Speech Highlights Jobs and Drugs in Broome

Just a few days after her administration criticized District Attorney Steve Cornwell for launching an opioid addict treatment program without coordinating with other county agencies and offices, Broome County Executive Debra Preston is praising Cornwell and Broome County Sheriff David Harder for their efforts to address the exploding heroin and opioid addiction problem in the county.

During her State of the County Address March 1, Preston pointed to the organization of several community education events, efforts to add beds to the Fairview Recovery Services and Crisis Center and the launch of a program to work with medical providers to reign in opioid prescription-writing.

On other fronts, the Republican also pointed to efforts to stimulate the local economy with new development projects like the Health Sciences Technology Innovation Park in Johnson City and the launch of the new, year-round farmer’s market.

She also touched on recent, often controversial, consolidation and privatization moves including contracting out the county food services operations and changes to the BC Transit bus routes and hours.

This is Preston's final address of her first term.  She has not said if she plans to seek another term.