James Tutson, Iowa City

Growing up in Iowa City I can think of a number of things that have seen very little renovation in the past two decades. My son started basketball at our local rec center last year and I stood in the same building I grew up going to and remarked to my wife that the place had hardly changed. 

I know we’ve done little updates here and there, but as I stared at what appeared to be mold on the walls above the meager bleachers, it was hard not to be a little disappointed at the state of the building.

A community’s values are often reflected in its investments. I can’t speak for everyone in our community, but when I think of the places in Johnson County where I’d want to invest $100 million, I can’t say that a new jail is worthy of such a sizable fund. 

I appreciate the desire to improve the standard of our local jail, but am convinced we could do this at a price point that better aligns with our community values.