Leading Through Crisis: Pamela’s Proven Path to a Safer Alachua County

“Pamela, you’ve got to do something,” my colleague Mark said, rushing into

my office as I was settling in for the day. At the time, I served as Vice

President of Public Policy and Legislative Affairs for the Greater Memphis

Chamber.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“The Tennessee Renewable Fuels Blending Act. If it passes, Valero, the

state’s only refinery, threatens to close.”

Valero was also one of the region’s largest employers providing direct fuel

lines to the Memphis International Airport fueling the FedEx fleet, and other

aircraft at the busiest cargo airport in North America.

Unsure of how it would unfold, I made plans to head to Nashville

immediately. During the two-and-a-half-hour drive, I made calls and

researched the bill to get up to speed. After countless meetings with

legislators, on both sides of the aisle, we got the language changed and

Valero remains open to this day.

A short while later, I was recruited as Chief of Staff for the Shelby County

Mayor. Before we even took office, the only Level 1 Trauma hospital in a

six-state region located in Memphis, announced it would close unless $30

million could be secured. I told the Mayor, “Start telling people we’re going

to keep The Med open.”

He asked, “How are we going to do that?”

I answered, “You say the words and I’ll do the work.”

We created a Task Force, launched the “Keep Our Med” campaign,

arranged meetings with the Governor, gathered leaders from healthcare

and legislators on the local, state and federal levels to iron out a winning

strategy. Instead of $30M we secured $40M, ensuring The Med, now

Regional One Health, not only stayed open but expanded.

These diverse experiences taught me that with grit, collaboration, and fiscal

responsibility, we can solve even the toughest problems including gun

violence and domestic violence. As Sheriff, I will bring that same

commitment and determination to Alachua County.

Prevention and protection are not opposites, but partners. Our SAFETY

Blueprint offers strategic, solution-based approaches to issues like mental

health, human trafficking, and public safety. By focusing on prevention, we’ll

reduce crime helping ensure our officers return safely to their families.

Together, we’ll protect our diverse communities, and businesses by

coordinating prevention and safety. Fiscal responsibility will be at the heart

of our efforts to build a safer, more secure Alachua County for all.