Public Safety in Haddonfield

In my experience, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that we must trust the expertise of our public service professionals—whether they are firefighters, EMTs, or members of our outstanding police department. Any candidate who comes in with pre-packaged solutions for complex safety issues is undermining the judgment of those who are on the front lines, risking their lives every day to keep us safe. As a commissioner, my role would not be to dictate solutions but to collaborate with these professionals, while ensuring the public’s concerns are heard and integrated into the decision-making process.

 

In my role in IT and through my time on the Board of Education, I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to rely on expert opinions, especially when the path forward is not immediately clear. Public safety decisions are no different. If our police chief or fire chief believes that certain measures are necessary to protect our town, such as automated license-plate readers or other tools, I will carefully consider their recommendations. These decisions must always be driven by professional expertise and balanced with community input.

Additionally, I believe in the potential for a citizen neighborhood watch program, under the auspices of the Sheriff’s Department. This could be a powerful way to engage our public alongside the efforts of our professional first responders. If deemed appropriate by our law enforcement officials, such a program could help build stronger connections between the public and our safety teams, fostering a safer, more unified community.

Ultimately, public safety is a shared responsibility, and I will support our professionals while also empowering our engaged citizens to be part of the solution.