And she stands by modest changes included in this year’s $220 billion state budget to strengthen bail restrictions and tighten rules for repeat offenders.
Mr. Suozzi, again, criticized the governor for not going further at a time of increased fear of crime in New York City, by allowing judges to consider the “level of danger.” of a defendant when deciding on bail. He made it clear that his administration would prioritize fighting crime and cutting taxes, and offered his experience as a former Nassau County executive to actually implement the changes.
“The governor said she cares about crime, she wants to solve crime, but she did nothing to fix bail reform,” he said Tuesday night.
But Mrs. Hochul did not give in.
“What we’re giving the judges better is that this vague term can sometimes be subjective and used against an individual because of the color of their skin,” she said.
The focus on crime and changes to state bail laws serve as a preview of topics likely to be raised in next week’s Republican debate with four candidates. Principal: Representatives Lee Zeldin, Andrew Giuliani, Harry Wilson and Rob Astorino.
But amid the personal controversies on Tuesday night, there was a stark difference in policy vision, especially between Mr. Williams, 46, a progressive New York City with activist roots, and more moderate Democrats with suburban roots like Mrs. Hochul, 63, and Mr. Suozzi, 59.
Drawing on his personal experiences, including Tourette’s syndrome, Mr Williams said his administration would prioritize holistic approaches to housing, gun violence, mental health, transportation and marijuana policy in communities, which he argues has long been ignored. He sought to contrast his political background and vision with that of Hochul, whom he blamed for investing in grants like Buffalo Stadium that benefit suburban or New Yorkers. White skin.
