Jeff Nelson might have a "better" reason to try to convince residents that this development is inevitable.
The mayors of many cities, including Appleton, MN, Eloy, AZ and California City, CA, have found themselves with jobs at the CCA prisons they host.
CCA has also proven very generous to politicians that support them. Debbie Wasserman Schultz got $1,000 from their Political Action Committee this year, as did Mel Martinez and Johnnie Byrd. The corporation contributes millions annually to state, local and federal candidates. Rick Scott has been perhaps the largest beneficiary of for-profit prison industry largesse in the U.S.
CCA has already broken its word with the two towns, as it has with many others around the country. The original prison it intended to build was much smaller, but they've substantially ramped up the intended size. It is a prison, of course. The only difference between a prison and a "detention center" is the sign over the door. Prisons originally constructed or expanded for "detainees" have magically been transformed into places where the worst of the worst out-of-state convicts have been imported. This is a classic "bait and switch" tactic.
In order for such a facility to be approved by the feds, a National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) assessment needs to be made, to determine the effect of the proposed development on the community in question. CCA has avoided this requirement simply by ignoring it.
CCA has a long history of immensely overcharging those agencies with which it contracts and of avoiding taxes, one of the worst case scenarios being with the state of Florida where it billed for millions in unearned revenues. There is no reason to trust them about anything.
I wonder if a recall of the mayor isn't in order? How many signatures would need to be gathered?
Neighbors, please understand why we will fight this thing until it's dead. Look at the success in stopping Walmarts around the country. You are fighting a much more noble cause.
We only need around 300...That shouldn't be too hard to get!!
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ReplyDeleteNelson is up for reelection in November, so a recall is sort of meaningless unless there's a strategic advantage of calling a special election to get the other two items off the Presidential election and onto a special election.
ReplyDeleteInstead, we should execute a 3 phase attack to:
1. elect somebody else as mayor,
2. change the Town charter to allow the Attorney to be removed with a 3 to 2 vote simple majority rather than the charter mandated 4 to 1 supermajority and
3. find a legal way to put a binding vote on the prison on the ballot.
$1000 is generous?? Wasserman Schultz sold out her constituents for $1000? She comes cheaper and easier than...well, nevermind
ReplyDeletethis is right on the money they are buying the souls of our elected officials and our elected officials are selling themselves dirt checp. check out both www.americanoutrage.wordpress.com and www.browardoutrage.com
ReplyDelete