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“I have spent the past few months weighing the options,” said Wilkinson, “and I wanted to get out in front of what has become an avalanche of rumor. It’s true that many kind people have encouraged me to run for County Judge, and I am profoundly humbled and gratified by their request. Serving on the bench in the county where I have spent my entire career would be a privilege and an honor.
“That being said, I have to weigh that honor against the important job the people elected me to do eight years ago,” Wilkinson went on. “Although I have met most of my goals and kept my campaign promises—building a strong team to fight for victims, protecting children and families from domestic abuse, eliminating wasteful practices in the office, and working hand-in-hand with drug court and police to reduce addiction-related crime— there is still so much more to do. The nature of crime in Tompkins County has changed, and the DA’s office must adapt to combat that.
“I have poured my heart and soul into this office, and I remain convinced that I am the person best suited to lead us forward against new threats we have not often seen before, including gun crimes and witness intimidation. My relationships with the city and towns, with the county, and with law enforcement are rock-solid and respectful. I trust and believe that the community that has so supported me in my prosecutorial career will do so for another term, and that the Tompkins County DA’s office will emerge stronger and more effective than ever before.”
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