Last week saw the continuation of a consistent uptick in crime within the Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights communities this year. Much of the increase is property-related such as packages being stolen from front porches or apartment building lobbies, and two instances of dozens of cars having their tires slashed and sides “keyed.” The community on a whole has also seen a smaller increase in some violent crimes this past year. The pages of this newspaper have often reported on these assaults and robberies.
The local Democratic elected officials until recently downplayed the crime stats, arguing that people like me, despite the evidence, were looking to create fear for purposes of discrediting them. As a lifetime resident of the community, living in Dyker Heights, I like all residents do not want to worry that my tires will be slashed, my house broken into, or that I could be assaulted walking home from the 77th Street R stop after 10 p.m.
As it would happen, over the past six months there have been several daytime violent incidents outside the Conservative Party office at 78th Street and Fifth Avenue. One was witnessed and called in by our office staff.
Things will get worse after January 1 when a bail reform law introduced and supported by the new Democratic legislative majority in Albany goes into effect. This law essentially releases, with a bench appearance ticket, most non-violent and even some violent offenders. The car tire slashers would walk with a promise that they would return for trial. Good luck with that one.
Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, joining with Assembly candidate Michael Tannousis, held a press conference in front of the 68th Police Precinct outlining the emerging problem and its likely effect on crime, calling for the legislature to reverse the new law at a special December session. Tannousis until recently served as a prosecutor.
Republican District Leader Liam McCabe did the same.
The NYPD in the 68th Precinct has made a Herculean effort to address its growing crime problem. What they need now is more cops, What they also could use is a tougher Brooklyn prosecutor and fewer liberal Judges. Before January 1, they could also use the reversal of the cashless bail law which all Republicans and a few common-sense Democrats believe will add to our crime problems
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The Brooklyn Conservative Party, under the leadership of Fran Vella Marrone, had Norm Champ at the Wicked Monk to talk about his very recently released book (the day of her event, in fact) entitled “Mastering Money: How to Beat Debt, Build Wealth, and be Prepared for any Financial Crisis.” Mr. Champ is a former director at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Currently he is a partner at the global law firm Kirkland & Ellis.
The group enjoyed a concise, well-focused presentation on the best ways to manage money, particularly as you get older. Mr. Champ took a large number of thoughtful questions from the audience and then stayed around after the event to chat with the group.
Thank you Fran, the Brooklyn Party and Norm Champ for a fun and informative evening
May her memory be a blessing 
Has Gowanus Tunnel proposal been shafted – or postponed for years?