County board considers next step for Justice Center project

Public members looking to help find a solution after failed proposal

November 10, 2010 - By GARRETT NEESE, DMG Writer (source)

HOUGHTON - Members of Houghton County's Justice Center Committee are interested in sticking with the project, and several Houghton residents are asking what they can do to help.
County citizens voted down a $15 million proposal to build a combination jail, sheriff's department and district court Nov. 2.

The county had postponed any offers for the site, county-owned land across from the courthouse, until after the election. Controller Eric Forsberg said he has received an offer.

Carolyn Peterson offered her assistance with the justice center project. She cited the possibilities the county has with the parcel of land across from the courthouse.

"I'd like to do something to get people together, get people talking to each other, to get over this impasse," she said.

George Dewey and Bill Predebon, both of whom campaigned against the November proposal, also offered their help.

Dewey said he believed the most common reasons for the proposal's failure were the location of the project and the perception of a lack of public involvement.

"I think we have a lot of people who would support another option to address this need," he said.
The board will stay active in some form, said Chair Paul Luoma, though another ballot proposal may have to wait.

"We have to make some kind of a plan to do the jail, to do something," he said.

Commissioner Anton Pintar said voters may have been leery of the cost.

"I can't see coming up with anything much less than $15 million," he said.

Commissioner Ed Jenich thanked the people who had made presentations about the justice center proposal, including Bill Fink, Barry Fink, Truman Obermeyer, Sheriff Brian McLean, Judge Mark Wisti and fellow commissioner Anton Pintar.

"The people spoke," he said. "Nevertheless, we have a facility that is deteriorating. Something has to be done."

Commissioner Scott Ala said he had talked with members of the Houghton City Council who wanted to get involved. He encouraged participation from any interested members of the public.

"If you want to help, it will be accepted," he said.