Golly Gee Willikers, I know this is Whatcom County, where everyone, just everyone, hates to follow regulations, but wouldn’t it be a good idea for our county sheriff to do so… you know, just to provide an example of how the system is supposed to work, at least in theory? Continue reading
The Voice of AuthorityMon, Oct 26, 2015, 2:57 pm Tip Johnson
This election, featuring a huge jail tax proposition, has seen much talk about the “dilapidated” jail that is “literally falling apart.” In a questionable jail mailer Sheriff Elfo cites, “severe and unsustainable conditions within the jail that jeopardize staff, visitors and inmates.”
This begs the obvious: Why has the jail not been fixed after taxpayers approved a sales tax to do so? According to a letter from Elfo to County Executive Jack Louws on April 22, 2015, Elfo says, “it would be imprudent to invest major capital to remodel and continue utilizing a facility” described as “inadequate, failing and dangerous.” That makes their 2004 jail tax campaign look like a bait and switch. And when was that decision made? By whom? Does Elfo really have the authority to overturn the electorate’s intentions? […]
A recent jail mailer issued by the county administration addressing a ballot measure right before ballots were mailed reflects abuse of power by Executive Louws on several counts. I hope this will cause some individuals and organizations to reconsider their endorsement. Continue reading
Trust me, baby!
Fri, Oct 16, 2015, 5:53 pm Tip Johnson
The jail proposal is wrought with troubling contradictions. The only way to prevent a massive misappropriation of public funds – a tax heist – is to vote down Prop. 2015-1 and start over on a downtown jail, next to the courthouse with good programs out front to keep folks out of jail. Continue reading
Mon, Oct 12, 2015, 7:40 pm Tip Johnson
After wrecking the jail structure and stuffing it with increased bookings and longer stays, what else could help propel a jail crisis? Inhumane conditions! Continue reading
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