Letter: Joliet Dodged a 'For-Profit' Bullet, Councilman Says

Dear Editor;

The other day, a news story reprinted in USA Today caught my eye. The title? “Idaho to take over privately-run state prison.” As it turns out, Idaho’s largest prison had been operated by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) since 2000 and, according to the article, had suffered, “numerous lawsuits alleging rampant violence, under staffing, gang activity and contract fraud by CCA.”

This story is an important one for Joliet. As many will remember, it was only eighteen months ago that the city began negotiations with CCA to build a for-profit prison here. The mayor, former city manager, and members of the mayor’s CARB committee all discussed the potential benefits of bringing another prison to Joliet.

But, this was before Joliet residents had their say. Members of the community concerned with CCA's record and the impact that such a facility would have on local families, made their voices heard to the City Council. They held rallies, passed out flyers and carried signs. Their message was simple, “Say ‘NO’ to for-profit prisons.”

In May of 2013, I requested the city manager bring CCA to Joliet so the public could finally hear CCA’s proposal and have their questions about the immigrant detention center answered firsthand. Instead, based on the feedback from residents, CCA informed the city they would look elsewhere to build their detention center.

The persistence of our residents and their demands for transparency made a difference. Joliet could have been another Idaho—spending decades dealing with CCA and having nothing but lawsuits and problems to show for it. I stand steadfast in my decision to publicly oppose the Joliet for-profit prison and applaud the great residents of this City for staying true to their beliefs and proving once and for all that true power lies in the hands of the people.

Jim McFarland
At-Large City of Joliet Councilman