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"Todd Kaminksy is running on a record. The Democratic candidate for district attorney in Nassau County is a former federal prosecutor who’s been a member of the state legislature since 2015, first in the assembly, then as a senator who, in 2016, replaced the long-time state Republican figurehead, Dean Skelos.
But it’s his record on recent changes to the state’s bail laws that’s now posing a challenge as he vies for the job as top prosecutor. And as next week’s vote approaches, Kaminsky and many other Democrats are feeling pressure to pivot away from issues like criminal justice reform, which have become a priority for more progressive members of the party since the murder of George Floyd."
The bail reform law had a terrible rollout. It was rushed into the budget and nobody understood it, particularly the judges who needed to implement it.
It should have been voted on as its own legislation. And it should have been accompanied by real Speedy Trial reform. Get these people on trial ASAP after an arrest, not after 18 months of legal maneuvering for what amounts to a violation subject to a $500 fine. Half or more of those cases could probably go on trial within a week of arrest with the same result or plea reached. Clear the calendar for bigger cases.
Part of the Discovery changes were meant to cause prosecutors to be ready to actually do something with these cases at the outset. Instead, I've seen legal wrangling at the District Court level. Town attorneys simply refuse to arraign a case until they are ready to plea it out, resulting in cases still being on the docket for a year (particularly in building violations). Certainly not the intent of the law.
I couldn't believe Newsday endorsed his opponent, Anne Donnelly. Never thought I'd live to see that rag do such a thing. I have no horse in this race anymore, but hopefully she prevails. I don't have that much faith in the people of NC though.
I couldn't believe Newsday endorsed his opponent, Anne Donnelly. Never thought I'd live to see that rag do such a thing. I have no horse in this race anymore, but hopefully she prevails. I don't have that much faith in the people of NC though.
That did surprise me as well. I do wonder how hard the local Republicans are campaigning in general this year. Like many, it almost seems like each party is running bland, uninteresting, no name candidates for the important contested races. Like there is a deal in place not to upset the apple cart and each side keeps some spoils.
I also wonder if the end game would work out better for the Republicans if Kaminsky wins DA. It's not really a significant spot in the politic pecking order, and would just amount to a pedestal from which to get exposure for his next step. Him being out of the Senate makes that spot vulnerable; I doubt he loses that race as an incumbent.
That did surprise me as well. I do wonder how hard the local Republicans are campaigning in general this year. Like many, it almost seems like each party is running bland, uninteresting, no name candidates for the important contested races. Like there is a deal in place not to upset the apple cart and each side keeps some spoils.
I also wonder if the end game would work out better for the Republicans if Kaminsky wins DA. It's not really a significant spot in the politic pecking order, and would just amount to a pedestal from which to get exposure for his next step. Him being out of the Senate makes that spot vulnerable; I doubt he loses that race as an incumbent.
Blakeman isn't exactly a no name. He has been around Nassau County politics for almost 30 years. He is on the Hempstead Town Board, ran for Congress, and was Presiding Officer of the Nassau Legislature during portions of Gullotta's time in office. Outside of the DA race, the countywide races seem to be heavily about Reassessment (and perhaps going back to Mangano era reassessment)
Regarding Kaminsky's State Senate seat, I really do not see this as bein a good pickup opportunity for the GOP. Perhaps in a Special Election when turnout is unpredictable and often low, but doubtful after that. Keep in mind the new Independent redistricting. While arguments can be made on how Independent it actually is, it is important to note the area itself is Democratic leaning and the current lines were drawn by the GOP State Senate when Skelos himself was Majority Leader. I highly doubt any district drawn in the area, regardless of how Independent or not the new redistricting process is, will wind up with a more friendly GOP district or even equal to the one drawn for himself when Skelos was in charge of the process.
Blakeman isn't exactly a no name. He has been around Nassau County politics for almost 30 years. He is on the Hempstead Town Board, ran for Congress, and was Presiding Officer of the Nassau Legislature during portions of Gullotta's time in office.
Since his stint on the county legislature, he's been the party's designated loser. Throwing his hat in the ring for several races they had no expectations of winning. He is s competent fundraiser, though, which is why he keeps getting run out there. TOH council is as close to a lock as a seat can be in Nassau County.
My bet is that now that the GOP control the Nassau legislature AND the County exec seat, they will attempt to get rid of NIFA. After that they will slash property tax, which will put the county back in to a financial/fiscal hole and kill the county credit rating. It is their standard MO.
My bet is that now that the GOP control the Nassau legislature AND the County exec seat, they will attempt to get rid of NIFA. After that they will slash property tax, which will put the county back in to a financial/fiscal hole and kill the county credit rating. It is their standard MO.
I wouldn't be surprised, but I don't really care. People voted for Joe Biden because they viewed Trump as some sort of existential threat after a 5-year media hit job. Less than a year later Biden & Co. have utterly destroyed the Democratic brand in any place that doesn't have an overwhelming blue majority based on actual, measurable incompetence and avarice toward the middle and working class.
We're beyond caring about property taxes at this point - neither party can do anything about that short of amending the state Constitution. Democrats are toxic, their policies are toxic, and their staffers are toxic. Anything to keep them away from the levers of power is just fine in my book.
I mean, really, imagine giving a horse's petute about "debt" when the country is on the verge of collapse.
We're beyond caring about property taxes at this point - neither party can do anything about that short of amending the state Constitution. Democrats are toxic, their policies are toxic, and their staffers are toxic. Anything to keep them away from the levers of power is just fine in my book.
Does nobody remember that the previous county executive, a republican, was tried and convicted on corruption charges? If you think toxicity is limited to one side, you're part of the problem.
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