Area's growth forcing new detention facility

A while ago, Thomas Dickson wrote a rather negative letter regarding the proposed new juvenile detention facility. In it were several points I feel should be addressed.

1. Regarding using an existing facility, such as an abandoned military base or a state facility, is Mr. Dickson suggesting we ship our kids out of Bonner County? How far?

2. The term “hardened criminals” was used. This is an unfair and inaccurate stereotype that is smearing on each and every young person who has ever been or will be in detention.

3. The new facility is referred to as a “punk palace.” Meeting legislated requirements, having a roof that does not leak, and being large enough to keep up with our growing county population hardly make it a palace.

4. I very much resent Mr. Dickson’s inference that someone is “getting paid off.” To malign the people who are painfully aware of the current situation and trying to correct is disgraceful.

5 Mr. Dickson suggests that “bureau weenies and elected officials at all levels are running wild.” Perhaps these “weenies” are not giving up on the need for a new detention facility because they see the problems the current outdated and deteriorating facility poses and the amount of taxpayer money being spent to keep it going.

I would suggest that Mr. Dickson and others who have closed their minds to the idea of supporting this needed resource pay attention to the information that will be available for consideration prior to the levy vote. Being informed is so much more productive than being hostile.

ANNA BATES

Sandpoint