Response to Janet Defiore and the Mt. Vernon Democratic Committee

In response to the statement and press conference by Janet Defiore and the so-called Mt. Vernon Democrat supporters on the recent mailing of a flyer that had myself and Tony Castro candidate for District Attorney. It is amazing that Janet Defiore and her supporters would jump to conclusions so fast. No one asked me if I was responsible for sending this mailing out. I was asked to give a statement by Mr. Zherka, which I did, in support of Castro. That is all! The P.O. Box address is registered in Mr. Zherka’s name. We must wonder, is this the same form of research used by Janet Defiore to prosecute cases? No wonder Naimah Yancy, Dara Massey, Primivita Diaz, Irma Marquez, and Lance Cooper were all falsely prosecuted by Janet Defiore’s office. This is the same Democratic Party City Committee that did not know how to legally and properly submit petitions. So, it is no wonder they would falsely accuse me of doing something I did not do without properly finding out the facts.

Now that an attack has been made by Janet Defiore and these so-called Mt. Vernon Committee leaders on my character; without doing proper research of the facts; it is incumbent that I respond with Actual Facts.

The District Attorney’s office must be held accountable in failing to prosecute shootings and attempted murder cases. Those actions allow these offenders to walk the streets of Mount Vernon unchecked, often times holding the community hostage and paralyzed by fear. It is only a matter of time before they commit another murder, which is often in these same poor, immigrant and disadvantaged communities throughout Westchester. The District Attorney’s office refuses to prosecute, even when they have witnesses or compelling evidence. If these same shootings, as well as drug and violent crimes occurred in Rye and or Scarsdale, the District Attorney’s office would most certainly prosecute. SO WHY ARE THEY SUPPORTING HER?

The “sweep under the rug technique” used by Westchester politicians and the DA’s office was a disservice to the Ridley Family, the four County Police Officers, ALL Mt. Vernon Police Officers and the Mt. Vernon Community. I will never forget the Detective Ridley tragedy and by no means will I ever use it for any political gain, because I am not a politician. I have supported the Ridley family from the beginning. I have stood with Stan Ridley when he announced his lawsuit against the county and Janet Defiore when none of these so-called Democratic community leaders would. Where were these so-called community leaders and supporters, then? I have supported the Ridley family from the beginning and will support them to the end. The question is, can these so-called community leaders say the same?

I have given service to the community of Mt. Vernon for over a decade. I was president of the Universal Community Development Corp. I was a member of Ujima Million Man March organization. I even worked on the plans for the Hip-hop Museum under former Mayor Davis. My son was born and lives in Mt. Vernon. I have been consistent in fighting for Human and Civil Rights violations of people of all colors. If there is an interloper around, it is these so-called leaders of the Democratic committee of Mt. Vernon. They interlope on the community’s Freedom of Thought, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Action.It is time for Revolutionary thinking in how the people of Mt. Vernon handle Politics, Policies and Procedures that affect our everyday life. Begin the change now!

Damon K. Jones