Ramon Ramirez Baez, a former supporter and Democratic Party official, has accused Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) of neglecting her Queens constituency amid escalating crime on Roosevelt Avenue.

Once a pivotal figure in Ocasio-Cortez's political ascent, Ramirez Baez now expresses regret, claiming that the congresswoman's focus has shifted to national matters at the expense of pressing local issues, as Fox News reports.

Initial Support and High Hopes

In 2018, Ramirez Baez stood as a significant supporter of Ocasio-Cortez during her initial congressional race. As a former Democratic Party committee member, Baez played a crucial role in her campaign, notably by securing and funding a debate against long-term incumbent Joe Crowley. His support extended to connecting Ocasio-Cortez with local business owners to bolster her credibility and visibility.

During her campaign, Ocasio-Cortez made pledges to prioritize the needs of her community. Her promises seemed a stark contrast to Crowley's tenure, which she portrayed as disconnected after the then-lawmaker's ten terms in office. Ramirez Baez meticulously documented his financial contributions and efforts supporting her grassroots victory.

Following her electoral success, Baez anticipated that the community's specific challenges would be addressed under Ocasio-Cortez's leadership.

Claims of Abandonment and Rising Crime

Ramirez Baez now asserts that since Ocasio-Cortez assumed office, she has effectively vanished from the local scene. He accuses her of abandoning her constituents, pointing to a deteriorating situation along Roosevelt Avenue as evidence. This area reportedly faces escalating crime, including prostitution, robberies, and illegal vending activities, leading to descriptions of it resembling a red-light district.

The situation, according to Ramirez Baez, has worsened, with the avenue suffering from conditions likened to a Third World country. Reports have surfaced regarding the presence of suspected sex workers openly soliciting in the area, further exacerbating community concerns.

Ramirez Baez has criticized the congresswoman for failing to address the area's needs despite her promises of commitment and improvement.

Community Concerns and Criticisms

Community members have also voiced their dissatisfaction, pointing out Ocasio-Cortez's infrequent local engagement. They accuse her of neglect, highlighting the absence of town hall meetings and sparse community events. Notably, her local office shares its address with another politician’s office, reportedly remaining closed most of the time, further contributing to perceptions of inaccessibility.

In May 2023, a highly anticipated town hall meeting was marred by restricted access, leading to the exclusion of several constituents, including some from her own party. Such actions have led to criticisms about her availability and responsiveness to her constituents' pressing needs.

Despite her appearances at rallies supporting illegal vendors, Ocasio-Cortez has been criticized for not addressing the long-standing community issues directly.

Regret and Shift in Allegiance

Reflecting on his previous support, Ramirez Baez expressed regret, attributing his disillusionment to Ocasio-Cortez's perceived focus on national socialist policies over local affairs. Baez, a lifelong Democrat, has since shifted his political stance. He admits to voting for Donald Trump, seeing more value in law enforcement and safer streets for his community, a significant departure from his earlier support for Ocasio-Cortez.

In addition, Ramirez Baez has voiced disappointment over her stance on open borders and socialism, suggesting those policies have negatively impacted Roosevelt Avenue. The rise in illegal activities and exploitation in the area under her tenure prompted his changed allegiance and newfound advocacy for increased police presence.

Baez has since initiated "Let's Improve Roosevelt Ave," a group dedicated to addressing these issues, which has successfully advocated for deploying 200 police officers to the area.

Open Criticism and Public Appeals

In October 2023, Ramirez Baez took his grievances public, penning an open letter to Ocasio-Cortez apologizing to the community for his past support. He accused her of prioritizing her media presence over tangible improvements for her constituents.

The letter was an indictment of her focus on sustained national attention, while local issues remained unaddressed. Baez contended that Ocasio-Cortez's brand of socialism had not benefited the community as promised.

He cited the growing number of brothels near schools and houses of worship as evidence of her policies' failures and urged her to acknowledge the impact of her national focus on local realities.

Continued Advocacy and Community Response

Baez continues to advocate for more law enforcement presence and community support to restore order and safety to Roosevelt Avenue. He urges proactive measures to combat the deterioration, emphasizing the need for real solutions to make the community livable again.

The criticism leveled against Ocasio-Cortez has resonated with a segment of her constituents, who feel their voices have been marginalized. While she remains a prominent national figure, the consequences of perceived neglect continue to be felt by those she was elected to represent.

As the community grapples with these challenges, the debate over her effectiveness and priorities remains a contentious topic in Queens.