Mayoral candidates weigh in on SRO issue

PLATTSBURGH | In the wake of a unanimous Common Council vote not to fund the district's school resource officer, both nominees for city mayor have expressed concern that there wasn't more discussion between the school board and the city on the subject of school resource officers. Republican Scott Beebie said he was concerned that the community as whole was not truly informed about the role SROs play in Plattsburgh. "I don't believe the council had a full understanding," he said. Beebie - a retired law enforcement officer himself - said he was an advocate for the program early on, adding that SROs are not there to enforce the law. Their role is more of a deterrent, he said, in addition to their role in community outreach. In fact, no arrests were made last year. Whether it's fixing a kid's bike or just being a trusted face students can rely on, Beebie said having law enforcement presented in this light can help create a sense of stability in these uncertain times. "All that has value." This community-style of policing allows for students to see officers while they're having their best days as opposed to some of their worst days, he said, when most people encounter the police. Beebie said as a sports coach, the relationships he built with student athletes have been some of the most meaningful in his life. The more police have a chance to be part of the community in ways other than enforcing the law, the stronger the community can become. More conversation Democratic nominee and Clinton County Legislator Christopher Rosenquest said he was bothered by the lack of communication between the school board and the city. The decision, he said, was made hastily without the proper discussion. As mayor, he said he would have helped facilitate more debate between the two boards in order for Plattsburgh residents -especially parents of students - to have more say in the process. "There is a misunderstanding of what they're allowed to do," said Rosenquest. As a parent himself, he said that he would have liked to see more input from the community on the decision. Some of the concerns, such as whether they can arrest students or not, are addressed in their contract. If there was more public dialogue, people would have a better understanding of their role in schools.

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Mayoral candidates weigh in on SRO issue

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