The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) announced their official endorsement of acting-Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez for Brooklyn District Attorney at their Headquarters in downtown Brooklyn on Tuesday.
The acting DA was greeted by more than 30 teachers and educators including UFT President Michael Mulgrew, who praised Gonzalez for his leadership and commitment to youth education.
“Gonzalez is a seasoned leader who parents and teachers can count on. He worked to reverse wrongful convictions and helped develop programs to target the most dangerous offenders in Brooklyn to drive down violent crime, while still diverting low-level offenders – particularly young people – from the criminal justice system,” said Mulgrew.
However, Council Member and Brooklyn D.A. candidate Vincent Gentile, questioned the endorsement and pointed to Gonzalez’s past with former DA Charles Hynes.
“I’m surprised UFT endorsed a candidate affiliated with the checkered past of the Brooklyn DA’s Office and its history of nearly two dozen wrongful convictions,” said Gentile.
Gonzalez was a leading actor in the creation of the Conviction Review Unit, alongside the late Ken Thompson. Together they were able to overturn 22 wrongful convictions, while Gonzalez has gone on to vacate the sentence of John O’Hara just this past January.
O’Hara was convicted of voter fraud or “voting from the wrong address” 20 ago under the Hynes Administration. O’Hara a former attorney lost his license due to the conviction and was forced to pay a hefty fine and work community service hours.
Mulgrew went on to note that under Gonzalez’ leadership, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office partnered with the UFT to start an internship program connecting high school students with assistant district attorneys. The program offers students an intimate look at the criminal justice system to help them assess their study skills and aid them in successfully identifying and pursuing their career passions.
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the UFT. As your DA, I am committed to supporting the hard-working men and women of labor who provide opportunities for working families like mine. With the support of Mike Mulgrew and our city’s teachers, we will continue to keep Brooklyn safe, reduce incarceration rates, provide second chances for young adults, and ensure equal justice for all Brooklyn families,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was especially honored for the endorsement as a proud graduate of John Dewey High School and as both his wife and mother are long-time educational workers.
“I was the first person in my family to have gone to college. The teachers at John Dewey always pushed me to work my hardest, to believe in myself, aim for success and most importantly to always pursue the college dream. I want to acknowledge them and thank them for what they do everyday for the students in the school system and their commitment to their young people,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez also talked about his vision for the DA’s office that includes expanding the Immigration Unit to protect Brooklyn immigrants from getting deported unfairly and championing the Young Adult Court to help young men and women avoid the revolving door of arrest and incarceration.
“I absolutely support Gonzalez. One of the biggest reason’s I’m a supporter is the fact that he gives kids an opportunity to work and have a future, said District 19 UFT Representative Vicki Buccelato.
