The greater question is how can the Board of Supervisors be more effective.  Someone once said that efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.  My goal is to do both by first setting the right goals, then finding ways to make the process of achieving them be more efficient.

The Board must become more engaged with the talent they work with to improve services, reduce duplication, and at the end of the day be both effective and efficient.  That applies to all departments but an excellent example is the Board’s relationship with those involved in public safety.  Let’s begin there, given the dire consequences of failing to do so.  The Board’s culture of conflict affects morale, coordination, and ultimately impacts how well we keep our communities safe.

Public safety is the most fundamental responsibility of county government.  That means supporting our Sheriff’s Department, standing behind our fire fighters and EMS, and recognizing the incredible commitment of our volunteer fire and ambulance personnel.

These are the people that step up, often in the middle of the night, often at personal risk and sacrifice to protect their neighbors.  The least they should expect is a Board that respects them.  You don’t maximize efficiencies or effectiveness without working together.

A top priority for me is for the Board to work more closely with our public safety community, to improve communications, reduce duplication, and financially support 911 services on both a local and regional level.