Republican Senate Candidates Call Out Democrat Conference For Opposing Police Package
The four Republican candidates running to represent Suffolk County in the New York State Senate today joined together to show their unwavering support for law enforcement and to call on Democrats in the State Senate to back the blue. Anthony Palumbo (1st Senate District), Mario Mattera (2nd Senate District), Alexis Weik (3rd Senate District) and Ed Smyth (5th Senate District) were angered that New York State Democrats just this week unanimously rejected a package of legislation put forth by the Senate Republican Conference that would have protected police officers across the state.
The “Protect Those Who Protect Us” package, which is endorsed by the New York State Sheriff’s Association as well as most other law enforcement organizations, would:
increase penalties for assaulting a police officer,
resisting arrest and failing to retreat, and
make any crime committed against a police officer because of their status a hate crime.
It would also create a $500,000 disability and death benefit for police officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
Each of the candidates expressed their support for the package while also calling on elected officials and all running for public office to publicly stand up for police officers throughout New York State.
“State lawmakers need to drop the dangerous anti-cop, pro-defund rhetoric that’s caused a spike in violent crime and back legislation that supports our police,” stated Assemblyman Palumbo, the Republican and Conservative nominee for the 1st Senate District. “These men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and as responsible legislators, we must give them our full support and backing.”
“Many lawmakers talk about their support of our police but are not there when they have to stand up to their party to truly back the blue. My opponent has made public declarations of support but when it was her turn to vote she chose not to back law enforcement. She turned her back on those who protect and serve our community everyday. Instead she chose to support the NYC leaders of her party in order to continue the chaos and lawlessness they have created. Our brave men and women in law enforcement need to know that their state has their backs and that their elected officials are more than empty words,” said Weik, Republican and Conservative candidate for the 3rd Senate District.
“As a union leader, I have always fought to ensure that all workers have a safe work environment and the Senate Republican Conference’s package would help protect the police in our communities. Our brave officers are there for us every single day and lately they have been asked to do more while being publicly demeaned and scapegoated by many in public office. Now is the opportunity for everyone who says they support our police officers to stand up and take action to show they truly believe that blue lives matter. These men and women are our friends and neighbors and they deserve to know we appreciate all they do,” stated Mattera, the Republican, Conservative and Independence candidate for the 2nd Senate District.
“This law would have let officers know that their state supports them. It sends a clear message to all New Yorkers that public safety is still a priority. Instead, every single Senate Democrat, including my opponent, sat silently as their New York City-led conference, yet again, failed to support the police. It is a shame that those who were elected to represent Long Island are adhering to party lines and it is time for them to either speak up for our community or move aside. The Democrats Party unnecessarily endangers New Yorkers when they turn their backs on police.” added Smyth, the 5th Senate District’s Republican, Conservative, and Independence nominee.
In a press release announcing the package, Senate Republican Conference leader Rob Ortt was dismayed by the lack of Democratic support in the Senate: “Democrat silence on the violence towards police is unconscionable. Their vote today against protecting law enforcement who are assaulted on the job sends the wrong message. Republicans want the public to know that we will always protect those who protect us. Democrats have defied common sense by creating an environment where law enforcement is under attack and violence on residents is skyrocketing. We will continue to advance this important package of bills.”
-30-