JAIL: Tax and build it right

When it came to enlarging the county jail, they did not do it right the first time. Back in the ‘90s the voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase to enlarge the county jail. I voted for that as it seemed to be a good way to finance the project with little pain to the county residents. Building costs were lower and it was paid off quickly.

That was a good idea, but the jail was not built for the future, only the present. Where was the foresight? With the influx of new residents at that time, it seemed obvious to me that a much larger jail would be necessary. Why did they make it so small? It seems like many places in the United States have the same problem when it comes to correctional facilities; they do not build them with a vision of the future. I do not know what our leaders are thinking.

I am glad that Judge Stegner saved the citizens for further debt without a public vote. Will the people in charge do it right this time? How about some foresight. They should build a jail large enough for future needs with another half-cent sales tax increase. I do not like tax increases more than anyone else, but a short-term increase for a specific purpose would be a responsible way to solve the problem. Also, they should not be like our federal Representatives and Senators who add a lot of junk in all bills.

DAVID BOERNER

Coeur d’Alene