Adams Gives Bratton Thumbs Up
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams yesterday gave a vote of confidence to Police Commissioner William Bratton despite grumbling among some civic leaders in the African-American community that Bratton should be dismissed and that Mayor de Blasio is relying too much on the advice of Rev. Sharpton instead of sending administration and NYPD officials to meet with local clergy and leaders in neighborhoods where relationships with police are at their worst.
“I still support Bratton. He is the best police administrator in the country bar none, and for anybody to say he is not, they’re just being emotional. The reality is he understands policing and now to be matched with a mayor with a mandate to deal with police relations, I think you’ll see a lot of change,” said Adams.
Adams also dismissed criticism that de Blasio is relying too much on Sharpton to get a pulse on the black community.
“The mayor calls me all the time around policing issues. We talk often around policing issues. He’s not relying around one person because he’s not afraid to talk to Rev. Sharpton. (Former police commissioner) Kelly used to speak to Rev. Sharpton and so did Bloomberg,” said Adams.
Adams words were in sharp contrast to retired NYPD Sgt. Noel Leader, who with Adams co-founded the 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.
“Everyone has to acknowledge that in less than 12 months we have more turmoil and the city is as racially divisive as it was during Giuliani,” said Leader. “It’s a sad commentary on Mayor de Blasio. He’s doing a poor job as an administrator.
Leader said de Blasio’s mistake in his relations with police began with his appointment of Bratton the architect of the “broken window” theory of policing and stop-and-frisk tactics when he had the opportunity to appoint former police chiefs Rafael Pineiro or Philip Banks, both of whom resigned under Bratton.
“Now the blame stops at his (de Blasio’s) doorstep. He’s the mayor. There have been a number of horrific police killings under his administration. Now the unions are mad at him and the communities of color are mad at him,” said Leader.
Anthony Newerls, president of the 73rd Police Precinct Community Council in Brownsville said the people calling for violence are doing so because they want to be heard.
“The (de Blasio) administration needs to have more town hall meetings in the communities and stop thinking that just speaking to Rev. Sharpton is enough because maybe it’s not enough,” said Newerls, adding Bratton and top police brass have yet to visit with any precinct community councils in Brooklyn North.
Camara Says de Blasio Reps Not Needed At Town Hall Meeting
Assembly Member Karin Camara said he didn’t invite anyone from the de Blasio Administration to tonight’s Emergency Youth Town Hall meeting on Police Brutality because it’s a youth oriented event with only grassroots organizations.
Camara’s response came to questions on criticisms from some civic leaders in the African-American community that more direct outreach needs to be done within the de Blasio Administartion and the NYPD to shore up relations with the communities of color – including the youth – that they serve.
Camara is moderating the event, which encourages an open and frank discussion with panelists Kevin Powell, president of BK Nation; Khaair Morrison, Operations Director of V.O.Y.C.E.; and Shaina Harrison, Director of Youth Programming for New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. The discussion will be facilitated by Ife Charles of the Crown Heights Mediation Center.
The Emergency Youth Town Hall Meeting on Police Brutality is slated for 6:30 p.m., at St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Gillibrand Backs Relations With Cuba
U. S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday backed President Obama’s executive decision to renew diplomatic ties with Cuba after more than 50 years.
“While I have concerns about a prisoner convicted in a murder case being returned to Cuba, it is great news that after 5 long years Alan Gross is finally coming home. The embargo has not worked for the Cuban people, and the best antidote to the Castro regime is opening Cuba to America,” Gillibrand said.
Today’s Scheduled Events
12 p.m. – State Sen. Martin Golden joins the parents, friends and supporters of Pietro Joseph Scarso, a local 5-year-old boy fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, for a community pajama day, Stepping Stones – The Next Step, 9321 Ridge Blvd.
1 p.m. – Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and New York City Councilman Mark Treyger announce Coney Island New Year’s Eve ball drop, Steeplechase Pier, W. 16th St. and Boardwalk West.
6:30 p.m. – Assembly Member Karin Camara moderates Emergency Youth Town Hall Meeting, St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street
6:30 p.m. – Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce 2014 Winter Gala, El Caribe Country Club, 5945 Strickland Avenue
