GOSHEN – Orange County Legislator and Congressional candidate James O’Donnell was invited to the White House to participate in President Trump’s special session for local and state officials to address school violence.
O’Donnell joined educational and law enforcement leaders from across the nation as the President and senior administration officials sought input on immediate steps to protect our nation’s schools as well as future actions to prevent violent incidents. During the session, issues that were raised to secure school facilities included single point of entry, magnetometers, school resource officers and support for mental health options.
O’Donnell said, “I am honored to have been asked to participate in today’s event and it is evident that everyone in the room was committed to finding practical and effective steps that could be taken to protect our children. Having spent most of my career protecting others and serving the public I know what works. I want to insure our children are protected and provided a safe learning environment. This can be accomplished if we all work together.”
As an Orange Legislator, O’Donnell was instrumental in providing $250,000.00 in this year’s County budget towards school safety initiatives. O’Donnell is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the New York State Police, former Chief of Police with the MTA and former Deputy County Executive for Orange County.
O’Donnell is running for the House of Representatives in the 18th Congressional District.
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