OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
A Jersey City, New Jersey councilwoman is resisting calls for her to resign after she was involved in a hit and run accident.
Councilwoman Amy DeGise allegedly hit bicyclist Andrew Black, 29, with her SUV on July 19, fled the scene of the accident, and did not report it until six hours later.
She has not posted on her Twitter page since the accident but lists herself, on her bio, as a “feminist.”
During a city council meeting on Wednesday, there were ample calls from around 100 speakers who called on her to resign, but she stayed firm in dismissing those calls, Fox News reported.
“When the legal process in traffic court is finished, I will have more to say and I can address outstanding concerns and questions. And in the meantime, I’m not resigning,” she said after the meeting.
“For those who call for my resignation, you are heard and I understand that you have concerns and questions that I respect and would enjoy any type of dialogue or discussion with you after I go to court,” she said.
She was indignant at personal attacks against her from speakers and portrayed herself as a victim.
WATCH:
Video appears to show New Jersey councilwoman Amy DeGise not slowing down after hitting a cyclist and proceeds to drive away pic.twitter.com/RqdFdzZSMB
— Ancommie🏴🏳️🌈 (@Ancommiey) July 31, 2022
“I do not identify with the perception that you have of me, but adversity does make us work harder,” she said. “To those of you who believe in me, thank you. And to those of you who don’t, thank you for making me want to be a better leader.”
“This has only made me stronger and I will use that strength to fight for the issues that help every resident,” the councilwoman said.
At the start of her speech she said she was a “private person” and did not appreciate the scrutiny.
“I’m a private person, more than you think. I know everyone thinks I enjoy this public eye [but], I’m a very private person,” she said. “And, I would like to deal with this privately and I would like that respect but it has gone vulgar.”
“I’m appreciative of everyone who came out and had to stay tonight. I’m appreciative and so grateful for the people who have reached out to support me or just want to wait until that court process goes on to ask me any further questions [or] to pry anymore. I cannot make it through these days without you,” the councilwoman said.
“I remain committed to this position on the Council, no matter your perception of me. Please know that my commitment is genuine, as is my love for Jersey City, and it is as strong as ever. Thank you,” she said.
It has probably been pretty tough on the man who was mowed down by the SUV that was allegedly driven by the councilwoman too.
DeGise allegedly hit a cyclist with her vehicle and knocked him off his bicycle.
Stunning video footage shows that DeGise then drove away without stopping and fled from the scene.
DeGise was captured on camera slamming into Andrew Black, hitting him so hard that he flew over the vehicle’s hood and fell to the ground, according to hudpost.com.
“I look left, suddenly I just hear ‘Ba[m].’ I get hit,” said Black, a 29-year-old UberEats deliveryman. “I roll over and I’m in such pain.”
Instead of stopping and helping the man, the Democrat lawmaker drove away from the intersection, said Black, who was able to stand up shortly after the accident.
Black did not suffer any serious injuries but said he’s upset that a community leader failed to do the right thing after literally striking him with her car.
“Someone of prestige [who is] demanding to uphold and clean our streets or whatever they’re calling it… can’t even do it themselves,” Black said. “It really upset me.”
The surveillance camera footage appears to show Black pedaling through a red light at the time of the crash.
Although DeGise appeared to have the right of way, she was given a summons for leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report it.
