Yonkers Insider: Democrat Mimi Rocah Calls on Tony Scarpino to End Conflict of Interest; Donate Campaign Cash from Police Unions to Bail Funds for Protesters.

***PRESS RELEASE***
 

Democrat Mimi Rocah Calls on Tony Scarpino to End Conflict of Interest; Donate Campaign Cash from Police Unions to Bail Funds for Protesters.

WESTCHESTER, NY - Mimi Rocah, the 16-year federal prosecutor running for Westchester County District Attorney, today called on incumbent DA Tony Scarpino to join her in rejecting contributions from police unions, which create a clear conflict of interest for a DA, and urged him to instead follow the lead of progressive elected officials who are donating past police contributions to bail funds for those protesting the murder of George Floyd.

“Since I launched my campaign, I have pledged to not accept campaign contributions from police unions or anyone that poses an obvious conflict of interest, including elected officials and defense attorneys with cases before the office I will lead. Meanwhile my opponent has steadfastly refused to accept such limitations,” said Rocah. “In this moment, true progressive leaders are recognizing why this is the right decision and donating past contributions to bail funds for protesters who are demanding justice for George Floyd. But not Tony Scarpino.”

“Now, with very serious questions about Mr. Scarpino’s alleged mishandling of an investigation into a potential pattern of police corruption in Mt. Vernon, it is more important than ever that he do the right thing and donate these funds to worthy organizations. The DA must be able to investigate police and politicians under their jurisdiction without any perception of undue influence,” she added.

According to Board of Elections reports, Scarpino has collected $10,300 from a number of different police unions in his races for District Attorney, a practice rejected by progressive leaders. With protests against police violence engulfing the nation, many elected officials are donating the funds rather than using them in their campaigns. 

“Look, Scarpino has taken money from Jeff Klein and from the Conservative Party, and lots of donations from Trump supporters; that’s his call. But this money from police unions is different. It presents a real conflict of interest if we expect DAs to hold police officers accountable when they are guilty of misconduct, and if we expect the public to have any faith in the decisions of the DA,” said Rocah. “He needs to donate that money to bail funds, and he should do it now.” 

www.MimiRocahforDA.com