I am deeply concerned about the size and scope of the new jail. Everyone agrees that we need a new facility but when I read statements by the sheriff promoting a jail that is 600-750 beds, I am alarmed! I believe that is absurdly out-of-step with our needs. Even accounting for population growth and room to grow, we still wouldn't even come close to filling 600 beds. We need a facility that is the right size for our community.

With an estimated cost of $80,000 per bed, I believe we are heading into a financial mess. The difference between a reasonable jail (500 beds) and the proposed (600-750 beds) comes to a bill of $8 milion-$20 million dollars taken out of our pocketbooks. Please call the county executive and urge him to say no to what I believe to be an overpriced boondoggle and yes to a right-sized jail.

Bradford Stewart

Bellingham