Albany’s botched criminal-justice “reforms” in recent years. In fact, the shortcomings of Democrats’ policies and inadequate prosecutorial priorities become more glaring with time. A recent Siena Poll shows a majority of New Yorkers believe crime has worsened in the past year.
Amid heightened tensions, law-abiding citizens want action. They’re getting just the opposite. The high-profile case of Daniel Penny in New York City shows how backwards progressive prosecutors have become. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg should never have prosecuted the former Marine. Thankfully, a jury acquitted Penny [on Dec. 9]. Bragg’s handling of this case is emblematic of his and other Democrats’ broader failure to prioritize public safety and fairness during his tenure. His outright refusal to prosecute certain criminal offenses while pursuing politically driven prosecutions has emboldened criminals and sent a dangerous message.
This case has brought renewed attention to the dire consequences of Bragg’s policies and the need for direct action. In an effort to provide voters with the tools to hold elected officials accountable, I introduced a constitutional amendment (A.9334) that would allow for the recall of a district attorney. The recall would be initiated by a petition signed by voters within the county. Finally, people would have a mechanism to remove officials who fail to uphold the law.
This call to action was inspired by the successful recall election in San Francisco. Former District Attorney Chesa Boudin was removed from office in 2022 by voters for his soft-on-crime approach to the job. Alvin Bragg is no different and New Yorkers should be afforded the same opportunity. Prosecutors who fail to hold criminals accountable only exacerbate the problem.
In the coming months, the New York Legislature will have the opportunity to reconsider the deeply flawed criminal-justice changes that have swept an era of lawlessness across the state. Issues such as bail reform, Raise the Age, the parole system, mask bans, and cooperation with immigration agencies need to be reconsidered and corrective measures implemented.
The actions taken by Daniel Penny wouldn’t be necessary if the justice system weren’t compromised by left-wing political ideologies jeopardizing public safety. It is essential to reexamine these policies and, once again, prioritize the safety of our communities. Refusing to put the interests of law-abiding citizens before those of the most violent and dangerous individuals in our community is a gross dereliction of duty. I urge my colleagues to consider this much-needed measure of accountability and restoration of power to the people.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.
Will Barclay
