Way back in the 20th century we struggled with the issue of jail overcrowding. Those of you old enough to remember will recall how in spite of some very good arguments people in the old century just didn't care. In those days people only got involved in matters affecting them personally. It was the "ME" century in every way imaginable.
Things must have changed as we entered the dawn of the 21st century. People must have changed. I say this because once again our elected notables have begun to discuss jail overcrowding.
I hope they do another study.
LOL @ the "another study" comment.
ReplyDeleteI wish they would just quit studying and build the darn thing. I have always supported a bigger jail and it is needed. I just hope they can get creative like the college did.
Heck, with Obama giving away bazillions in stimulus money, it shouldn't be that hard to score a few mill.
If you build it, they will come.
Sheriff Tom Bergin had a perfectly workable solution to the jail situation until the "Lee Era Commission", at the time, decided that their egoes could not allow them to let it stand and go with the exercise of determining its costs and feasability but instead, of all things, wanted to look at partly funding a new jail for Columbia County? Building a brand new jail at North Coast Business Park and outside of Government and Justice Center in Astoria?
ReplyDeleteThe citizens of Clatsop County have already made it clear of where they were on a new jail as proposed.
Studies?
We don't need no stinking new studies for a Jail, just get on with Bergin's plan and now!
Tom, I would think the people who lived and survived
ReplyDeletethe early half of the 20th century would argue your implication that they were/are part of the "me" century! I, on the other hand, have no trouble being included in the me "generation". We all learn the hard way I guess. It was part of my education to becomming the conservative I am. That and the muppets;)
Point well taken.
ReplyDeleteThe studies showed that a new jail might be needed but several things should be done with the current jail first. Those things have not been done. One study was by the National Sheriff's Association and one study was by the National Corrections Association, both were done by former sheriffs and corrections officials. Gee, does anyone really think a sheriff's association or a corrections associaton will recommend against the desires of a dues paying member?).
ReplyDeleteBergen's plan, spoken by him during his campaign for sheriff, was to move the road deputies into the courthouse and enlarge the jail into the vacated space. That option was never viable and the space he wanted has been assigned to other agencies.
So, the fact is there is no plan and the studies are old and bunk. We also need to ask, if the problem was bad back in 2003, why did Bergen wait until now to enlist the support of a judge and the outgoing DA for a new one? The fact is, the jail is fine. There are still better things Clatsop County can spend its money on that soothing the ego of the sheriff.