John –

You have my permission to post this – these are the questions I have regarding the private prisons:

I believe research is one of my best friends! Thank you Wikipedia and Google!

I researched private prisons over the weekend, and here are some of my questions and “aha” statements:

1. Please note: these Private Prisons are also called “For Profit Prison” – that right there should cause fear and trembling.
2. If we as tax payers are funding these “Private/For Profit Prisons” are we allowed a percentage of the profits?
3. “Private/For Profit Prisons” typically enter into contractual agreements with governments – again – fear and trembling.
4. Why build a private prison? Why not add on to the current prison located to the west of I-75?
5. If you look online, there are many Private/For Profit Prisons closing due to the recession:
   • http://news.change.org/stories/the-recession-is-closing-private-prisons,
   • http://www.corrections.com/articles/29647
   • http://www.texasprisonbidness.org/money/financial-interests/state-budget-problems-may-lead-private-prison-closure,
   • http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/economicdevelopment/new-florida-private-prison-lacks-inmates-but-has-political-support/1083965
6. There are inadequately staffed Private/For Profit Prisons http://www.ccpoa.org/news/tags/tag/private+prisons This will lead to an increase in prisoners escaping.
7. Prison employees typically live outside the county they work in, so how will this help our local economy?

I haven’t completed my research. I will continue to look into these questions and “ahas” until I understand the pros and cons completely.

Until then — I think March 13 is the deadline? Scary.

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