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VOTE REJECTED
Vote NO on the big expensive new jail
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Progressive opponents of Whatcom Proposition 2023-4 rightly point out the fundamentally racist and oppressive nature of the current criminal legal system. Rather than investing hundreds of millions of dollars into a big new jail, they argue we should be helping meet people’s needs and using proven strategies to reduce crime, including providing housing and support services. They also point out the regressive nature of increasing the county sales tax when we already have the most upside-down tax code in the nation.
Progressive opponents criticize the lack of detail and plans in the proposition, even in comparison with the 2015 and 2017 measures. There are no written specifics about the size of the facility or even how much it will cost, leaving a large amount of discretion with a small number of leaders on this important issue. However, they are very concerned about the possibility of a 440-cell jail that could hold 880 people or more based on how the current facility is used.
Opponents often cite a very thorough 2017 report from the Vera Institute of Justice commissioned by Whatcom County to look into the issue of overcrowding and how to alleviate it. Notably, the report found many opportunities that don’t require a big new jail. For instance, a majority of jail admissions came from non-felony charges. By providing more diversion opportunities for low-level offenders, many jail bookings could be avoided entirely. In addition, DUIs and drug use were some of the most common charges for jail admissions. Many of these bookings could be avoided by providing more sobering houses and substance use treatment. The 81-page report is available here.
Maybe the most striking evidence for the need for reforms instead of a jail came from a report from Whatcom County published earlier this year. It found that 98 percent of the current jail population is awaiting trial and nearly two-thirds of them were in jail for an unnecessarily long period of time because they couldn’t pay their cash bail. It indicates Whatcom County could significantly reduce jail overcrowding by reforming the bail system to focus on risk rather than financial means. You can find the 110-page report here.
Opponents of Proposition 2023-4 urge the county to pursue these alternatives that would reduce the prison population and improve lives at a far lower cost than building a new jail.Progressive opponents of Whatcom Proposition 2023-4 rightly point out the fundamentally racist and oppressive nature of the current criminal legal system. Rather than investing hundreds of millions of dollars into a big new jail, they argue we should be helping meet people’s needs and using proven strategies to reduce crime, including providing housing and support services. They also point out the regressive nature of increasing the county sales tax when we already have the most upside-down tax code in the nation.
Progressive opponents criticize the lack of detail and plans in the proposition, even in comparison with the 2015 and 2017 measures. There are no written specifics about the size of the facility or even how much it will cost, leaving a large amount of discretion with a small number of leaders on this important issue. However, they are very concerned about the possibility of a 440-cell jail that could hold 880 people or more based on how the current facility is used.
Opponents often cite a very thorough 2017 report from the Vera Institute of Justice commissioned by Whatcom County to look into the issue of overcrowding and how to alleviate it. Notably, the report found many opportunities that don’t require a big new jail. For instance, a majority of jail admissions came from non-felony charges. By providing more diversion opportunities for low-level offenders, many jail bookings could be avoided entirely. In addition, DUIs and drug use were some of the most common charges for jail admissions. Many of these bookings could be avoided by providing more sobering houses and substance use treatment. The 81-page report is available here.
Maybe the most striking evidence for the need for reforms instead of a jail came from a report from Whatcom County published earlier this year. It found that 98 percent of the current jail population is awaiting trial and nearly two-thirds of them were in jail for an unnecessarily long period of time because they couldn’t pay their cash bail. It indicates Whatcom County could significantly reduce jail overcrowding by reforming the bail system to focus on risk rather than financial means. You can find the 110-page report here.
Opponents of Proposition 2023-4 urge the county to pursue these alternatives that would reduce the prison population and improve lives at a far lower cost than building a new jail.No on Whatcom Prop 2023-4
Progressive opponents of Whatcom Proposition 2023-4 rightly point out the fundamentally racist and oppressive nature of the current criminal legal system.
No on Whatcom Prop 2023-4
Progressive opponents of Whatcom Proposition 2023-4 rightly point out the fundamentally racist and oppressive nature of the current criminal legal system.
Yes on Whatcom Jail measure 2023-4
Progressive supporters of Whatcom Proposition 2023-4 point to the awful, inhumane conditions at the current facility as a driving need for a new jail. The current facility is often full and sometimes overcrowded, even after years of booking restrictions.