As someone who works in the community mental health system and as an advocate for more collaboration with local law enforcement on mental health initiatives, Trenton was disheartened to see the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s department justify the county’s decision to try and leave the enabling agreement with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health by sharing criticisms of their jail services. While there is no question that mental health services in the county jail needs continuous scrutiny, our law enforcement, NLCMH, and other stakeholders must work together to find solutions rather than “defunding” or “dissolving” each other and jeopardizing the other services provided by CMH. Trenton is dedicated to finding solutions that share resources between the Sheriff’s department and NLCMH. He will work to bring these two units of public services together into a more collaborative relationship that fosters safer responses to mental health emergencies inside and outside of our jail system.

The Cherry Capital Airport sits in the heart of Traverse City and is a pillar in our community. However, recent studies, published by the airport, show us that contamination from what are known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” is exceeding the drinking water criterion in East Bay Township’s Pine Grove Neighborhood. These levels should not only be concerning to folks still getting their water from wells, but to anyone who is concerned about these harmful chemicals making their way into the Mitchell Creek Watershed and ultimately, the Great Lakes. We have an airport authority dedicated to “reduc[ing] the use of fire fighting foam,” the source of PFAS pollution at airports (Source). However, at a recent TVC Airport Authority meeting, Trenton watched as the good ol’ boys at the front of the room laughed off public concerns about these harmful chemicals. Trenton will work to put more pressure on the airport to eliminate the spread of PFAS chemicals from the airport into local neighborhoods, and will make sure they are taking their positions on the TVC Airport Authority board seriously.

Unfortunately, the risk of gun violence in American classrooms is at an all-time high. Trenton is deeply committed to preventing gun violence in Northern Michigan classrooms. He believes that investing resources in effective safety measures is paramount, and the recent allocation of $250k to purchase a BearCat for the Sheriff’s department raises questions about priorities. Trenton will advocate for more strategic investments, such as empowering school administrators by providing them with proper resources to implement active shooter lockdown protocols. We must come together as a community and collaborate on creating a safer learning environment for our students and educators.