HomeMy WebLinkAbout940553.tiff Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. 8eager
1230 24th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: 353-0797
To: Governor Roy Romer
Mayor Wellington Webb
Senator Tom Norton
Representative Pat Sullivan
Representative Dave Owen
Weld County Commissioners
The Greeley Tribune
We have been reading in newspapers, hearing on our radios, and
seeing and hearing reports on television that we need more pre-
parole prisons. Of course, since Weld county has been asked to
supply a facility location, it has caused much consideration of
possible site locations, with many discussions over the various
requested sites on the part of those who desire to locate, build
or remodel a suitable structure, and then man the corrections
institution.
If it is needed, and I 'm assuming such facilities are, then the
question is where is the best possible location for such an
expensive, tax-supported project. We all recognize that there
are numerous needs for more tax expenditures; to wit, Education--
kindergarten through grade twelve, colleges, universities; roads
over which to convey people and commodities, both agricultural
and manufactured goods, etc; courts--more judges for cities,
county, district, state and federal courts; need for more health
and training facilities to help the needy with jobs and provide
sustenance, etc.
Where does the tax money come from? It comes from you and me.
Thus my thoughts concerning a reasonable solution for the
location of the prison have kept my mind puzzling for the best
solution for all concerned. This past week a possible idea
occurred to me. Why couldn't a portion of our soon-to-be-vacated
Stapleton airport facility be considered? It's located close to
a four lane highway which would facilitate movement of prisoners,
care givers, and visitors, has ample parking space already
surfaced; much high tech safety communication equipment is
already installed, providing for all people on the premises; the
high wire fences needed for the facility are much in evidence,
etc.
The city of Denver, with its surrounding cluster of smaller towns
and cities in close proximity, should be able to provide the
right personnel to help service the place with necessary
counselors, job trainers, etc. The local people here who would
direct such an enterprise would have about a fifty mile drive on
good roads to carry out their dream of using their talents and
fulfilling their need for work with such a facility. Wouldn't
this be a better location, and in closer proximity to the
Criminal Justice Commission and Courts who handle these inmates
C . , f ,i 940 553
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as they finish their prison sentences? Its location could cut
costs and provide swift access to our governor and legislators
who might wish to monitor various activities and needs. Those
incarcerated there would have a better possibility of having more
visitors, both relatives and numerous organizations who find
helping persons who are trying to start life over in a more
productive way is a rewarding activity.
One of the biggest concerns for the present site suggested in
Weld county is the use of land needed for agriculture. Farmers
have an enormous task of feeding the burgeoning population, thus
working early, late, and in all kinds of weather. They live a
life of faith, whether we consider it thus or not. They can't
control the wind, sun, rain, snow, etc. Diseases attack crops,
animals, etc. And having a facility close by, occupying valuable
farmland, is unnerving because of extra noise and traffic
movement. There is always the possible danger of an out-break.
That isn't fair treatment to those farmers who labor hard to feed
us, is it?
I think I 've carried the American Dream since I was but a child.
One facet of this is that all human beings must be treated with
respect, and fairness, no matter their color, creed, or station
in life. For extra credit in my senior year in high school, I
was given this title to write a theme--"What I Owe America and
What America Owes Me! " It was a thought-provoking effort that I
shall never forget. I prospered in more ways than one in this
endeavor.
As the population increases and the economy struggles, let' s use
the best, safest, and most efficient methods to meet mankind's
needs.
Sincerely,
CY-tip Qe-Q---cxerj
Helen R. Seager
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