Hampshire County is privileged to have a game-changing candidate for sheriff on this year’s ballot. Melissa Perry has been voted an outstanding manager, and she proves her worth every day with her unmatched administrative and people skills.
Perry comes from a long and strong lineage involved in criminal justice. Her grandfather was the late Sheriff John Boyle, her parents were both correctional officers and she herself has a degree in criminal justice.
In addition, Perry is director of behavioral health nursing at Holyoke Medical Center. The majority of those in her care have both mental health and addiction diagnoses. Many have served time in jail, or have pending legal issues.
Now that the jails have become de facto warehouses for the mentally ill and substance abusers, the overwhelmed criminal justice system is crying out for someone with the knowledge and skills to address the issue from all sides.
Melissa is the one candidate who can do that. The same skill set that enables her to maintain control, plan treatment for, and gain the trust of patients in crisis is reflected in her ability to critically analyze systems and bring together all relevant parties to improve services.
Hampshire County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts need Melissa Perry’s expertise.
Marion Pascone
South Hadley