Ulrich backs Richards in response to police union’s scathing mailer

A police union ripped Councilmember Donovan Richards in a letter to Queens residents, prompting a response from Councilmember Eric Ulrich. Eagle photo by Rachel Vick.

By Victoria Merlino

Councilmember Eric Ulrich came to the defense of fellow Queens lawmaker Donovan Richards on Tuesday, a few days after the city’s police union ripped Richards for “failing” his constituents in a mailer to Queens residents.

Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch mailed the missive after Richards said the NYPD should fire officer Daniel Pantaleo. Richards has said the PBA and the NYPD aren’t hard enough on officers who abuse civilians. Pantaleo was caught on video using a banned chokehold on Eric Garner, an African American man, that resulted in Garner’s death in 2014.

“I know [Richards] well.” tweeted Ulrich, the only Republican lawmaker in Queens. “I don’t always agree with him on every issue but when it comes to public safety and police matters he’s tough, but fair. I’m disappointed to see [the Police Benevolent Association] waste union dues attacking him.”

Richards is the chair of the City Council's Committee on Public Safety, a role in which he works closely with law enforcement. 

Councilmember Eric Ulrich told the PBA to back off Richards. Photo via Ulrich’s Office.

In his letter, Lynch called Richards a “career politician” who doesn’t pay attention to his Southeast Queens constituents, instead looking for votes in Astoria and Long Island City. 

“Sorry PAT if you think black men getting killed is politics. Unfortunately, it’s a reality for us in my neighborhood,” Richards fired back in a tweet.  “I heard you were from Queens, but that can’t be true, because we don’t hide behind keyboards, letters, and stamps here.”

In a comment to the New York Post, Richards, a likely candidate for Queens Borough President, said that he had wished Lynch had picked up the phone and discussed his grievances before firing off a letter. 

“We don’t agree on all things, as most people don’t,” Richards told the Post. “But it’s always been a relationship of respect.”

Richards and Lynch both attended a victory party hosted by Melinda Katz after she was announced the winner of the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney earlier this month. They did not interact at the event, a person familiar with the two Queens leaders said. 

Others on the City Council have also come to Richards’ defense, including Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Bronx Councilmember Vanessa Gibson.