To the Editor:

I cannot remember another event that has shaken our community as much as last year's tragic murder of 5-year-old Kenneth White. I was heartbroken and shocked as a town resident and elected official, but more so as a father of one of Kenneth's friends and kindergarten classmates. The support and care the teachers, school personnel, and community have provided to these children has been outstanding.

During the investigation, the Albany County Sheriff's Office hit roadblock after roadblock while attempting to access Child Protective Services records related to Kenneth and his family. When a child is missing, it makes sense that the police have access to all information that could help them hopefully bring that child home safely.

Since the Kenneth White case, Sheriff Craig Apple worked with state officials to come up with a solution that will make sure our law-enforcement officials, who do everything they can to keep our communities safe, are able to do their jobs properly.

Too many times, politics overshadows what is best for our communities. It is great to see a true team effort result in a good proposal that will help our officers do their job, but, most importantly, will help protect our children.

In the memory of Kenneth, I want to personally thank Sheriff Apple, Senator George Amedore and Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy for their passion and work on this issue.

Travis Stevens

Albany County Legislator

31st Legislative District

Editor’s note: Travis Stevens, a Republican from Knox, has made no announcement on whether he will run for re-election in the fall.

See related story.