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Finally, some real bipartisanship!
Republicans in New York’s state Senate like what they see in Democratic mayor-elect Eric Adams — and are extending an olive branch to the ex-NYPD captain in a bid to boost public safety, The Post has learned.
In a letter Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt (R-Lockport) congratulated Adams on his landslide victory and said he hoped to work with the former Brooklyn state senator “as partners at a time when this critical issue has come to a head, with troubling violent crime rates all across our state.”
“As you may know, my Senate Republican colleagues and I have been among the most vocal and consistent opponents of the misguided changes that have been made to New York’s criminal justice system over the past two years,” Ortt wrote.
“Our conference also feels strongly that a vibrant and safe New York City is critical to the success of our entire state.”
Citing recent Post reports, Ortt hailed Adams’ “defiance” of the threat of “riots” issued by Black Lives Matter leader Hawk Newsome over the incoming mayor’s plan to resume undercover anti-gun operations, as well as his call to roll back controversial bail-reform measures signed by since-disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019.
Ortt said those actions “suggest our shared desire to protect all New Yorkers” and said he would “welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss our shared efforts to restore common sense and public safety across our state.”
“The safety of New York’s residents should be our No. 1 priority as elected officials, which as a former law enforcement officer, I’m sure you understand,” he added.
In a statement, an Adams spokesman said, “Mayor-elect Adams appreciates the outreach and looks forward to working with the Senate and Assembly on an agenda that improves public safety, the economy and public health for all New Yorkers.”
Adams then let Hochul address the crowd, which heard her pledge “a whole new era of cooperation” after eight years of open hostility between Cuomo and outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio.
During a Monday morning news conference in Albany, Hochul was asked about potentially strengthening the state’s bail laws and went out of her way to give Adams a key seat at the table.
“We’ll work very closely with Eric Adams to make the changes, if necessary, and to, first of all, protect public safety, No. 1, but ensure that we have a system of true justice for all individuals, as well,” Hochul said.
— Additional reporting by Julia Marsh
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