What We Think
What We Think: Prison officials too guarded
On Friday, The Valdosta Daily Times was informed that the records requested under an Open Records request from the Georgia Department of Corrections were being diligently researched, pulled from warehouses, etc. On Monday, The Times was told those records don’t exist. They were destroyed.
The Times wasn’t asking for records from decades ago. It’s been little more than four years. The Times wasn’t asking for an obscure piece of paper. The newspaper was seeking information about an incident in which a guard was beaten by inmates. According to the DOC, no records of the investigation, report or any paperwork related to the incident still exist, so the department is unable to comply with the request.
In a second Open Records request, regarding an incident involving a severe injury to a guard which left him blind in one eye and unable to return to work, The Times has been told by the DOC legal department that the documents exist but they can’t share them because they have been deemed “state secrets.”
The DOC legal department thinks The Times has treated them harshly in news stories and editorials. The Times thinks the DOC has a lot of explaining to do and continues to fail to do so. And no one is holding them accountable. Does Gov. Sonny Perdue pay attention to anything happening in Georgia?
It would be nice to think that perhaps members of our local legislative delegation might take up the cause and request action at the state level, but until then, The Times will continue to press officials for answers. At issue is the safety of inmates and employees in our community. A prison should be one of the safest places for someone to work.
Guards should not have to tolerate working conditions that leave them open to severe injury.
The Times will continue to file Open Records requests until we have satisfied the questions concerning these victims and the current climate which is allowing the attacks to continue.
- What We Think
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Football traditions 2010
With the Valdosta State University Blazers returning to the field Saturday, the region’s football season is in full swing. The traditions continue.
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What we think: Preserve our past
Now that the majority of offices and personnel have relocated to the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex, the former courthouse is sitting empty and ready for its next incarnation.
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What We Think: Gubernatorial South Georgia
Both the Democrat and Republican candidates for governor are targeting South Georgia as part of their campaigns.
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Don’t blame the fee
The Lowndes County Trash Permit has only been around for two years, so how is it to blame for all of the illegal dumping that is and has been going on for decades?
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Flatlanders Fall Frolic
It just wouldn’t be Labor Day weekend in South Georgia without Lakeland’s Flatlanders Fall Frolic. And this tradition of great crafts, tasty food, and good music continues this coming weekend.
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Don’t be a drip
We take water for granted. Even during past droughts, water has been plentiful. Homeowners had to curtail lawn watering, but the region still had plenty of water for drinking, showers, and other necessities.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Leisa Marshall for helping area families in need. In the process of improving her own health, the Valdosta State University accounting professor developed a fundraiser to help a student's father, who was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. The inaugural Honor Our Neighbor 5K Run was held on July 10. Future runs will benefit another family battling disease.
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What we think: Hello future Valdosta!
When the time capsule being buried today in Drexel Park is opened in 2060, just think about all of the incredible things that may have happened over the next 50 years.
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What we think: Every day a Day of Caring
Friday’s Day of Caring serves as the kick-off for the Greater Valdosta United Way’s 2010-11 fundraising campaign.
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What We Think: The people you know
From an early age, we are taught to look out for strangers. We should also remember to look out for the people we know.
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Football traditions 2010
