In the expanding field of candidates running to replace Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, a week after he announced he would not seek an eighth term in office, two of the front runners picked up significant endorsements for their campaigns.
City Councilman Rory Lancman announced he has the support of DC 1707, AFSCME, the union that represents 23,000 members in the child-care, home care, and social services professions. Throughout his career, Lancman has stood in solidarity with the men and women of the labor movement, and as district attorney he says he will ensure that crimes against working people are not tolerated in Queens.
“DC 1707 members endorse Rory Lancman to be our next Queens District Attorney because of his lifelong commitment to protecting workers’ safety and promoting their economic security,” DC 17-7 Executive Director Kim Medina said. “We want a fairer and more accountable criminal justice system, one that treats everyone humanely and focuses its resources on protecting working people’s wages, safety and homes. We know Rory Lancman can deliver on these issues as our next Queens District Attorney.”
Lancman was the first to announce his candidacy for Queens district attorney promising real criminal justice reform and an end to the New Jim Crow that overpolices and mass incarcerates communities of color, and an end to ignoring crimes against working people, women, immigrants, homeowners, and tenants.
“The men and women of DC 17-7 who staff many of our Head Start, daycare, and social services programs are crucial to the educational and human services infrastructure of New York City, and as District Attorney I will ensure that their rights are protected and their dignity is respected.”
Meanwhile, retired Judge Greg Lasak has secured the first law enforcement endorsement in the race, gaining the backing of the New York State Court Officers Association representing the men and women who protect the court systems across New York.
“Our membership has worked with Judge Lasak for the better part of four decades and we’ve found him to be a prosecutor and jurist of immense honor and integrity,” NYSCOA President Dennis Quirk said. “But above all, Judge Lasak is fair. He knows what it means to protect the rights of the accuser as well as the accused. And he is the only candidate in the race for district attorney who will be ready yo do the job from day one.”
After graduating Queens College and New York Law School, Lasak became an assistant district attorney and rose to the ranks of chief of the DA’s Homicide Bureau and executive assistant for Major Crimes. During his time in the office, he reopened wrongful conviction cases that led to nearly two dozen exonerations.
In 2003, Lasak was elected to the Supreme Court of Queens County and re-elected in 2017 before retiring last September to run for Brown’s office.
“I’m proud to have the support of the men and women of the New York State Court Officers Association. These professionals protect the daily operations of the justice department and for that I am forever grateful,” Lasak said. “The Court Officers Association understands the job of the District Attorney is a serious one that takes real experience. I am honored that they put their faith in me. I look forward to having them join me on the campaign trail as we push towards September.”
