Kate Murray earns endorsements from Nassau PBA, Detectives Association
Kate Murray at the County Republican gathering on May 6, 2015. Credit: Johnny Milano
The Nassau Police Benevolent Association and the Detectives Association have endorsed Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray for Nassau district attorney, citing the Republican's focus on combating the area's heroin epidemic.
The endorsements, which will be announced at a news conference Monday in Mineola, come six weeks before an expected Democratic primary between acting District Attorney Madeline Singas and former Manhattan prosecutor Michael Scotto.
PBA president James Carver's endorsement cited Murray's focus on the region's opioid scourge, which claimed the lives of 341 Long Islanders in 2014, records show.
"We are losing our youth and there has not been enough dedication to the problem from the DA's office," said Carver, whose union represents 5,000 active and retired officers.
Glenn Ciccone, president of the Detectives Association, said Murray is a "proven supporter of law enforcement" who will target drug dealers.
He criticized Singas for distributing palm cards that listed "police misconduct" as her top priority. "Her priorities are not in line with those of Nassau residents," Ciccone said.
The Superior Officers Association endorsed Murray last month. Together, the three police unions have contributed $4,700 to Murray's campaign.
Murray said the endorsements "underscore the importance of having a district attorney who can work cooperatively with law enforcement to make our county the safest municipality anywhere."
Singas' Democratic rival, Scotto, said in an email, "It tells you all you need to know about Madeline Singas' fitness for the office of District Attorney when the three groups whose members dealt with the Acting DA Singas on a daily basis for almost ten years have decided not to endorse her."
In response to the latest endorsements, Singas campaign spokesman Isaac Goldberg said: "We are surprised the PBA endorsed a candidate for DA who has never prosecuted a criminal case, has never been a law enforcement official and hasn't practiced law in 17 years."
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