Tax relief in jail plan

The existing corrections system in Maine is like an old Boston Red Sox team – 24 players, 24 taxis, and it’s costing the taxpayers of Maine way too much money.

The taxpayers cannot continue to fund a state prison system and 15 separate county jails.

Even though there is vacant cell space in some counties, five counties and the state are looking at new construction, which would cost the taxpayers more than $100 million.

With a unified system, this construction and added debt are unnecessary. And Maine would actually have excess room for prisoners and the ability to provide at least one specialized facility for prisoners with mental illness.

The work toward a unified corrections system did not end when the governor’s proposal was announced. We have established expert-led working groups to dig deep into the real issues of creating a unified system. We are committed to working with sheriffs and county commissioners to find solutions that treat all taxpayers fairly.

The governor’s proposal is not about fixing problems in any specific jail. Several jails are doing excellent work. No jail has worked harder than Penobscot County to establish policies and training to assist in preventing suicides.

The Department of Corrections was recognized by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government for innovation and the American Correctional Association auditors described the state’s prisons as a standard-setter and “cutting edge” in changing offender behavior.

That quality will not disappear, but we must do our jobs more efficiently. The governor’s proposal is about relief for property taxpayers by providing corrections services at a price that is affordable.

It is time for all of us in corrections to get out of our taxis and hit this issue head-on. We owe it to the taxpayers of Maine to give it our best effort.

Martin Magnusson

Commissioner

Department of Corrections

Augusta