I am voting “no,” not because I think the Sheriff’s Department and incarcerated people have a perfectly fine facility; it is in rough shape and needs improvements. I am voting “no” because this current proposal is far more expensive than recent comparable facilities, and it just doesn’t make financial sense (even factoring in the current costs of transporting due to overcrowding).
I can’t stand the government wasting our tax dollars, especially when it results in the enrichment of the private construction companies, firms, and Wall Street lenders who stand to make millions if this passes, some of whom have donated tens of thousands of dollars to promote the bond.
We have been given the illusion that building a new jail and office is the only solution to the facility’s problems. Despite following this issue all year, attending meetings, messaging supervisors, and researching extensively, I am not convinced anyone in the county office has spent any real effort vetting alternatives that would save us taxpayers millions.
Voters need to reject this bond, and the county needs to come back with a more fiscally responsible plan before asking for more money from us.
Please vote “no.”