A Democratic official who played a pivotal role in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's historic 2018 congressional victory has come forward with scathing criticism of her leadership.
According to Fox News, Ramon Ramirez Baez, a former Democrat committee member for the 39th Assembly District, claims that AOC has abandoned her constituents in Queens, where crime and open-air prostitution have become rampant under her watch.
The neighborhood along Roosevelt Avenue has transformed into what locals compare to a Third World country, with illegal vendors occupying sidewalks and migrant women openly soliciting sex. These conditions have sparked growing concern among community members and business owners who witness the daily deterioration of their once-thriving district.
Ramirez Baez revealed his instrumental role in AOC's initial campaign when she had merely $39,000 in campaign funds compared to incumbent Joe Crowley's $2 million. He introduced her to local business owners, particularly within the Dominican immigrant community, and even funded their debate venue, which proved crucial when Crowley failed to appear.
The former supporter expressed profound regret about his endorsement, stating he was unaware of AOC's socialist leanings at the time. He has documented all campaign expenses and interactions in his books about the congresswoman.
In a recent open letter to AOC, Ramirez Baez wrote about his disillusionment. Here's what he stated:
I remember you questioning the integrity of other politicians and their promises. My support and collaboration helped you secure your victory. I believed you would champion the best interests of our community, I was wrong.
The situation has escalated to such an extent that authorities recently deployed over 200 police officers and state troopers to patrol the troubled neighborhood. Ramirez Baez, who founded "Let's Improve Roosevelt Ave," has consistently called for increased police presence.
Community members report difficulty contacting AOC's office, which appears to operate by appointment only from the same location as City Councilwoman Tiffany Caban. According to Ramirez Baez, AOC's lone town hall meeting in May 2023 was heavily restricted, with entry denied to those deemed hostile to her positions.
Ramirez Baez expressed particular concern about AOC's stance on immigration and its impact on the community. He shared his frustrations about her priorities:
She goes all over the place, like a movie star, she goes to Texas, all over the place, but what about the community?
The area now reportedly hosts over 70 brothels operating near schools and places of worship. Recent surveillance has documented numerous suspected sex workers openly soliciting on sidewalks, with some locations continuing operations even after police raids.
Ramirez Baez, despite maintaining his Democratic Party membership, has shifted his support away from AOC's policies. He advocates for stricter law enforcement and regulation of illegal activities plaguing the district.
Local authorities have begun implementing enhanced security measures, though community leaders argue these efforts come too late after years of neglect. The situation continues to challenge law enforcement and community organizations working to restore order to the neighborhood.
Ramon Ramirez Baez, once a crucial supporter in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's rise to Congress, has emerged as a vocal critic of her leadership in Queens' 39th Assembly District. His testimony reveals the deteriorating conditions along Roosevelt Avenue, where open-air prostitution, illegal vending, and general lawlessness have become commonplace. The community now faces a critical juncture as local authorities attempt to address these issues through increased police presence and enforcement measures.
