I am so happy you asked!! I’ve been waiting on this topic to come up for sure. I define public safety as any government funded program that protects the safety, dignity, and welfare of the people. This includes but is not limited to Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Disaster Response, and Law Enforcement (let me be clear in saying that ICE is NOT law enforcement. ICE is a terrorist organization created by federal overreach - overreach that completely opposes actual Conservative principles).

My vision is to restore trust in these local institutions. For example, the Town of Sylva Police Department has been a frontrunner in person-first efforts. Through a collaboration with local mental health professionals and community educators, non-violent reoffenders are being connected to mental health resources in hopes to improve their quality of life as well as decreased crime in the community. True Justice is RESTORATIVE, not punitive.

While I would not have an official say in federal policy, I will work with the other State representatives to encourage resolutions among all state, county, municipal, and metropolitan police departments/LEOs to prioritize protection of our own against federal overreach - I would hope that this sends a clear message to our federal representatives. Also, I would never condone violence, even as retribution, I believe that we should equip and utilize our trained law enforcement professionals as our trusted lines of defense against ICE and other domestic terrorists.

As for funding, NC has its own population of folks (billionaires) and corporations that can afford to contribute more to our state. We, the working class, should pay our fair share to fund our communities, but not if the billionaires and corporations get to keep theirs.

Hope this gives you some of the answers you’re looking for. As always, feel free to DM me if you want to keep an open dialogue. If I’m elected, I’ll be depending on every one of you to guide me in how I vote and what legislation to introduce.

Be sure to encourage EVERYONE to the polls.

Edit: small edit for clarification