Says mental health planning needed

Now that the proposed jail project failed to pass, we need to consider how we move forward. I did not vote for the jail proposal, because it seemed too big, and in some areas, too expensive. But more importantly, it lacked sufficient funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment services, in the jail and outside of it. I would support a proposal for a new jail — and I do believe we need one — if it included adequate funding for these important services. The goal would be to divert a number of people from jail in the first place, and lessen the total cost for these non-violent people.

I call on the County Council to take charge of the process now for planning a new jail. I believe it is time for new leadership on this issue.

Jerry Spatz, Bellingham

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Says mental health planning needed."