As a mental health advocate, I expect the Oakland County Prosector to take mental health and substance abuse issues more seriously. In 2009, she cut funding to the Sobriety Courts and does not have a Mental Health Court. With a large percentage of inmates living with a mental illness and substance abuse issues, it would only be logical to conclude that at least a considerable portion were symptomatic at the time of breaking the law. Why not get them help? Why is this such a sensitive subject for Jessica Cooper?
I had every intention of voting for Jessica Cooper until I attempted to discuss this issue on Cooper's Facebook Page. I was respectful stating that I wish her well in the election, but I would like her to consider starting a mental health court in Oakland County. I also stated I was disappointed when she cut funding to the Sobriety Court. This was somehow considered worthy of censoring, and my comment was deleted. Thinking it was a mistake, I posted it again. Then, I was banned from posting.
So let me get this straight. If you are symptomatic and break the law in a nonviolent way...then you go to jail without having the opportunity to go through a mental health court. If you have an expensive lawyer, you might get diverted with a treatment option. Most of the time, the offenders end up in jail or prison which is costly to the county and state.
OK...this is what gets me the most. If you are asymptomatic and follow the law but have an opinion that goes against Jessica Cooper, even though you support her...your ideas are discredited and deleted.
From my experience, I can only concude that Jessica Cooper does not care about the mental health of Oakland County residents....and offenders who break the law in Oakland County. By treating people with mental health issues appropriately it will not only save the county dollars, but it might actually help people get on a path of recovery. We pay for these offenders one way or another...so why not make it as humane as possible.
I never though in a million years that I would ever vote for Mike Bishop for anything. I am perfectly fine with disagreeing with candidates on some issues while still voting for them. I cannot accept a candidate who will not discuss the important issues respectfully.
Jessica Cooper needs to increase her awareness and get real on the role mental health issues play in our courts. Our County deserves a better prosecutor.
http://domemagazine.com/lessenberry/jl021012
Famiano?
You are left with an arrogant and petty democratic candidate versus an arrogant and petty republican candidate. Real nice to see that both parties care so little what the citizens think or deserve, only their own ideology and terrible candidates. Time for the parties to either start running some better candidates, or fade into a much needed obscurity. People need to disregard party when voting and vote for the best candidate. When you have two poor choices, it is time to vote none of the above. Maybe the parties will finally get the idea that the citizens deserve a better candidate, not just a partisan mouthpiece.
My biggest complaint is the fact that there was no discussion on this. My supportive yet critical view at the time was respectful. Why ban me from posting? I get budget cuts better than most. I was looking for an explanation from her people. I even tried emailing her after this. I got nothing. Why is Snyder looking at this as a good option but NOT my county prosecutor? I just want a thoughtful answer.
Mike Bishop on the other hand is educated, a parent, compassionate, and approachable. Mike has life experience, Jessica is a brat like only child who would delete this to avoid scrutiny and she sits far higher in life precluding her from acknowledging any of us let alone discussing something so important as mental health issues.