|
|
|
|
|
Clayton, Union County contemplate new prison
2005-06-21
New Mexico Senator Joe Carraro, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Brian Moore, Clayton, have been the main catalysts behind the prison proposal.
Senator Carraro said that more prisons are needed as a solution to the state’s severe overcrowding problem. Some of the state prisons have been taken over by federal agencies, and the result, said Carraro, has been cost overrun and lawsuits filed by prisoners for cruel and unusual punishment.
“Prisoners are sleeping in day rooms,” he explained. “We need prison
beds right away.” The advantages of a private prison over a state facility are time and money, Carraro said. Private contractors have more motivation to get the prison built, and it can be finished in one or two years, as opposed to four or five under the state system.
Of the proposed jobs, a mix of locals and outside professionals would staff the prison, said Ruby Dorsey-Gonzales, Union County economic development coordinator. Carraro echoed this, saying that as training is put into place, more locals will be hired.
Carraro said the prison would likely house 400-600 beds at a light to medium security level – prisoners would more likely be nonviolent offenders.
“Northeastern New Mexico has been neglected,” said Carraro. “They want and deserve economic development.
Clayton wants a new prison. I wouldn’t dream of putting a prison somewhere with no community support.”
A town hall meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Friday, June 22 at the Clayton Civic Center to further discuss the issue.
excerpts from The Chronicle~News, Article by DENA PISCIOTTE |
|
|
