OUR TOWN’S PRIVATE PRISON FIASCO

By: Jim Moss

Globe is not becoming a ‘Prison Town’ any time soon.

The ‘official’ word is that Emerald Co. failed to secure state land for their prison proposal.  Does this mean that Emerald Co., the EDC, Globe’s Mayor and majority Council, and Gila County Supervisors —- did not perform the required due-diligence?  It is tempting to explain the news by declaring Local Officials incompetent.

But, we must give credit where credit is due — PEOPLE POWER prevailed. … Continue Reading

No Prison for Globe

July 12, 2011

It’s Official.  No private prison for Globe.

AZ Department of Corrections informed Emerald Co. that their bid did not fulfill RFP requirements.

AMAZING!  How could it be that so many local leaders —- EDC President McCreary, Mayor Shipley, Vice-Mayor Wilshire, and Supervisor Dawson —- spent more than a year (and who knows how many taxpayer dollars) steering THEIR private prison project idea to a DEAD END?

Of course, they will spin this outcome so that Emerald Co. gets the blame.  They will not take responsibility for failing to secure a private prison project for our community.  And, rest assured, they will not acknowledge the plain TRUTH —- that PEOPLE POWER PREVAILED.

The first battle has been won, but there remains some unfinished business.  Next, citizens can safeguard our community from future attempts to make Globe an Arizona Prison Town, by voting for both Ballot Initiatives at Globe’s next municipal election in March.

“The truth of what you believe in is what you do about it.” P. Darrow

Jim Moss, Globe Resident & Business Owner

Ten Days…1000 signatures

Kelly Moss and Sarah Bernstein turn in the petitions to Globe City Clerk, Gina Paul on Wednesday.

Yesterday, the grassroots citizens group which has been called “…one of the most effective and organized yet truly grassroots groups out there” turned in over 1000 petition signatures of registered Globe voters to Globe’s City Clerk, Gina Paul.

The petitions were part of a Citizen’s Ballot Initiative to force Globe’s Mayor and Council to put the contentious issue of a large private prison to a vote, instead of letting a small handful of leaders speak for everyone.

Although the group only needed 582 valid signatures, they gathered over 1000 in just ten days to place the 2 initiatives on the ballot next March.  Globe City Clerk, Gina Paul has 20 days to review all the signatures and confirm the final count, but says she believes it will take 4-5 days.

Both petition folders were counted twice for accuracy.

The citizens group engaged the services of Rhonda Barnes with Perkins Coie LLP to help draft the language of the initiatives. Barnes specializes in election law. Volunteers were trained to follow exacting rules of who could and couldn’t sign and Citizens Opposed feels confident that a high percentage of signatures will be validated. Over 40 volunteers helped to gather signatures over the ten day period.

This is the first Citizen’s Ballot Initiative in Globe’s history and promises to reinforce the American ideal of one man/ one vote. Something we can all celebrate this July 4th!

Citizens launch ballot initiative process

Can Citizens force a vote on a controversial plan to bring a Private Prison to Globe?

A group of local citizens gather in front of United Jewelry in downtown Globe to launch a petition drive to get 2 ballot initiatives on the March ballot.g

No ballot initiative has ever been done in the 19 years that Globe City Clerk, Gina Paul has been at her post. Its easy to see why. Ballot initiatives, like so much of our political process has gotten cumbersome and expensive , and few have the tenacity and dedication to see such a process through. However, the grassroots organization which launched their opposition to a private for-profit prison to be built in our community has shown just such tenacity, and this morning, they officially launched a Citizens Initiative which will require 580 signatures to be placed on the ballot in March.  See Initiatives Here:Ballot Initiatives … Continue Reading

Dawson’s Round Table Discussion involves little Discussion

Jim Moss, heads up a large coalition of area residents and businesses who are opposed to siting a private prison here. He,and several others attended Dawson's Round Table on Tuesday to present nearly 3000 signatures and postcards in opposition.

This last Tuesday, a group of area residents and business owners attended Shirley Dawson’s Round Table Discussion. She began holding these ‘forums’ several months ago in an effort to make herself more available to hear from her constituents and discuss topics of interest. Last month it was medical marijuana. I missed that one, but if it was anything like the this week it wasn’t a big loss.  On this weeks agenda it was “barking dogs” and “horses kept in small spaces.”  Community Development Director, Bob Gould, was on hand to “discuss ordinances and how they are developed”, although he had little to offer on the issue of barking dogs and penned horses except to say it’s a “difficult” situation and not much can be done. … Continue Reading

Kingman Residents speak out about their Private Prison

Image via Wikipedia

In the last several days we have received a letter from a Kingman resident who worked at the private prison since it was built in 2006, as well as the latest article in the local newspaper, The Daily Miner, in which residents react to the news that the family of the slain couple are suing the State and the Kingman prison. The Kingman experience has much to teach us about what to expect if a Private Prison comes to Globe. Here are what those residents have to say. … Continue Reading

A Few False Facts the pro-prison Supporters want you to believe

We seem to have entered a phase in local politics where the public voice simply seems to be an inconvenience to those in power. Something to deal with – rather than listen to.  And no, I’m not talking about what is happening in Wisconsin, although there are some parallels. No, I’m referring to our own elected leaders in Globe who have insisted on pushing through a private prison project despite significant citizen opposition.  Recently they paid $700 to put ads in the local papers identifying what they say are the “Facts” about a private prison in Globe. … Continue Reading

The State issues a new RFP for 5000 Prison Beds. Is Globe in the running?

Image via Wikipedia

The new RFP for more prison beds in Arizona is out and bidders will be expected to turn in their packages by February 24th.  Here in Globe, we don’t know who the bidders are at this point. We don’t know if the Emerald Companies who presented before the Globe City Council and EDC on the first go-round will be among the bidders this time. We don’t know even, if Globe is still considered as a site for contention. But what we do know is enough for continued concern and vigilance by all who want to protect this community from becoming another host for these ill-conceived projects. … Continue Reading

Did you know this about Private Prisons?

Adding to the voices of dissent, this March 2008 video shows the ills of privatizing our nation’s prisons.

The rise of private prison corporations are based on a profit model for the corporations and their shareholders – NOT the rural communities, States and local leaders who they court with their false promises of jobs and revenues. Pay attention to what one Colorado Congresswoman has to say about the private prison operators wanting the State to “Guarantee a 90% occupancy.”Sound familiar? And, don’t miss this article which outlines the tiesbetween Arizona leaders and the corporate interests of private prison operators.

http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/6085/ties_that_bind_arizona_politicians_and_the_private_prison_industry/

An Open Letter to EDC Board President

January 24, 2011

Open Letter to Mr. Jerry McCreary, EDC Board President

From: Jim E. Moss, Globe Resident & Business Owner

Dear Mr. McCreary,

During CALL TO THE PUBLIC at the January 10 Globe City Council meeting, and through other public statements, you have raised several questions/issues that deserve a response.

Let me begin by saying that the SGCEDC, which you lead, is obviously comprised of very fine individuals trying to make positive decisions for our community.

Public policy debates can become overheated, and naturally it can be difficult to avoid personality clashes etc. Unquestionably, I have spoken out passionately for our position in this debate. Keep in mind — we the citizens, do not hold the ‘official’ reins of power. Therefore, in order to achieve our goal it has become necessary to build a grassroots coalition. In doing so,the political environment becomes lively, as the status quo is challenged. Democracy in action can get a bit testy — but we have attempted to conduct our entire campaign in a way that we can be proud of. … Continue Reading