Chairman Kassar’s weekly wrap up discusses NY’s progressive Parole Board, the NYC Council and Mayor turning backs on our NYPD, Marijuana legalization and our upcoming – May 26 – event in Tappan, NY.

Cop Killer Leading NY Police Reform

In 1981, Richard Rivera murdered off-duty officer and dad-of-four Robert Walsh. Now, Rivera sits on a panel in Ithaca and Thompkins County trusted to help create police reforms.

The program to “reimagine” police departments was formed at the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo and his New York Parole Board have been active in releasing cop killers from prison, demonstrating a clear lack of respect for police, the victim’s families and public safety.

You may have also read about the vicious attack that took place on West 43rd Street in Manhattan or have seen the disturbing video. Based on what we know to be the priority of the far-left liberals in the State Legislature and Governor’s mansion, I am sure it won’t surprise you to hear the attacker, Brandon Elliott, was on parole for the murder of his own mother in 2002.

Rehabilitated he is clearly not, as shown by his disgusting attack on a 65-year-old woman whose only crime was walking down the same sidewalk as him. Video shows Elliott punch her, kick her in the stomach, and then stomp on her head. An abhorrent scene made possible by a misguided parole board hellbent on releasing violent criminals back on to the streets of New York.

Now, another convicted cop killer, Paul Ford, is set to be paroled. Ford was one of three men convicted of the 1980 murder of Police Officer Harry Ryman.

For years I have had a personal interest and have written many letters in support of keeping Paul Ford behind bars.

Another man convicted of killing, Barrington Young, 62, was released last year and deported. The third convicted killer, Cornelius Bucknor, 59, has also been granted a parole hearing.

Unconscionably, 20 cop killers have been released from prison in New York since 2017. An unfathomable, concerning number and dangerous precedence.

NYC Council, Mayor Turn Back on Police Again

An already tough and dangerous job became more tough last week as the New York City Council voted to end qualified immunity for its officers.

Common sense and protections for those who risk their lives to protect us no longer exist in New York City. Mayor de Blasio and the City Council continue to kowtow to the left, bending at the knee to every demand from liberal activists, no matter the consequences and negative affects it will have on law abiding citizens.

“New Yorkers are getting shot, and police officers are on the streets day and night, trying to stop the bloodshed” said PBA President Pat Lynch.

There was a troubling increase in crime in 2020, specifically murders, shooting victims, and shooting incidents. In 2021, we are on pace to far surpass those unacceptable 2020 numbers.

Under no circumstance should we be working to promote criminals and those willing to cause harm and destruction while diminishing the role of the police and putting the men and women who protect our city at further risk.

Marijuana Legalized in New York State

To say New York is going to pot may be the understatement of the decade. Legislation to create the ‘New York Office of Cannabis Management’ sounds like a bad joke. If only it were funny.

Democrats in Albany, led by scandal-scarred Gov. Andrew Cuomo, know that legalizing recreational marijuana will come at significant human cost, but all they seem to care about is more tax revenue. Their indifference to human suffering is unconscionable.

Study after study has shown that marijuana use among teens — make no mistake about it, teen use will go up — can cause significant psychological damage and lead to use of even more dangerous drugs. We also know that traffic injuries and fatalities will increase because of stoned drivers on our roads, and a percentage of first-time marijuana users will become addicts.

We also know from other states that black-market drug sales actually increase after legalization, and those illicit drug pipelines often include counterfeit prescription pills and deadly narcotics like heroin and fentanyl. The cost of treating the addictions that will ensue from this legislation will likely cost far more than any revenue it would generate. Indeed, for every $1 of tax revenue in alcohol and tobacco tax revenues, society loses $10 in social costs according to SAM-Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

Mark Twain said the darnedest thing: “It’s easier to keep out of something than to get out of something.” He was, of course, right, and Twain’s advice is our advice to the New York State Legislature.

Keep out of the drug business. It will not end well.

Conservative Party Reception to Return May 26, 2021

We are excited to announce the return of our annual reception this spring which will be held in Tappan, NY, May 26th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at The Old ’76 House.

The ‘76 House, America’s oldest restaurant, is a three-hundred-year-old structure lovingly restored to pristine condition by the Norden Family. It is listed as a National Landmark and holds significant historic value. In fact, the original water painting of Benedict Arnold remains hung upside down. Just as George Washington left it.

We are expecting an exciting list of distinguished guests and honorees. We will be awarding our J. Daniel Mahoney Award, and Legislator of the Year Awards for 2020.

We are very much looking forward to gathering once again to visit with familiar faces and support the party.

Tickets for the event are $500 per person. More details are to follow in the coming week.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

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/ In CPNYS NEWS / By Gerard Kassar / Comments Off on Chairman Kassar’s weekly wrap up discusses NY’s progressive Parole Board, the NYC Council and Mayor turning backs on our NYPD, Marijuana legalization and our upcoming – May 26 – event in Tappan, NY.