Monday, November 1, 2010

Super Jail - Vote 'No' - a letter

Vote 'No' on super jail
POSTED: October 30, 2010
http://mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/517401/Vote--No--on-super-jail.html?nav=5092

To the editor:

The proposed Justice Center is too big, too expensive, at the wrong time, and in the wrong place. Voting "No" for this super jail tells our county commissioners to develop a better, cheaper, smarter plan.

Too Big - the Justice Center committee lists four forces that could decrease demand for jail beds. The most important issue is the slow rate of population growth in our area. The population of Houghton County has been stable for more than 50 years (1970 = 34,652 vs 2009 = 35,333), but the plan more than triples the current size to a 110-bed jail. In fact, Marquette County only has an 80-bed jail even though their population is nearly twice that of Houghton County, and Marquette is a U.S. District Court.

Too Expensive - the $15 million Justice Center plan is an unlimited bond and does not include increased operating costs. Remember, the county's loan has to be paid no matter what; when our house values decrease, we will pay more taxes. This super jail does not fit with our small-town values.

People in our county pride themselves on living resourcefully, and this is nothing to be proud of.

Wrong Time - the global economic recession has directly affected our community and this is not the time to increase taxes. The Department of Corrections is planning to close prisons and the state of Michigan Judiciary Committee is even looking at eliminating district courts in small counties like Houghton.

Wrong Place - locating a large jail near the growing downtown area and in a family neighborhood is a step backwards. Camp Kitwen is a cost-effective option that will create local jobs. The wood furnace will be a long term cost savings as the price of natural gas, propane, and electricity continues to rise. Video conferencing for arraignments and a satellite office in the courthouse would save money.

Contrary to the committee's sourcebook, the Department of Corrections has stated, via Representative Lahti's chief of staff, that the state has no need for Camp Kitwen and it would be in our county's best interest to lease the jail for $1 per year.

A super jail in the center of town is not the right plan for our family-friendly community. Because the jail committee did not come to the public for advice, our only option is to vote "No." To get informed, visit www.houghtoncountyjusticecenter.com.

CRAIG MAKENS
Houghton

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