Rollins, Maloney fight to finish
Democrat Rachael Rollins and Independent Michael Maloney drew voters out last night as they closed their campaigns for Suffolk County District Attorney.
Rollins, who hinged her campaign on obtaining justice for victims and ending race-based disparities in the community, told the Herald she plans to have a “really diverse transition team.”
“Some of the first things I’m going to be implementing is working on ending mass incarceration in the race- and wealth-based disparities that are in our system. Having the office more appropriately reflect the community that it’s duty-bound to serve,” said Rollins.
Maloney focused on juvenile diversionary programs and advocated for treatment over incarceration in the community. The two candidates clashed during the course of the campaign.
“I want money going to the violent crimes that are happening in Suffolk County and making sure that we are mending relationships with communities ... there’s tension between them and the police,” said Rollins.
Maloney criticized Rollins for her “do not prosecute” list that outlined 15 crimes, including drug dealing and shoplifting, that she will not touch as district attorney. Rollins defended her list, often pointing to crimes that “clog the system,” as previously reported in the Herald.
Maloney clung to his independent platform, and said he was often left out of debates and open forums for not taking a Republican or Democrat stance for his campaign.
Rollins, who racked up nearly 100 endorsements during her campaign, touted a “great relationship” with leaders in Suffolk County as well as police. Rollins frequently campaigned alongside fellow Democrats Ayanna Pressley and Elizabeth Warren.