To the editor:
I was uncertain as to whether to vote in favor of the proposed $55 million new jail complex, and I know others who are equally uncertain. That amount is really large for a county our size, and it will be a drag on taxpayers’ wallets for each of the many years that it takes to pay it off. However, if we really must have everything that’s proposed, I guess I would suck it up and vote for it.
To help me decide whether there is a need, I looked back at the April 3 edition of the Daily Reporter and read the sheriff candidate interviews.
I was surprised to find that of the four candidates, only one, Brad Burkhart, supported the project. Two candidates said no, don’t do it, and the fourth said that he left it to us to decide. Several candidates suggested what could be done to alleviate the overcrowding problem at a much smaller cost.
With so little support from those who have to deal directly with the jail problem, it made my voting decision very easy. I will be voting NO.
However, we do have jail needs that must be met, so I hope that whoever is in charge will come back to us with a more affordable project that accomplishes what the sheriff candidates set out. No more Cadillac plans, please.
Nile Black
Greenfield
