While I applaud the GED initiatives in prisons, I would like to suggest an idea to help our schools and give the gang members an viable option for future employment.
Why don't we take the GED program one step further, initiate a more mandatory technical training program. With those skills, have the people incarcerated working on the schools? I would much rather see my tax dollars being used to have the inmates cleaning up schools, parks, retirement facilities, and recreational facilities. Now, I am paying for a person to remain in jail and watch television, work out, and whatever else. Perhaps the inmates could work at least on Saturdays so as not to be in contact with the students.
I am the only one who sees this as an option? Would love to hear some other solutions.
Angie Williams
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I agree with Ms. Williams, offenders should not be sitting on the taxpayers' dime watching TV, working out, playing cards. I say bring back the chain gangs. They can paint public buildings, clean up trash, etc.. I believe this would make them think twice about going back to jail if it's like going to work.
I also feel quite strongly that Mayor Berke should not have dismantled "The Future Is Ours / Gang Task Force". They were working with the youngsters to avoid gangs before they joined and give them other options.
Netta Dean