Plan saves money, benefits youngsters

Why do I want to vote yes on a new juvenile detention center? Because economically it makes the most sense and is best for our county in the long run.

We can say we don’t need it, but we do. This “little” problem isn’t going away if we sent juvenile offenderss down to Coeur d’Alene.

Instead, it’s going to cost big time in just a short time.

If a juvenile needs to see their counselor, go to a doctor, eye, dental, court appointment and so on, Bonner County needs to send a van with one person to get them.

Bonner County has about 220 juveniles on probation. Today, they are going to school in the detention every day, they have no cellphones, can’t smoke, get three meals every day and learn about businesses and their society.

They build wood planters and benches and can “custom build” what you want. The kids learn a trade, get paid and 60 percent goes to their victim until the fine is paid. As a result, they learn consequences for their actions.

Maintenance around the detention facility is taken care of by juveniles.

The cost of the levy versus the cost to send juveniles to Kootenai County means the facility will pay for itself in a few years.

I strongly think it is the best to build a new detention and hope that Bonner County in the future years will be able to instill a good self value with the help of our communities.

MARGARETA LARSON

Sagle