My official response to recent stories.

I stepped forward six months ago to throw down the gauntlet and end the inequities I saw for far too long in the justice system. I want to bring an end to the two unequal systems of justice in Albany County: one for the wealthy and well-connected, and one for everyone else — working class and Black and Brown people who this system has over-criminalized for centuries. Each day during this campaign, I have given my all because I truly believe we can have a justice system that works for everyone — based in compassion, and not over-punishment.

I now find myself in the middle of a nationwide movement demanding the systemic change I ran on. I have marched alongside thousands of people, and we have forcefully declared Black lives matter. We will no longer accept police brutality, mass incarceration, or systemic racism. We must reform the justice system now. I am committed in this moment to play my role as a vehicle for the change people have been demanding for far too long. The vision you and I share has the momentum.

Now, because my opponent is losing on the issues, he has resorted to lobbing personal attacks at me in the final week of this campaign. I refuse to go low and comment on his personal indiscretions.

Rather, he is distracting from his professional failures:

My opponent is not a leader and cannot lead in this moment. He cannot march with the people demanding change because he is part of the problem.

He can’t win on the issues, so he’s trying to cast doubt on me as a person. But this movement isn’t about one person — it’s about delivering the long overdue change our community is demanding. Over 4,500 people have supported me financially to bring that change. A presidential candidate, local respected elected officials, progressive organizations and you have all supported me. I will not let you down.

My commitment to you is that I will continue to work day and night for you, with you, and in service to you, to find solutions to the problems facing this community. Convictions and punishments are inadequate solutions. Shifting resources to address poverty, mental health and substance abuse as public health issues is the path forward. Building broad, deep and long lasting community relationships will keep us more safe.

This election is our chance to say that centuries of a racist, broken criminal justice system that has only served the privileged must be fixed. We have the power to fundamentally redefine justice in Albany County.

With just 6 days left until Primary Day, I’m asking that you take any spare time or energy you have and talk to other voters about the vision that we share. It is time for a new day in Albany County.

In solidarity,

Matt Toporowski

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