Will protesters demonstrate need for jail?

The Defund Police contingent will storm the Dane County Board of Supervisors — physically and virtually — this Thursday 04-20-23 in an attempt to scuttle construction of more humane jail cells to replace the two floors of Alcatraz atop City-County Building. (More here.)

The project requires borrowing an additional $10 million to cover cost inflationary costs of the long-deferred project, now pegged at $179,296,428. Amending the budget requires two-thirds of the 37-member county board but — here it gets worse — three-quarters (28 supervisors) need to vote YES to issue the bonds to borrow the money.

Opponents like the Madison-Area Democratic Socialists are prepared to play the race card. “This jail will be a six-story monument to the racial disparities Dane County continues to uphold.” 

“We might have to get louder about it. We need everyone. … Say NO NEW JAIL. CARE, NOT CAGES! We’ll see you April 20th.”

How about, for once, law-abiding citizenry contact all 37 members to encourage YES votes on two resolutions:

• Resolution #287 — “Amending the capital budget to provide funding for the jail consolidation project.” (Item #M-1 on the agenda) and
  
• Resolution #013 —  “Authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,155,000.” To be paid off over 20 years. (#M-6 on the agenda).

While you’re at it, encourage supervisors to vote NO on Resolution #393 (Agenda Item K-2) — “Revoking the sheriff’s authority to house federal detainees in the Dane County Jail.” Join the sheriff in opposing this micro-management.

→ Attend in person or via Zoom!
→ Contact all 37 supervisors!

Blaska’s Bottom Line: Disgracefully, the Public Protection & Judiciary Committee voted “no recommendation” on #013 a week ago from Supervisors Gray, Kigeya, Pellebon, and Rose against resistance of Sups. Andrae, Weigand, and Eicher.  The Personnel & Finance Committee did recommend approval, however.

Can they get it done this time?