From the Morning Memo:
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Tuesday is set to endorse Melinda Katz for Queens district attorney as she seeks the Democratic nomination in a crowded primary field next month.
In a statement, Adams praised Katz’s platform on criminal justice law changes as well as her record in office.
“Melinda Katz has used the Borough President’s office to make Queens safer and advance important criminal justice reforms throughout the Borough,” Adams said in a statement.
“She’s spearheaded warrant forgiveness and conviction sealing programs to give people a second chance. She put together an impressive Immigration Task Force to make sure immigrants throughout Queens could get legal representation and resources to stay safe. Most importantly, Melinda has forged deep relationships throughout Queens with community organizations and nonprofits that she’ll bring to the DA’s office to help accomplish her plans for reform. I’m proud to join the growing group of leaders supporting her.”
Adams is considered a potential Democratic candidate for mayor in 2021. His endorsement is the latest in a string of public elected officials, officeholders and labor groups that have backed Katz.
“Borough President Adams has spent his career speaking truth to power and using his position – first as a police officer, then as a State Senator, and now as the Borough President – to create meaningful change in our criminal justice system,” Katz said.
“He’s worked hard to improve police-community relations and knows how important it is for law enforcement officials to have built up credibility and trust in the communities they represent. I’m honored to have his endorsement and look forward to working with him on city-wide criminal justice reform measures.”