Release: Progressive Challenger Jessica González-Rojas Blasts Incumbent Mike DenDekker for Taking Thousands in Law Enforcement Donations & Failing to Support Police Accountability Legislation

Jackson Heights, NY - Jessica González-Rojas, Democrat for State Assembly (34th District), released the following statement: 

“Assemblyman Michael DenDekker has failed our community. DenDekker has taken over $22,000 from law enforcement in campaign contributions in this election cycle alone and he refuses to back any legislation that would hold them accountable for misconduct. DenDekker will not stand up to the law enforcement forces that are funding his campaign. 

Like millions of people across our city and our country, I am heartbroken over the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. I also am furious about the NYPD’s reaction to those who have taken to the streets to demand justice. Tragically, this isn’t new. For too long, the NYPD has acted with impunity. And it’s time we must ask ourselves why our leaders are unable to hold them to account. In fact, we must ask ourselves why our state government has consistently prioritized funding law enforcement - while ignoring the crucial resources our communities need for education, healthcare, and transportation.

We must hold the police accountable for their actions. There are four police accountability bills under consideration right now in the State Assembly. Assemblyman DenDekker won’t sponsor any of these necessary legislative bills.

  • End Police Secrecy aka “Repeal 50a” (A2513) which would expose police misconduct 

  • Police Statistics & Transparency “STAT” Act (A05472) requires comprehensive public reporting of deaths in police custody

  • Special Prosecutor Legislation (A1601) authorizes the Attorney General to investigate all cases of police killings and deaths in police custody

  • Reduce Unnecessary Arrests for Non-criminal Offenses (A4053) would end harmful and needless arrests for violations on non-criminal, ticketable offenses. 

It is time for a change. We need leadership that is willing to confront police misconduct and fight for our community. There is so much work that needs to be done to repair the harm done to our communities. I am running for State Assembly to increase police accountability, advance bold criminal justice reform, and demand the funding our communities deserve.”

###