Sometimes, we wonder just what the fuss is about in Albany.

Take this statement from state Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, about the difference of legislative opinion over a proposal to change the age of criminal responsibility from 16 years of age to 18 years of age as an example. “The Assembly speaker also reneged on a common sense agreement regarding Raise the Age that would protect public safety,” Young said. “The Senate’s position all along has been that juvenile offenders should not be incarcerated in adult prisons, and that troubled youth should receive counseling and other needed services. However, violent crimes such as rape and murder should not be decriminalized.”

The position taken by Senate Republicans seems pretty simple. Most 16- and 17-year-olds would benefit from being tried as youth rather than adults. Republicans are trying to make sure public safety is protected by making sure youth who commit truly adult crimes, including violent crimes, sex crimes and other major offenses, continue to be tried as adults. The criminal justice system should be fair for all, including the public. The general public should thank Republicans in the state Senate, including Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, for standing fast against pressure to compromise public safety.