FAIRGROUNDS: Recreational, not judicial

As a Coeur d’Alene native, I am frustrated by another attempt by our judicial system to take land for their own purpose, circumventing the approval of this community, just like the jail expansion.

The project consultant reported that the current facilities, after remodel, would meet the needs of our court system growth plan and that it would actually be favorable to do so. The logic behind moving the facilities out of downtown are not based in reality.

- Avoiding inmates from being marched through the facilities.

- In my 30-plus years here, I have never seen this happen and know inmates are transported into an enclosed garage, out of public view.

- To alleviate transport costs.

- I have a plan to reduce MUCH more than just transport costs. How about we stop holding first-time and low-level offenders of low socioeconomic status with bonds they can’t afford? Then we would not only cut out their transport costs, but also the months of housing costs when they’ll just be released and fined anyway.

The Fairgrounds are much more than just where we hold our annual fair. It is a staple of this community that brings people together. They host numerous community events throughout the year. Even more importantly, the Fairgrounds have a long history of partnering with local churches, nonprofits and other community advocacy groups that help meet the many of our community. The needs of our growing court system can be met without infringing on our loved community Fairgrounds.

MIKE VREDENBURG

Coeur d’Alene