BY MOSHE HILL COMMUNITY CORNER SEPTEMBER 04 2024
With all eyes looking at the results of the Presidential election, voters can serve themselves far more by focusing on local candidates that can ease their day-to-day burdens. As the race for New York’s Assembly District 25 heats up into a strong race for a change in how Albany governs, Kenneth Paek emerges as a compelling candidate, drawing on his extensive background in law enforcement and his deep-rooted commitment to community safety.
Originally from South Korea, Paek moved to the United States at the age of 12, growing up in New Jersey with aspirations of becoming a police officer. “You couldn’t just google search back then,” Paek said, “so the best way to learn what you needed to become a police officer was by talking to police officers. Half of them said a degree in the field, the other half said military service. So I did both.”
His journey into law enforcement led him to John Jay College, where he earned a degree in police science before serving four years in the Navy. After a decade as a detective in the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit, he has firsthand experience with the challenges facing our city today.
Paek’s candidacy is fueled by his concerns over rising crime rates, particularly since the introduction of the bail reform laws in 2019. “It’s recidivism,” he argues, pointing to the revolving door of offenders who are arrested only to be released hours later. “As a former detective, I saw it happen every day. The same individuals are back on the streets, endangering innocent lives.”
He believes that a return to stricter bail policies is crucial. “Before the bail reform, criminals actually thought twice before committing crimes,” Paek states. He aims to rally support in the legislature to amend these laws, emphasizing that public safety must take precedence over lenient regulations.
When asked about the claims that crime is down, Paek argues that it’s “smoke and mirrors.” Non-violent felonies are being categorized downward as misdemeanors, and misdemeanors are merely desk appearances now. “New York State Criminal penal law is softer than a cheesecake,” Paek quipped. “Criminals know how to deal with the law.”
Paek’s commitment to community extends beyond crime prevention. He expresses concern for local businesses, stating that they are “squeezed at every turn for taxes” and lack adequate protections. His vision includes ensuring that small business owners feel safe in their neighborhoods, where “one store can mean many lives depending on it.”
His platform also addresses the need for a more stringent approach to hate crimes, advocating for harsher penalties. With his Korean-American heritage, Paek sees the importance of fostering unity within diverse communities. “Koreans look up to the Jewish community. We have similar family-oriented values,” he explains, highlighting his efforts to bridge cultural divides.
Furthermore, he is critical of the city’s handling of public resources. Paek points to a local library that has been closed for two years while “hundreds of millions of dollars go to migrants.” He questions how community priorities are set and insists that local needs should not be sidelined.
As Paek prepares for the upcoming election, he emphasizes the importance of communication with constituents, promising regular meetings to address their concerns. “Even if they didn’t vote for me, they will know who I am,” he asserts, showcasing his dedication to serving all residents.
In a city grappling with rising crime and social unrest, Kenneth Paek offers a perspective grounded in experience and a proactive approach to governance. He believes in the potential for change and the power of community engagement to restore safety and order. With a vision for a more secure and unified district, Paek is ready to take on the challenges ahead in Assembly District 25.
