The Democratic candidate running against Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has criticized the U.S. cash bail system in recently unearthed social media posts, asserting that it contributes to “racial inequality.”
Seth Koslow, a lawmaker in Nassau, stated on Facebook on March 30, 2021, that “America’s cash bail system criminalizes poverty and exacerbates racial inequality.” This was noted two years after the New York state Legislature and then-Governor Andrew Cuomo enacted a controversial law that abolished cash bail for numerous offenses.
On December 3, 2019, in response to an ACLU article regarding the prison industrial complex, he also shared a post on Facebook indicating that “ending mass incarceration will require adjustments to hundreds of laws and practices across all states.”
The aforementioned posts have been removed from Koslow’s social media page.
Koslow is challenging Blakeman, a Republican, in the upcoming November election, where the topics of bail reform and public safety have become significant points of contention in the heated race.
Blakeman, seeking re-election, has seized the opportunity to criticize his opponent.
A representative for Blakeman remarked, “Seth Koslow is a pro-criminal candidate who champions cashless bail and aims to undermine protections for women who have been victimized, even suggesting that women fantasize about being raped,” alluding to previous comments made by Koslow regarding alleged victims potentially fabricating or fantasizing about rape, as reported by The Post.
“Crime has risen under Blakeman’s watch,” Koslow stated. “As a former prosecutor, I am dedicated to public safety. I support law enforcement and believe criminal activity must be met with consequences.”
“Bruce Blakeman is a deceiver. He knows how to deliver catchy phrases, but he is merely another entrenched politician who is draining Nassau’s resources and jeopardizing our safety,” he added.
