Fentanyl and related narcotic substances have caused a devastating impact on family systems throughout Fayette County.
This devastating problem has had negative effects on our communities, schools, emergency service personnel, court systems, and local government.
There is no single solution that a County Commissioner can provide for this issue; therefore, I would never claim that there is.
However, as a County Commissioner, I will ensure that the county provides support to the individuals who are actively involved in combating illegal drug use in Fayette County. I will collaborate with the excellent District Attorney, Law Enforcement Agencies, Emergency Service Personnel, Treatment Providers, and Local Community Groups to ensure that Fayette County utilizes all available resources to combat illegal drug use and support families in Fayette County.
The District Attorney and other law enforcement officials in our county are more knowledgeable about the situation on the ground than anyone else.
I will take their knowledge and experience to heart as a Commissioner.
I intend to collaborate with the District Attorney’s office to find ways that the county may better assist them; enhance coordination among various agencies; seek outside funding for their operations; and ensure that the current resources of the county government are being utilized as efficiently as possible.
It is my belief that the Commissioners ought to be partners with law enforcement in this battle against crime, rather than just adding another level of bureaucracy.
County commissioners have authority over key components of the county’s budget.
My priorities for the use of that funding will be focused on public safety and combating the growing problem of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.
This includes assessing what is needed by:
I will make sure the people doing the job have a county government willing to work with them.
Fighting against the use of illicit drugs within our county should not have to rely solely on the taxpayer base of Fayette County.
There are state and federal grant funding sources that may be used to support enforcement efforts, prevention initiatives, treatment services, recovery support systems, public safety measures and community-based programs.
I will work with the county government to seek out these funding opportunities as Commissioner. If we are able to use outside funding to assist our District Attorney, Law Enforcement Agencies, First Responders and/or effective recovery programs in Fayette County, then why would we pass them up?
There needs to be an increase in the number of options available to people who wish to begin the process of getting their lives back in order.
The county doesn’t have to create a new bureaucracy to provide those options. I would like to see Fayette County work together with non-profit agencies, treatment centers, religious organizations, and local community groups who have previous experience helping individuals overcome addictions.
As a Commissioner, I will seek opportunities to expand access to rehabilitation through these means:
The ultimate objective is to make sure that anyone who wants to recover has the ability to receive the necessary help; however, it must be determined that any program receiving public funds is producing tangible benefits.
Fayette County currently spends money to handle the problems associated with addiction and illegal drugs.
I want to know what works and what doesn’t. When I become Commissioner, I’ll ask these questions:
We should continue to fund those programs that are successful. Those programs that aren’t successful should be abandoned and replaced by something else.
I cannot promise that one County Commissioner can end the drug crisis. However, I can assure you that I will prioritize addressing the drug crisis.