A Jeffersonian In East Texas

After 4 recent failed jail proposal in 3 years, we thought it might be good to offer some advice on how to do it.

Things that have to be done before we will vote yes:

• Stop arresting people for “ticketable” offenses.

• Take full advantage of the effective measures already being used in Smith county.

• Develop more “out of the cell” ideas, and fund them.

• Get more courts to speed up the process.

• Get more space for judicial use.

How the plan should be developed:

• Only after the above steps are taken should this even be attempted.

• It should be developed openly and transparently.

• It should be developed with input from all concerned parties, not just officials.

• All fear mongering should be left out.

More on this topic later.