Gov pushes overhaul of the justice system
public safety with a more fair approach,” Vance said. “To those who are doubters, I just have to say I’m a district attorney in a very complex criminal justice environment. I wouldn’t support anything that I thought wasn’t going to ultimately enhance the safety of my community.”
Soffiyah Elijah, executive director of the Alliance of Families for Justice, said she hoped to finally see action on the “raise the age” campaign this year.
“My hope is that this will be the year,” she said. “There’s only two states left in the country that automatically prosecute 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, and we need to get in step.”
City Councilman Jumaane Williams sounded a more skeptical note, saying the governor’s proposals are good ideas but his track record does not match up with his words.
“After the election, everyone is doing their best to show how far to the left of the Presidentelect they are. I’m glad people are talking about it now. I wish people had shown the same interest before,” he said.
Williams (D-Brooklyn) said he wouldn’t be convinced until he saw proposals actually take effect. “Action is what I’d like to see. The words themselves don’t help the people affected, but the actions do,” he said.
Cuomo, who has been burnishing his progressive credentials on multiple fronts in preparation for what some observers think is a likely 2020 run for President against Donald Trump, on Sunday dismissed the chatter.
“I’m running for reelection as governor in 2018. I hope that I am blessed by the people of this state with a chance to continue to serve,” Cuomo told John Catsimatidis on “The Cats Roundtable” radio program on AM 970.
“So, that’s the only plan that I have now, but the rumor is flattering, even if not true.”