What We Think
What We Think: Budget cuts take their toll
The day before Thanksgiving, Georgia Department of Corrections officials from Atlanta, including Assistant Commissioner Derrick Schofield, took the time to show Sen. Tim Golden, Rep. Jay Shaw, Rep. Amy Carter and Rep. Ellis Black, along with Times reporter Malynda Fulton and editor Kay Harris, around the Valdosta State Prison.
The Times has been critical recently of the DOC in a series of articles and editorials demonstrating frustration with what appeared to be a news blackout of sorts regarding inmate and guard injuries. Schofield and staff, along with Warden William Danforth and staff, gave a presentation concerning the prison population and staffing followed by a tour.
All questions posed were answered, including information about gang, or security threat groups, inside the prison walls. The tour went through two general population dormitories and two mental health dormitories, and no one was restricted or restrained in any area. The guards have no weapons on them, as one stated that officer presence is enough of a deterrence to keep the peace.
Tours of cells, speaking to and questioning the inmates and prison personnel was encouraged. The dorms were very clean, as were the cells. The inmates were well-behaved, polite, and happy to speak to someone from the outside. From all indications, the prison is well-managed. Times staff have visited the prison on other occasions under former wardens and saw no discernible difference in the way things are being run.
The only disappointment was finding that the greenhouse, which had been flourishing and providing inmates another outlet for their time, has been closed due to the state mandated budget cuts and lack of personnel to oversee it. On a previous visit, the grounds of the prison were alive with colorful greenery and flowers giving it a far less stark look than it had this week.
The state’s across-the-board budget cuts have taken their toll, and although no one in an official capacity voiced this opinion, it’s clear to the Times that Gov. Sonny Perdue’s budget decisions have caused much of the issues heard about in the prison system. Overcrowding, downsizing of staffs, and downsizing of programs is a frustration, but one that the DOC is working to overcome through management of resources and “right sizing.” The warden indicated that he has been able to recruit more personnel and that turnover has decreased dramatically, largely due to the economy.
The main reason for the visit was to establish a line of communication between the legislative delegation, the media and prison personnel to ensure that questions don’t go unanswered in the future. The Times is satisfied that incidents will be treated consistently by staff and the public will be informed when issues arise.
- What We Think
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What we think: Public has right to know
The accidental release of three inmates from the Lowndes County Jail was an unfortunate incident.
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What we think: Wanted: Your vote
Early voting for the runoff election to see who will make it to the November general election begins today at the Elections Office in Lowndes County, 2808 N. Oak St.
If you voted in the primary election, you can only vote in the runoff election for the same party you voted previously. -
What We Think: Wanting answers for Wanat
Family of American soldiers killed in Afghanistan have wanted answers.
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Severe heat warnings
More than two thirds of the counties in Georgia were on extreme heat alerts Monday as temperatures rose to the high 90s with a heat index well over 100 degrees.
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Blood for all ages
While many children have spent the summer swimming, Sammy Giltner, 8, and Savannah Dallas, 5, have endured chemotherapy treatments.
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Where’s the money?
As part of a large transportation public hearing this week, the city unveiled its proposed plans for the new Gateways Project that will affect West Hill Avenue from Interstate 75 to downtown, and Madison Highway from the airport to South Patterson Street.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS DOWN: To the candidates who have not removed their campaign signs from area roadways and yards. The only candidates who need signs at this point are those heading into the runoff and — maybe — those who are already guaranteed a place on the November ballot.
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What we think: One vote
Think your vote doesn’t matter? Did you have a candidate you liked but didn’t vote because you thought, well, what’s one vote?
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What we think: Sad end for Fresh Start
Fresh Start seems to have been a good idea that came to a rotten end this week. After all, there was the disappointed anger of those turned away a few weeks ago because the program lacked the manpower to handle hundreds of applications at one time.
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Election vote
Every election is important, but some seem more important than others. This is one of those elections. With the state’s budget on the ropes, education funding bled nearly dry, and a multitude of other issues crowding for attention, management and money, this may well be one of the most important elections in Georgia’s history.
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What we think: Public has right to know
