Ron Kim and John Liu praised for supporting NYC squatters
Kudos are deserved by state Senator John Liu and Assemblyman Ron Kim for their stance on squatters. You can read more about their views here.
However, can the people of New York fully trust them?
Both Democrats from Queens have introduced bills to legally define squatters as individuals who enter properties without the owners’ permission and to ensure that the rights of tenancy in New York City do not apply to such individuals after 30 days of possession.
This decision follows a series of high-profile incidents in Queens where criminals unlawfully took over properties and even began subletting them, leading to rightful owners facing legal battles and arrests when trying to reclaim their properties, as seen in the case of Adele Andaloro in March.
Their efforts align with other bills addressing the issue, including a comprehensive package from State Senator Mario Mattera that aims to criminalize squatters and provide a faster process for homeowners to remove them without court involvement.
This approach is essential in addressing the issue effectively.
While Kim and Liu have made strong statements rhetorically, it is important to note that they have different political backgrounds. Kim, who previously supported police defunding in 2020 but has since changed his stance, while Liu has faced criticism for his ties to the teachers’ union and his approach to public school matters.
Despite their differences, both lawmakers are calling for stricter measures to protect homeowners from squatters, urging their Democratic colleagues to support their bill or a similar one proposed by Mattera.
It remains uncertain whether progressive lawmakers will join this initiative for common-sense solutions regarding squatters, just as some have resisted modest criminal justice reforms to combat issues like serial shoplifting and protect retail workers.
Ultimately, it’s essential for New Yorkers to consider rejecting radical ideologies and supporting lawmakers who prioritize practical solutions for the betterment of their communities.
