Editorial
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In our view: Paying the price
“Build it and they will come.”
Maybe that’s a fitting mantra for a baseball field, but it’s not exactly the slogan we’re looking for when it comes to jails and prisons.
Yet, that’s the end result. No sooner is a new jail built or expanded, then it’s suddenly overcrowded.
Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland is just one of many sheriffs in our area looking to expand his jail.
Newton County officials are reviewing construction costs, but could make a decision this month or in March whether to move forward with the expansion. The cost is estimated at $3.5 million and would give the jail 40 to 50 more beds.
The Globe recently toured the Newton County jail. While it was clean and looked well-maintained, we saw the evidence of overcrowding. In some units at least one to two inmates were sleeping on mats on the floor. The jail was built for 80 beds, but the inmate population runs about 103 or more. Last summer there were some days when 136 prisoners were being housed at the jail. Bonds made available through the federal stimulus program would be used to pay for the construction, and they would be paid off through the general revenue fund over the next 15 years.
The problem? Well before the expansion is paid for, the jail will be overcrowded again. Copeland doesn’t dispute the likelihood, but he, like others who run a jail, are looking for answers. So are we.
Last week Missouri Chief Justice William Ray Price urged legislators to find ways to fight crime without putting more people into prison. He urged the expansion of special drug and drunken driving courts that focus on treatment, adding that the state’s nonviolent offenders need to be rehabilitated, rather than jailed.
In our view, lawmakers should consider some of the measures Price is suggesting. We especially encourage proactive approaches that focus on trying to find out why people use drugs or why they drink and drive. And, why does Missouri continue to rank No. 1 in the country in meth-making?
Until we can answer these question, jail doors will continue to revolve for a certain number of people who can’t shake a destructive lifestyle. Yes, they’ll pay the price with jail time.
Meanwhile, we’ll pay the price with more and more of our tax money.
- Editorial
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In our view: Qualified for the job?
Voters in Jasper and Newton counties will be making decisions on several key positions on the local level. Among them are the presiding commissioner races in each of the two counties.
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Voices: Ensuring a safe place
When we think of our community, we want to think that we live in a safe place. This is one reason why people live where they do. On Aug. 3, the city of Neosho will be asking the voters to approve a tax levy that will go to fund city services.
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Voices: Operate ‘leaner’
How gullible do these local businesses think the citizens of Neosho are?
It is quite all right for these businesses to support an increase in property taxes. While they may state that this increase will affect them, it will, in truth, have very little impact upon them. -
Voices: Integrity and work ethic
I am writing this letter in support of William “Bill” White. He has donated countless hours as past president of the Joplin Swim Team, where I was fortunate to serve on the board of directors with him for the last four years.
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Voices: Qualified candidate
Aug. 3 is almost here and we in the 129th District have a very important decision to make.
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Voices: Way of life
Jim Stone’s recent column in The Joplin Globe shares with readers the “need to stop parroting the words of pundits ... to honestly listen to each other ... and pursue a dialogue that actually makes our nation progress.”
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Voices: Missed opportunities
I see the friends of Gary Nodler are out in force now. Of course, the fact that Gary Nodler has been a state senator all this time is not due to any exceptional ability on his part. Rather, no one bothered to challenge him until his term limits ran out.
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Voices: Blunt’s election ads
Congressman Roy Blunt’s political ads promise to “clean up” government and reduce spending that has put the United States in debt. They sound like they are for a “new” candidate.
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Voices: Vote for a fresh face
With the elections drawing near, the ads ramping up, the door bells ringing, the signs are a-flying, and everyone drawing opinions, why would you vote for a fresh face?
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Editor's note: Campaign letters
The Joplin Globe wants to hear from candidates vying in the Aug. 3 election and their supporters and critics.
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