Houghton County Jail update

This is an update of efforts to oppose the new Houghton County Jail complex in central Houghton June 24 meeting outcome - 11 people in attendance.  These were the highlights of our meeting:
 
1) “Gardens not Guard Towers” was suggested for a slogan for this effort

2) The Houghton City Council meets this Monday June 28 at 6:30 pm (note this new meeting time).  Ask the Houghton City Council to take a position on proposed new jail site in central Houghton. There is an open comment period at each meeting where the jail issue will be raised.  A good turn out will deliver a strong message – Please attend this important meeting and bring others!

3) Houghton High Alumni Park?  We are contacting the Houghton High School Alumni Association to see if they have an interest in helping secure the site of the old High School for a park. Several people have already come forward and offered to donate money to support this effort. 

4) Publicity is essential.  It was recommended that we try to get as much press as we can. Write a Letter to the Editor to express your opinion.  Also, Channel 6 has been good about covering this new jail complex issue.  We are contacting the Gazette, The Pilgrim, Keweenaw Now, and the Spectator.  Also we are trying to get an online poll in the Mining Gazette about this issue asking: “Should the Houghton County Board of Commissioners ask voters to approve a 1.3 mil levy to fund the construction of a $15 million Jail, District Court, and Sheriff’s office complex in central Houghton?”.  

5) Petition Drive – Both online and paper petitions, a facebook page, and a blog will be available shortly.  We will notify everyone when they are available.  

6) Compromise Alternatives were discussed and many feel that the County should more seriously consider alternatives that do not include a large jail in central Houghton.  Reasonable alternatives have been suggested that include separating the Sheriff’s Office and District Court from the Jail facilities. There is significant community opposition to a large Jail complex with plans for future expansion in central Houghton. 

7) Important Dates – Mark your calendars.  

• Monday June 28 – 6:30 PM  Houghton City Council meeting (new meeting time) in the City Council Chambers in the City Center, 616 Shelden Avenue, downtown Houghton.
• Monday July 12 – 6:30  Houghton City Council meeting 
• Tuesday July 13 – 5 PM  Houghton County Commissioners meeting in the County Commissions Chambers on the 5th Floor of the Courthouse.  

8) How you can Make a Difference!

• Contact your Houghton County Commissioner:
• Ed Jenich – 337-2431 representing Calumet Township
• Dennis Barrette – 482-6206 representing Franklin, Hancock, Osceola, Schoolcraft, and Torch Lake Townships
• Anton Pintar – 482-3088 representing Adams, Hancock, Quincy Townships.
• Scott Ala – 483-0103 representing Houghton City
• Paul Luoma – 482-4873 representing Chassel, Duncon, Elm River, Laird, Portage, and Stanton Townships

Attend public meetings on this issue – there is strength in numbers!
Write a Letter to the Editor!
Talk to People about this issue!

- George Dewey