A few public figures post support for Nassau Police Commissioner (UPDATED)

                                                                            

Nassau Police Commissioner Pat Ryder

Maybe its because most Nassau county legislators and many Town board members are running for re-election this year.

But few public figures have independently posted their support for embattled Nassau Police Comissioner Patrick Ryder after a coalition of black and brown community groups and activists called for his resignation. 

In a story about police recruitment last month, Ryder made awkward comments to Newsday, essentially blaming broken homes in minority communities for youths' lack of interest in law enforcement -- comments that the activists consider offensive and racist. 

County Executive Laura Curran, who is also running for re-election in November, has supported her police commissioner in news reports as has the legislature's Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park.)

But at first, only  an odd couple of political opposites publicly announced their support online:

Anthony D'Esposito

Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D'Esposito, a Republican running for re-election this year who is on-leave from his job as a New York City police detective went first, posting support on Saturday evening.

"Pat Ryder has not only been an exceptional Commissioner - supporting his cops in some of the most turbulent of times, but he has worked tirelessly to create a partnership between community and police," D'Esposito wrote. "Commissioner Ryder is an excellent leader -- compassionate, caring and provides resources to deliver justice."

"We are fellow cops and even better friends, that aside, we are a better community thanks to Pat Ryder," D'Esposito concluded.

Then Bellmore Attorney Jeff Gold, an active Democrat who runs a 30,000 member Facebook page on how homeowners can successfully grieve their tax assessments, posted this morning.

Gold wrote today, " While this may upset some of you...I need to go on the record. I've known police commissioner Pat Ryder for more than 40 years. We went to high school together. He was my senior class president. (I voted for someone else.).

Jeff Gold

"He was not the most articulate, then or now, but I can state without hesitation that he is not a racist. He is dedicated and hard working, and has done a tremendous job keeping us safe.  I want Pat Ryder to continue as our Police commissioner. I'll sleep better at night," Gold wrote.

So far, Gold has received dozens of replies, mostly agreeing with him.

 

Nassau Legis. Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore), who was challenged by Gold in the past for his legislative seat, then posted.

"I support Pat Ryder and the men and women of the Nassau County police department," Rhoads wrote. "Commissioner Ryder's character and actions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to a police deaprtment that protects and serves ALL of Nassau County's residents."

He included the below photo.

Pat Ryder and Steve Rhoads

 

 

 

Legis. Laura Schaefer (R-Westbury) had not commented on Ryder by mid-day,  but a Franklin Square activist posted on her Facebook page that there is a rally planned today to  support Ryder at 6 p.m. outside the legislative building in Mineola.

Let's see what elected officials show up for the rally.

UPDATE: 

County Executive Laura Curran this afternoon put out her own statement in support of Ryder:

“I have full confidence in Commissioner Ryder’s leadership of the Police Department, and he will be staying in his position. Commissioner Ryder has championed the community policing model now being embraced nationwide as part of reform efforts. We will continue to focus on keeping Nassau safe while moving forward with police reform that builds trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, including implementation of body cameras by the end of the year and a new committee to help diversify the Department.”