Former Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard is making the transition to public office.
"Our county is facing some tremendous problems, more then they have in the past 10 years."
Sheppard announced he's running as a Democrat for Monroe County Legislature. He says he was approached to replace Paul Haney, who is term limited, in the 23rd legislative district. Originally, Sheppard says he was opposed to the idea since he has no experience in politics.
"However the more I looked at it, the more I realized this was an opportunity to continue to serve, and I had to answer the call."
Sheppard says he's focused on increasing investments in early education.
"While certified daycare should be provided to ensure intellectual stimulation and social interaction, Monroe County has decided not to invest in youth, and save nickels and dimes now but spend millions in the future to educate, remediation, incarcerate. And you know that's what we've been doing."
Sheppard says he does not currently think of this run as a stepping stone to another office.
"Today is about Jim Sheppard's transition from being a public servant, narrowly focused on public safety, to a candidate for a public office that is concerned with the issues and concerns of the LD 23, and Monroe County."
Monroe County's 23rd district covers Southeast Rochester and Northeast Brighton. Sheppard says he expects to have a Republican opponent in the race, and welcomes the challenge.
"I want a fight."
