To: publisher@chippewa.com
Subject: Letter to the Editor
To the Editor -
I oppose the conversion of the Highview Building of the Northern
Wisconsin Center to a medium security prison. I also believe that many
people in the community are unaware of the true details of this project.
The conversion of Highview to a "geriatric" prison was proposed soon
after the SuperMax Prison proposal was rejected two years ago. At that
time "geriatric prisoners" were defined as over 70, bed ridden
offenders. However, in the latest Department of Corrections
documentation, it is stated that there will be a population of offenders
in Highview who are able bodied, in good health and are 50 years or
older. Is it believable that these are low risk, harmless individuals?
To have been incarcerated until age 50 would imply serious, habitual
offenders who present a significant menace to the community.
Local politicians claim that the conversion will save Northern Wisconsin
Center jobs. However, no commitment has been made by the DOC that any of
the jobs created by the prison, other than laundry and food service,
will be filled with current employees of the Center.
What long term effect will a prison have on our community? If Highview
is converted to a prison, the effects will not be short term, but will
last forever. Prisons do not get smaller or go away, they only get
larger. Is this the type of expansion we want to encourage in Chippewa
Falls? Will it improve the quality of life? Will it make the area
attractive to other employers?
If you oppose the prison, please contact your local representatives (Rep
Sykora 726-9397, Rep Balow 832-0808 and Mayor Smith 726-2734) and make
your feelings known. The Governor has stated that he will not place a
prison in any community that opposes it. However, at this time there are
no public hearings scheduled and no referendum is planned on the
proposed prison. Unless people learn the true nature of this proposal
and voice their opposition, Chippewa Falls will get a prison, whether a
majority of people want it or not.
Sincerely,
Doug Kervin
