On June 1, 2020, just as BLM riots, with protests attended by many politicians, were wreaking havoc all over New York City, then-city council candidate Brian Cunningham signed onto a letter to Defund the NYPD and significantly reduce the New York Police Department’s budget.

Cunningham later dropped out of the city council race and suspended his campaign. Two years later, he ran for State Assembly in an ultra-low turnout ‘special election’ and won with the votes of the Lubavitcher community. However, Cunningham has never rescinded the letter he signed to defund the NYPD.

Also signing onto that letter was current Crown Heights South councilwoman Rita Joseph, who was then a Candidate for City Council District 40 (Brooklyn): “I’m proud to stand with future leaders of our city in demanding we defund & de-militarize the NYPD. The disgusting behavior by NYPD officers not just in the last few days but for many years now have driven us to this point. Enough is enough.”

Former candidate for city council and current Crown Heights District Leader Anthony Beckford joined in on the harsh letter as well. Beckford, a DSA Anti-Israel socialist, along with the current female district leader representing our neighborhood, is being challenged by moderate common-sense State Committee Members, male district leader candidate Akel Williams, and female district leader candidate Nakisha Evans, both of whom are proudly supported by the Crown Heights Jewish community, and anash are urged to vote for both Mr. Williams and Ms. Evans.

Notably, even Crown Heights Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, who has been one of the harshest critics of the NYPD over the years, did not sign this controversial letter.

In a statement Assembly candidate Ahron Gluck, a member of the Shchunah who is challenging Cunningham for his seat stated: “I will work with the NYPD Leadership, support and fund them with the proper resources to try to permanently increase police officers assigned to the 71st Pct, 77th Pct and 67 Pct, the three police precincts which patrol the streets in the 43rd NYS Assembly district of Crown Heights and East Flatbush.”

“I am thankful for the recent increased police presence in the neighborhood during Shavous, and if elected, my office will work with the NYPD to make it as permanent as possible,” Gluck concluded.

For Crown Heights and East Flatbush residents to vote for a member of anash, NYS Assembly candidate Ahron Gluck, and Members of the State Committee candidates Akel K. Williams and Nakisha O. Evans in next week’s Democratic primary election, you must be registered to vote as a Democrat:
https://e-register.vote.nyc/