The New York City Probation Department’s Commissioner, Juanita Holmes, acquired an $86,590 Ford Expedition Platinum, equipped with luxury features, funded by the city.
This purchase has drawn criticism as the department is cutting programs and facing budget constraints.
City Councilman Lincoln Restler and others have raised concerns about the department’s priorities.
“The Department of Probation is eliminating critical programs for at-risk young adults, but can somehow afford a luxury SUV vehicle for the commissioner,” City Councilman Lincoln Restler said. “The Department of Probation has the wrong priorities, and this sale should be immediately reversed.”
A spokesperson for the Probation Department stated that the vehicle was requested and approved before budget cuts, but specific details were not provided.
“Upon the commissioner’s appointment in Spring 2023, the vehicle was requested and approved, prior to the City’s budget cuts. Like all Commissioners, Commissioner Holmes needs a vehicle to ensure she can conduct City business outside of the office,” the spokesperson stated.
Additionally, Holmes has faced criticism for canceling funding for mentoring programs and cutting funding from another program.
The purchase has sparked controversy, with city officials refusing to clarify details about the acquisition.
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