ISSUES

The following list is based on issues that area residents commonly ask me about or those issues that are currently before the Ingham County Commission.

The Juvenile Justice Millage  

The Family Court Division and the Judiciary Committee have implemented the plan to enhance the juvenile justice system after voters approved the 2002 Juvenile Justice Millage. The plan included upgrading the way that juveniles are assessed once they enter the court system. The new assessment methods help all the professionals working with the youths, particularly the Family Court judges, to make the best decisions regarding the type of sanction a youth will receive. To accompany the assessment, a wider range of options for sentencing was also needed. The Family Court Judges now have better information about each child, and they can connect each child with more effective sentencing and treatment. A wide range of options are now in place with opening of the Ingham County Family Center in the autumn of 2008. The Center serves as a day reporting center and treatment center for youth involved in our juvenile justice system.  The judges and other Ingham County Courts professionals, the Board of Commissioners, and many area service organizations have collaborated to plan, develop and operate this center.  After the first semester of operation, there are already many indications that the Center has a positive impact on youths and their families. It is very important that voters continue to support the Juvenile Justice Millage as it comes up for renewal to continue these programs that have helped so many troubled youths and set them back on track to happy, productive lives.

County revenues are strongly tied to the state budget, which has resulted in a tight county budget. In spite of the strained state budget, Ingham County remains in good financial shape and the county is well prepared to handle difficult budget times. The overall size of County Government has been reduced in the past few years. In the development of the 2011 budget, it was necessary to make a 7% reduction in the General Fund due to declining revenues. The decline was primarily a result of property tax reductions and state and federal cuts to local government. We will continue to expend county funds very carefully and board members each set their own priorities about where the cuts must be made. The resulting cuts are a consensus that comes out of months of discussions on our differing priorities. My priorities are related to maintaining essential health and safety-related services. Those two areas for me are what are most critical to maintain in any developed society.

As Chair of the Law Enforcement committee, I continue to be very concerned about jail overcrowding and the declining emergency response services throughout the rural parts of the county. I am a strong supporter of incorporating community corrections programs wherever possible into our overall approach to corrections.  Community corrections include a variety of non-jail sanctions for non-violent offenders, i.e. those offenders who do not pose a threat of violence to others or to themselves.  We have already instituted numerous community corrections programs such as substance abuse treatment residences, community service programs, day reporting and GPS electronic monitoring (tether).  The community corrections approach not only keeps the jail population down and thus saves money, but it is also a very effective approach in providing sanctions that help the individual to correct behavior and stay out of the court and jail system. We have also evaluated way to enhance pretrial services to avoid excessive delays in the court processing that result in jail overcrowding. Most of our jail population consists of individuals waiting for their cases to go through court and be sentenced. We have worked on this issue to reduce jail overcrowding and plan to implement the enhancements in 2011. This accompanies a decision by the county board to close a jail post on January 1, 2011. My preference was to make sure that our enhancements allowed us to reduce numbers so that a 60-plus jail bed reduction would not lead to even more back-ups in the court system. Although my preference, did not prevail, I have worked hard as Chair of the Law Enforcement Committee to promote community corrections (alternative sentencing to jail incarceration where appropriate) and process improvements so that the jail post closing will be successful. 

Road patrol was another very difficult issue during the 2010 budget process.  I have been a strong supporter of law enforcement presence in the rural areas of Ingham County, but during the 2010 budget process, the County Board voted to discontinue Road Patrol Services in 2011. The rural townships, in turn, have placed millages and special assessments on the ballot in November to raise funds to maintain law enforcement services in their townships. They have been working with the Ingham County Sheriff to develop a plan to continue those servicest. While I am disappointed that the services were cut and the County was not able to them,, I am very hopeful that the rural townships will create a combined law enforcement network that serves their needs, protecting their residents. Their network would provide efficiency through regional cooperation. I am hoping that all of the townships will pass their respective ballot proposals, and I will be very happy to work with them in the future to ensure that the County Sheriff's Department can meet their law enforcement needs.

Lake Lansing Watershed Management Plan  

I am optimistic that the Township and lake area residents will pursue a wide range of activities that enhance the watershed and the water quality of Lake Lansing.  I am also happy to help the Lake Lansing Property Owners Association with any issues that they would like to bring before the County.

Ingham County Roads  

First I will point out that even though the Ingham County Board of Commissioners is not directly in charge of the planning, construction and operations of Ingham County roads, I do pass on concerns to the Ingham County Road Commission when constituents call me about road issues. The only activity that the commissioners have regarding the roads is the appointment of the 5 county road commissioners. In that responsibility, I try to choose individuals who have an understanding of our local transportation system and who are committed to working closely with local communities in matters related to road design and maintenance.  

Although the roads seem to be in worse condition each year, I feel the Road Commission has done its best with the available funding.  Unfortunately, the roads have been underfunded throughout the state and the nation for so many years that the overall condition of the roads is growing more difficult to maintain.  I feel that any boost the nation's infrastructure can receive is well needed and would benefit the long-term economic climate.