During my term as Prosecuting Attorney, my office handled cases involving Alyssa Reed on more than one occasion. 

Alyssa could be the poster child for the deadly combination of substance abuse, homelessness and mental illness. 

We tried to get her into Drug Court but she was not well-suited for the program and we didn't have the tools to address her many issues. We started a Mental Health Court for people like her, and I don't know if she was ever admitted. One of the hurdles to being admitted to Mental Health Court is that the person has to be competent so they can understand the charges and waive their constitutional rights. If they can clear that hurdle, they have a whole team of caring individuals earnestly helping them.

There is no one solution or easy fix. It is like rocket science. There are a lot of moving parts that have to work in conjunction with the other parts. If one component malfunctions or under performs you don't get off the ground.

We now find ourselves in another election cycle. I've been here for five elections and every two years candidates promise, if elected, they will do something about these issues. 

I'll let you be the judge as to whether or not we've seen any successes. 

So when you go to the forums or one of the candidates knocks on your door. Ask them. Ask them what concrete plans, ideas or solutions do they have. Ask what research have they done. Don't settle for the usual political buzzwords that sound good. And those running for another term? Ask them to show you what they've done to earn your vote. 

And remember when you mutter to yourself that "somebody oughta do something". 

Be that somebody.