A day after former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton threw his endorsement behind his challenger, retired Judge George Grasso, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz added two more endorsements to the growing list of labor organizations backing his re-election campaign.
Police agencies led by Bratton were responsible for historic crime reductions in major cities across the country, including the NYPD, twice from 1994–1996 and 2014–2016.
Prior to joining the judiciary, Grasso spent more than three decades in the NYPD, rising from a beat cop in Queens to the executive level, where he became the first deputy police commissioner. It was Bratton who promoted Grasso to Deputy Inspector in 1995.
Bratton said, “Judge Grasso is one of the sharpest legal minds I have had the opportunity to work with in my law enforcement career.” “He has shined a light on the crime crisis in Queens and has the experience and knowledge to ensure the public safety New Yorkers deserve. As I witnessed firsthand, Judge Grasso had an impact on the transformation of New York City in the 1990s as he Was instrumental in developing the NYPD’s first quality of life approach, including a civilian enforcement plan.”
Bratton noted Grasso’s role on the bench during the pandemic while serving as an administrative judge of the Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term.
“It was Judge Grasso’s plan that successfully streamlined and cut the backlog of gun cases – a strategy implemented in every borough across the city that increased accountability for people charged with illegal gun possession. These are just some of the reasons why I am confident that his election as Queens District Attorney will have a very significant impact on public safety in Queens and throughout New York City.
Grasso retired from the bench in August to run for Queens district attorney, despite having two more years left in his term.
“I worked with Commissioner Bratton,” Grasso said. “He knows what needs to be done in Queens and what needs to be done to take our city back from violent criminals and felons. Quality-of-life crimes undermine every community and make us all vulnerable. Queens District As attorney, I will continue to call on Commissioner Bratton for his advice on doing what needs to be done to ensure people stay safe – not what hard leftists or career politicians want.
Asked for reaction, Katz campaign spokesman Tucker Green did not address the Bratton endorsement.
“DA Katz has earned the support of hundreds of thousands of real New Yorkers because he has worked really hard to dismantle gangs, take guns off the streets and address human trafficking, while strengthening our criminal justice system and helping families have helped preserve,” Green said.
Katz added support Tuesday from the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association.
“District Attorney Melinda Katz has done a fantastic job keeping Queens residents safe and ensuring that our members are safe at home and at work,” said Andrew Ansbrough, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. “Our members are proud to support DA Katz for the next four years in the District Attorney’s Office, and we look forward to helping him get back to doing what he does best – serving New York residents “
The Uniform Sanitationmen’s Association, Local 831, International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents their union’s more than 6,500 active and more than 9,000 retired members.
Harry Nespoli, president of Local 831, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said, “D.A. Katz’s continued efforts in support of labor throughout his career are greatly appreciated.” “Plus, his dedication to the needs of Queens is unparalleled.”
In recent weeks, Katz was endorsed by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), 32BJ SEIU, the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council, 1199SEIU, and several others.
“Members of the Uniformed Firefighters and Uniformed Cleaners keep our city moving. They are dedicated to our residents and work every day to improve their quality of life,” said Katz. “I am honored to have earned their endorsement and appreciate their efforts to keep Queens residents safe.” Excited to work together.”
