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

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

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

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

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.”

A dissapointment. Globe Mayor and 3 council members pass measure of support.

It was a packed house at Monday nites' Council meeting in which the Mayor and 1/2 the council passed a measure to send DOC Director Charles Ryan a letter of support for a prison. The vast majority of people in the audience that nite were there to protest such an action.

PRESS RELEASE — 1-25-11

From:  Jim Moss, Spokesperson, Citizens Opposed to Becoming a Prison Town

A “silent majority” wants a big private prison in Globe, according to several elected officials.  Sound familiar?  That’s a similar claim Richard M. Nixon made prior to being impeached.

Globe’s Mayor and four Council Members voted down a Citizen’s Resolution calling for leaders to cease their pursuit of a private prison for Globe.  It is no surprise.  At least now we know for certain where they stand.  Mayor Shipley, Vice Mayor Wilshire, and Council Members Uhl, Casillas, &  Alderman decided long ago they wanted a private prison project regardless of what citizens of Globe say.  This group is joined by Supervisors Dawson & Pastor, and EDC President McCreary.  These Officials ‘circled the wagons’ long ago, determined to bring a big For-profit to our town.  … Continue Reading