A former ally of Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accuses her of forsaking her Queens, New York, constituents amid escalating crime and worsening living conditions.

Ramon Ramirez Baez, once a key supporter of Ocasio-Cortez, now voices strong criticism of her lack of engagement with the Queens community she was elected to serve, as Fox News reports.

In 2018, Ocasio-Cortez secured a historic congressional victory by defeating Joe Crowley, becoming the youngest woman elected to Congress.

She was supported by many local activists, including Baez, a former Democrat committee member, who was instrumental in her campaign.

Former Supporter Reflects on Ocasio-Cortez's Rise

Baez helped introduce Ocasio-Cortez to significant community figures and funded a pivotal debate venue, which her opponent Crowley did not attend. His support was crucial to her initial political success.

Despite these efforts, Baez now expresses regret, particularly after observing her focus shift predominantly towards a national and socialist agenda, neglecting the immediate needs of her local constituents.

Increasing Discontent Among Queens Residents

Residents of the Queens neighborhood, particularly along Roosevelt Avenue, now liken the area to a third-world country or a Bangkok red-light district due to its unsanitary conditions, illegal vending, and prevalent crimes like open-air prostitution and robberies.

This deterioration has been met with silence from Ocasio-Cortez, according to Baez, who claims that her office in Queens is scarcely accessible and operates strictly by appointment, sharing space with NYC Councilwoman Tiffany Caban.

Community Initiatives and Ocasio-Cortez's Absence

Ocasio-Cortez held a town hall in May 2023, but such events have been rare.

Baez founded the "Let's Improve Roosevelt Ave" initiative, advocating for increased police presence, a move eventually realized by local government, yet without direct support from Ocasio-Cortez.

His frustration is palpable in his communications, including an open letter where he chastises Ocasio-Cortez for her inattention to local issues and her perceived abandonment of the community.

Critic Blames Ocasio-Cortez for Community Struggles

"We never saw that lady, never, she disappeared," Baez stated, indicating her absence has been felt strongly within the community. "She [didn’t] do anything for the community, nothing, nothing," he added, highlighting a stark absence of engagement from her side.

According to Baez, Ocasio-Cortez's lack of visibility is compounded by her national political activities and her vocal support for socialist policies, which he believes are not beneficial for the American people or the Queens community.

Socialism and Community Decline

Baez criticizes Ocasio-Cortez for her staunch socialist stance, claiming it has contributed to the decline of the neighborhood. He recalls her advocacy for open borders and blames such policies for exacerbating local issues.

"The Democrats opened the border, and a lot of people that nobody knows have come," Baez explained, linking these policies directly to the increase in local community problems.

Disillusionment and Call to Action

In his open letter, Baez reflects on his initial support for Ocasio-Cortez, expressing disappointment in her subsequent political focus.

"Watching your career unfold, I saw you more focused on staying in the spotlight and getting media attention than on real issues facing your constituents," he wrote.

He urges Ocasio-Cortez to reevaluate her priorities and return her focus to the Queens community that once supported her ascent to Congress. "Take a look at Roosevelt Avenue, breathe our air and see your failures," he implores.