PRESS RELEASE
February 12, 2008

Democrat Failure to Support Jail Bond Jeopardizes County

Inaction Could Result in State Takeover of Jail Project

Members of the majority of the Rensselaer County Legislature said the failure of legislative Democrats to support a bonding resolution for the state-mandated expansion of the county is irresponsible and could result in higher costs for the project.

The failure by legislative Democrats to support the bonding resolution could result in the state Commission on Correction revoking a double-bunking variance, which could result in significant costs for boarding of prisoners. The state has revoked double-bunking variances in other counties. The failure by Democrats to support the bonding could also result in higher costs, because the state has the jurisdiction to take over the project and send the county the bill, presumably at a higher rate.

Several Republican legislators spoke out and said they did not like being forced by the state to pay $50 million for the expansion, but acknowledged the alternatives that could be imposed by the state would be more expensive and disruptive to the county jail. The bonding resolution requires 13 votes, and the measure failed by an 11-6 vote.

“This is the most irresponsible vote I have seen in my entire career in the Legislature, and Democrats in the Legislature should truly be ashamed. Their vote puts corrections officers and county taxpayers in jeopardy,” said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

“I would suggest that corrections officers at the county jail call Democrat legislators O’Brien, Hammond, Harrington, Grimm, Fasoldt and Zweig and ask why they are putting their safety in real danger. The Democrats’ vote on this was absolutely shocking,” added Majority Leader Robert Mirch.

Republicans noted that members of the Democrat caucus indicated during committee meetings they would support the bonding resolution, particularly when informed of the probably consequences of legislative inaction.

“If the state Commission on Correction asks why this vote failed, we will direct them to the door of the Democratic minority office. And when the bill for this project, ordered by a Democrat governor, comes due, we will also bring it to the legislative Democrats,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr.

Republican legislators said they believe Democrats did not support the jail bonding because they are stung by legislative criticism over Democrat Governor Eliot Spitzer’s budget, which shifts massive costs to taxpayers, and for the governor’s plan to close two medium-security prisons at a time when counties are being forced to expand county jails.

“Democrats have been given all the information they needed, invited to all the meetings on this project and allowed full input and access at every juncture. Despite those efforts at cooperation, they decide to play political games with this issue,” said Legislator Martin Reid.

 Support Freedom - Support Our Troops

Back