District Attorney Vettenburg-shaffer's outlook on forging pathways
At the recent Mckean County GOP Spring gathering, held at the Pennhills Club in Bradford, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburgshaffer offered valuable insights gleaned from her participation in the event.
She shared her positive sentiments about the Mckean County GOP Spring gathering, emphasizing its significance as a wellorganized and enjoyable event. She commended the efforts of the organizers and praised Maryjo at the Pennhills Club for her meticulous attention to detail.
Additionally, she expressed appreciation for the inspiring speeches delivered by Ken Kane, noting his staunch advocacy for Mckean County.
Reflecting on the value of such events, Vettenburg-shaffer highlighted their role in facilitating candidate research. As she emphasized the importance of informed voting, she underscored how gatherings like this offer opportunities to hear directly from candidates and engage with individuals who possess valuable insights. Furthermore, Vettenburgshaffer noted that such events provide a platform to learn about the responsibilities of various offices, contributing to a better understanding of the political landscape.
She remarked, "At nearly every event I attend, someone approaches me to report suspicious activity. I’m glad people feel free to approach me and they trust me enough to report
their concerns. Whenever someone reports something to me, I pass it on to an officer to see what can be done. Any event – from a more formal event like the GOP Spring gathering or a less formal event like a parade – stresses how we are one community and we all have the same hopes for our area and the same concerns.”
Vettenburg-shaffer expressed her deep appreciation for the commendation and support shown towards law enforcement, particularly at events like the Mckean County GOP Spring gathering. She recounted how individuals from Kane approached her to express gratitude for the diligent work of the Drug Task Force in addressing serious drug
investigations within their community. Their concerns about drug activity in Kane resonated with her, and she was moved by their acknowledgment of the efforts made by law enforcement.
As DA, Vettenburgshaffer frequently receives positive feedback for the dedicated work of law enforcement officers, whom she believes deserve all the credit. She expressed admiration for the exceptional investigative skills displayed by officers in Mckean County and emphasized her commitment to conveying the heartfelt appreciation expressed by community members to the detectives involved.
Furthermore, Vettenburg-shaffer highlighted the proactive stance taken by these residents in reclaiming their community and addressing issues affecting its safety. She underscored the collective responsibility shared by all community members, emphasizing that positive change can only be achieved through collaborative efforts. "We are all in this together," she concluded, reaffirming her belief in the power of community unity and proactive engagement in creating safer neighborhoods.
She also emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships between children and law enforcement, believing it crucial for youngsters to view police officers as friends and allies. She advocates for community engagement initiatives that allow children to interact with local police officers in a fun and approachable manner, whether it's during holiday parades, National Night Out events, or sporting activities. By facilitating such interactions, Vettenburg-shaffer hopes to promote familiarity and trust between residents and law enforcement personnel.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of discord between citizens and police, she stresses the necessity of constructive engagement in resolving conflicts. She asserts that meaningful interaction fosters understanding and facilitates the resolution of disagreements. For Vettenburgshaffer, witnessing the human side of public officials, such as seeing them exhibit care toward their loved ones, serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the efforts made by individuals striving to do their best. She values these glimpses of authenticity, as they reinforce the notion that everyone, regardless of their role, is striving to contribute positively to their community.
Reflecting on the event once again, Vettenburg-shaffer highlighted the accessibility of officials to attendees, emphasizing that events like these offer an opportunity for individuals to engage directly with officials present. Whether it's expressing gratitude for their efforts, raising concerns about specific issues, or discussing other matters of importance, she noted that attendees have the chance to have a few minutes of meaningful interaction with officials. This accessibility underscores the importance of community engagement and the willingness of officials to listen to the voices and concerns of the people they serve.
Vettenburg-shaffer affirmed that she indeed had the opportunity to connect with individuals from various sectors of the community during the event. She acknowledged the time constraints inherent in such gatherings, noting that the primary focus is often on allowing candidates to address the audience. However, she expressed gratitude for the chance to engage with attendees from both Mckean County and neighboring areas. Despite the limited time available, she valued the brief interactions she had with individuals representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Vettenburg-shaffer emphasized the dual role of events like the Mckean County GOP Spring gathering in contributing to the overall well-being and cohesion of the community. She noted that such events provide a valuable opportunity for individuals to engage directly with candidates running for office, offering them a chance to express their concerns and aspirations. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of these gatherings as platforms for fostering connections among community members from diverse geographical areas. As a representative of Mckean County, she emphasized her commitment to reaching out to all parts of the county, whether through attending community events, participating in public forums, or simply dining at local restaurants with her husband.
When asked, from her perspective, what role community gatherings play in promoting transparency and accountability in local government, she responded, “Since people in attendance can get a few minutes with each official present, they can ask about anything – the good or the bad. Of course, the government is not only doing the right thing but making sure people see that the right thing is being done. In the prosecution field, we say it's not enough to avoid actual impropriety, we have to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Public officials work for the citizens. Citizens need to be able to see that government is working.”
When asked about balancing attendance at events like the Mckean County GOP Spring gathering with her dayto-day responsibilities as a District Attorney, Vettenburg-shaffer emphasized that work takes precedence, and she remains on-call 24/7. She acknowledged instances where she has been late to events or had to step out to address work matters, underscoring her commitment to fulfilling the obligations of her role. Despite the demands of her position, Vettenburg-shaffer expressed her dedication to accepting every invitation extended, as she represents the entire county and recognizes the multifaceted nature of being a DA. She emphasized that her role encompasses more than courtroom proceedings and extends to serving the community in various capacities.
When asked about her hopes for future community gatherings and their impact on fostering relationships and collaboration within Mckean County, Vettenburg-shaffer expressed her desire for continued attendance from individuals across Mckean County and neighboring areas. She highlighted the potential for community projects to emerge from conversations at these gatherings, emphasizing that such initiatives often arise when people from different backgrounds and areas come together. Vettenburg-shaffer underscored the importance of these interactions in sparking creativity and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the community as a whole.