I have the privilege of serving as a working member on the campaign to elect Sheriff Lori Streeter. As someone who has been actively involved in local politics for several decades, I am judicious about whose campaigns I support with a donation and my vote, versus those for whom I choose to be actively engaged in the planning, rollout and ongoing work that leads up to election day. When the opportunity arose to work with the longtime superintendent of the Franklin County Jail and House of Corrections, I quickly agreed.
Sheriff Streeter’s progressive and humanitarian approach to the incarceration of offenders in our criminal justice system is the right approach at the right time. Her effort to make the most difference, not on people going into jail but rather when they are ready to come out, is a fresh and welcome change with lasting and positive effects on the offender, their families and our communities.
Sheriff Streeter helped establish the landmark Franklin County Community Justice Support and Re-Entry Center in conjunction with the state’s Office of Community Corrections. She managed the on-site Re-Entry Program, which provides guidance and connections to community resources to help make the reentry transition smoother.
These types of reentry services include housing support, medical services, counseling appointments, recovery support, navigating community services, parole and probation support, education services, transportation, community groups, domestic violence/sexual assault/sexual exploitation support, and medication. The absence of any of these critical supports can have a negative impact on the forward movement of a successful reentry in the community. It is in all of our best interests to help make them available.
In addition to the clear leadership, competence and experience she brings to the job, Sheriff Streeter also joins the rarefied ranks of the only 2% of sheriffs in the U.S. who are women, and having Franklin County play a part in moving that needle is meaningful to me.
Her experience, skills and commitment to the office are exactly right for Franklin County. We are in good hands, and I encourage others to join me in supporting Sheriff Streeter for another successful term in office.
Regina Curtis
Warwick