A Democrat official who assisted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in garnering support before her groundbreaking election victory has expressed disappointment, claiming that the congresswoman has neglected and 'betrayed' her constituents in a Queens neighborhood plagued by crime under her tenure. The area, particularly along Roosevelt Avenue, has been marred by issues such as open-air prostitution, robberies, and illicit street vending.
Residents have likened the conditions in the neighborhood to those found in Third World countries, with some drawing parallels to red-light districts in places like Bangkok. The unsanitary environment has attracted national attention due to the prevalence of illegal vendors selling unregulated goods on sidewalks.
The former Democrat Committeeman for the 39th Assembly District, who played a pivotal role in Ocasio-Cortez's initial campaign, lamented the decline in the quality of life in the area since her election in 2018. He highlighted her absence from the community, stating that she has failed to fulfill her promises of being an active presence for the people.
Concerns have been raised about Ocasio-Cortez's engagement with the community, with accusations that she has been inaccessible and unresponsive to local issues. Despite holding a town hall meeting in May 2023, critics argue that she has not adequately addressed the surge in crime, particularly related to prostitution, which has escalated since the event.
The official also expressed regret for supporting Ocasio-Cortez, citing ideological differences and accusing her of prioritizing socialist agendas over the well-being of her constituents. He criticized her stance on open-border policies, attributing the neighborhood's challenges to an influx of migrants engaging in illegal activities.
Efforts to address the issues on Roosevelt Avenue have been spearheaded by community activists, including the formation of a group advocating for increased police presence. Calls for support from Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive leaders have reportedly gone unanswered, further straining relations between the congresswoman and local advocates.
In a scathing open letter to Ocasio-Cortez, the official accused her of prioritizing media attention over addressing real community concerns. He highlighted the prevalence of brothels and criminal activities in the neighborhood, criticizing her advocacy for policies that he believes have exacerbated the situation.
The letter underscored a growing disillusionment with Ocasio-Cortez's leadership, with calls for her to acknowledge the failures in addressing critical issues affecting the community. As tensions escalate, residents and activists continue to push for meaningful action to combat crime and improve living conditions in the neighborhood.
