The Issues

Community Relations: I will work to improve community relations, which have deteriorated in the past years. This will be done by having regular open meetings and working with the citizens to identify the problems and then work together to solve them. I will encourage other law enforcement agencies and all citizens of Washtenaw County to participate, not just those from the areas where they have contracted road patrol services.

Drugs: A significant issue that I will address is the the drug problem which has beset many of our communities, some more than others. This issue extremely affects our overall quality of life in many various ways. I will use every resource available and seek additional resources to ensure that the drug problems continue to be combated efficiently and more effectively.

Budget: I plan to achieve the maximum return from the allocated budget by practicing considerable fiscal responsibility. Some funding will also be redirected to improve other divisions of the department. This will be done without compromising the quality of the services provided or the safety of the citizens, deputies, corrections officers and inmates.
 
Response Times: I will work on ways to reduce the response times for all complaints and requests for service. This will be done by improving the time management practices and by utilizing all resources available. My aim will be to improve the productivity of the road patrol as well as create a higher visibility in the communities.
 
Overcrowding: I will also strive to solve the issue of overcrowding in the county jail. Without any additional funding to expand or build a new jail that will meet or exceed the space needed presently or in the future, the present space must be used for the criminals that we fear. Those who are violent offenders or who pose the highest danger or risk to the public. I will work to utilize alternatives to incarceration when possible as well as seek safe and cost efficient methods to house more inmates as necessary.

School safety: I will work to further educate and train our school staff members and students to help improve the safety in our schools. I feel that we must better prepare them to know how to respond to any disaster or emergency situation that may occur. It is my belief that we must continually equip them with the knowledge, training and equipment to increase their safety on a daily basis as well as keep them prepared in the event of a disaster situation.

Law enforcement unification: I will strive to encourage and promote building stronger working relationships, cooperation and communication between law enforcement agencies within our county.  The main concern of all law enforcement agencies should be that of improving the safety and overall quality of life of all the citizens of our county.  By working together we only will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our efforts to maintain law and order.