Unhappy with site for new jail

In the aftermath of our election this autumn, some of us are concerned that the “pro-jail PAC” and other players who have an interest in establishing a “regional correctional facility” on property acquired in South Ferndale, may try to begin site-preparation for a new jail facility.

I believe such action would be folly! With the failure of ballot measure, a .2 percent sales tax, compounded by the issue of the “jail-mailer” — the sentiment of county residents ought to be trending toward the sale of that $6.2 million property in order that the money can be allocated for incarceration-prevention measures the currently convened incarceration prevention and reduction taskforce will ascertain to be prudent to follow in the coming year.

Foremost, in my opinion, is the idea that our criminal justice people should use money earmarked for jail to refurbish our existing downtown facility, with a connecting tunnel under the street to an additional facility, to fill the hole that is presently lined with little white cars.

Here’s another exclamation: That we should not intend to site a jail in the vicinity of Hovander Park and the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center — both destinations for Whatcom families’ recreation and discovery.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Unhappy with site for new jail."