One of the most basic functions of any government is to set clear standards for public order and safety. This includes developing policies which prevent bad outcomes long before they occur.

The Village of Homer has already set a high standard, having been rated as one of the top twenty-five safest municipalities in the United States in 2022. A vision of Public Safety Fairness means that our law enforcement professionals can count on our county legislature for creative means of support and intervention. As County Legislator, I will:

• Support workforce development for filling county employment vacancies and retaining workers, including living wages and remote-work/part-time options

• Invest in county mental health services for treating "diseases of despair" (alcoholism, substance abuse, and suicide) as public health emergencies

• Encourage a redesigned Child Protective Services (CPS) featuring the Family Assessment Response (FAR) program, a two-tier pathway to provide families at low-risk for recurring abuse with critical prevention services

What good is public safety if Cortland County does not have the employees to provide public safety services? What good is workforce development and recruitment if we do not invest in new strategies and treatments for pressing mental health needs in our county? A vision of Public Safety Fairness is one where our county legislature positions itself as an active participant, rather than a reactive one. Let’s make Cortland County a little bit more like Homer.