Wait a minute– I thought additional courts were supposed to do away with the need for a new jail — not go “hand-in-hand” with it, as Commissioner Kirk Perkins put it.
County Commissioner Bruce Davis made the comment that proceeding with plans for the new jail along with plans for the new court sends the message to the public that “we’re going to build that jail whether you like it or not.”
I say commissioners should roll the dice and go for a bond referendum. If it fails, well that’s what COPs (unfortunately) are there for.
But Carl Allen of Greensboro has an idea in an (as yet unposted) letter to the editor in today’s N&R:
Here’s the real question: How many prisoners in jail are property owners? My bet is a very low percentage. So, why should property owners be asked to shell out more money? Everyone, including criminals, purchase products in Guilford County…..
The excuse that the state will never approve a sales tax increase is the wrong attitude. If citizens contact the Guilford legislative delegation to push this request, it can happen. Do this or pay for the jail costs, plus interest, with your property taxes for the next 20 years. Let inmates sleep in your jail for free and never contribute to the process.
Sound thinking from an ordinary citizen.
