AG-elect Russell Coleman talks plans, transition team
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Tuesday, we heard from Attorney General-elect Russell Coleman and his plans as he fills the seat left by Daniel Cameron.
Coleman announced his transition team and the goals and plans they have for the Commonwealth.
“These men and women represent the best of our Commonwealth, in their various industries from their regions and in public service,” he said.
Coleman expressed gratitude for what he says is a diverse and well-equipped team that will help him tackle Kentucky’s problems.
“Tackling the poison we’re seeing pouring over our poorest southwest border, devastating families. The violence we’re seeing, not only in Louisville or Lexington but across our Commonwealth, and pushing back on an agenda coming out of Washington, D.C. that just doesn’t support the common sense or views of our founders,” he added.
One big issue Coleman says needs to be fixed is the opioid crisis in the state.
He says he appreciates the initiatives previous attorney general Cameron started and plans on continuing them.
“When you talk about the drug epidemic, it’s a three-legged stool; you have to have enforcement. Let’s target these traffickers with a degree of vigor. We have to have a robust treatment component that is one leg of the stool and we’re doing a better job. What we’re failing at is the third leg of the stool and that’s prevention. We are not mitigating the risk of the environment where one pill could kill our sons or daughters,” Coleman said.
Coleman also said he plans on strengthening law enforcement collaboration in order to prevent trafficking, protect our children and lower violence rates across the state.
“There is no R and D when it comes to protecting our families, there is no R and D when it comes to crime victims and I look forward to finding ways to collaborate with [the Beshear] administration. There is a hand out from the Attorney General’s Office seeking to do so and shake the hand of the governor and his team and I look forward to finding those ways that we can be pragmatic,” he added.
Coleman will officially take office on Jan. 1.
