|
Statement from Reps. Richard DeBolt and
Gary Alexander on final recommendations to close Maple Lane or Green
Hill schools
Reps. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, and Rep.
Gary Alexander, R-Olympia, issued the following statement in response to
the facilities closure study released this week by OFM:
Statement from Rep. Richard DeBolt
“The final feasibility report issued by the consultant, reiterated what
we have said all along. The facts simply don’t support closing either
Maple Lane or Green Hill schools. Unfortunately the consultants were
given very narrow parameters in which to find savings in the juvenile
rehabilitation system.
“The question still left unanswered, is why the majority party
disregarded a study that was conducted just four years ago, which
recommended closing a facility in Naselle as the most practical
alternative. Unfortunately, this issue has been politicized, and this
recent study could not even consider that option or any other viable
alternatives.
“The contractor’s report is very clear, it states: ‘Overall, the facts
do not support closure of either facility. It is our conclusion that the
data do not support closing either Green Hill or Maple Lane.’
“We need to take politics out of the decision-making process. The
Legislature has an obligation to treat troubled juveniles and protect
public safety. We need to look at all available options and select the
one that is in the best interest of taxpayers."
Statement from Rep. Gary Alexander
“It’s encouraging to see
that an independent report clearly states what many of us have been
saying from day one: closing Maple Lane or Green Hill is not a feasible
option and will not result in the fiscal savings needed.
“I continue to strongly
believe that we can find savings within the juvenile justice system
without closing any facilities. I stand ready to work with my
counterparts across the aisle to arrive at solutions to our budget
shortfall without compromising the safety of our citizens, the oversight
of juvenile offenders, or eliminating facilities altogether.
"Unfortunately, it seems
politics continues to play a role in this decision to the detriment of
our juvenile justice system, the workers employed and the communities
involved.”
# # #
For more information, contact:
Lisa Fenton, Communications
Director - (360) 786-7728
|