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

Mr. Mayor, It’s Not a Game

Dear Mr. Mayor:

This is an open letter to Globe’s Mayor which was recently published in the SilverBelt, Copper Country News and – here.

The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight about your statements quoted in the June 15,
2011 issue of Copper Country News. You stated, “I think it is sufficient to say that Mr. Moss was notified
that his initiatives as written pose several concerns and he was advised to review them with his legal
counsel.”

Your remarks to CCN validate why I do not have confidence in your credibility. Now, here is the truth of
the matter. … Continue Reading

Local EDC Stone Deaf and Dead Wrong

Dear Editor:

This letter was recently published in the SilverBelt, Copper Country News – and here.

In last weeks’ letters to the editor, Jerry McCreary once again showed how stone deaf and disingenuous he can be when it comes to presenting the facts as he would like you to believe them.

He says in his letter,  “…we have not with held any facts about the project.” Did he forget? Or intentionally mis-represent the facts? He conveniently avoids The Fact that at the very  beginning of this whole debate,  Ted Lake, who writes for the SilverBelt, did an excellent piece on how the EDC held a closed door meeting in which the press was not invited and Councilman Terry Wheeler was told he “wasn’t welcome.” (That piece is posted here EDC under Fire. … Continue Reading

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

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

Call to the Public: Citizens speak out against Prison

Last week, in a Call to the Public, local residents and business owners once again voiced their strong opposition to what is seemingly a handful of elected leaders intent on bringing a for-profit prison to Globe. (click the headline to see video)  The following video shows former EDC Director Melissa Woodall speaking on behalf of the community in a video produced to convince the DOC that Globe wants a prison. At the time the video was made, almost no one in the community was aware that the EDC and City of Globe was even pursuing this idea. So it’s hard to know just who she is referring to when she says the “community is thrilled.”

Globe Citizens Opposed to a Prison Town Pack the House

By: Linda Gross

The Globe City Council met a sea of opposition last night regarding a proposed private prison to be built in Globe as a part of the State’s RFP for 5000 more prison beds. Even though the State recently rescinded that RFP (on Friday), citing they no longer feel they need the beds, both the organizers of last nights opposition, as well as Mayor, Fernando Shipley believe it is not ‘really off the table’ … … Continue Reading