A grassroots effort by a few Claiborne County citizens has resulted in approximately 4,500 signatures being turned in on petitions to get the issue of the jail expansion project on the ballot for a vote.
County resident Joe Brooks led the effort. The deadline to get the signatures in was Monday.
“After I became aware of the plan to expand the current jail I began to look into it for myself. I soon realized there were only a few individuals that were in favor of expanding our jail, and that expansion was only one option to alleviate the overcrowding issue we have. Since no one was interested in hearing about the best option for the county — stop the business of housing inmates for revenue — this petition was the only option left. Also, by doing this petition it has given our citizens the opportunity to show how they felt across all nine of our county districts. That number has been overwhelming. I mean seriously, if we as a county could invest some $11.4 million over eight years for a return of $34 million it would be a viable option. However, we’re on the losing end of that equation by investing $34 million with only a return of $11.4 million. Besides, if it were such a good idea, all 95 of Tennessee’s counties would be doing it behind all other investors who would be looking to triple their investment.”
The names on the petitions will go through a stringent county and state certification process to determine if they are “actively registered” county voters. Approximately 1,600 certified signatures would be needed for the movement to succeed.
If enough signatures are valid, the Claiborne commissioners are expected to decide on the adoption of the referendum resolution during the regular April meeting.
If the resolution fails, by state law the county will not be able to move forward to acquire the necessary bonds to build the jail expansion.
It could cost the county taxpayers up to $80,000 to hold a special election. Otherwise, it should cost nothing if the referendum vote goes on the ballot of one of the regularly scheduled elections in August or November.
Brooks said the experience was, “In a word, daunting, but very rewarding. It has given me the opportunity to connect with a lot of citizens to better understand their thoughts on the county government an the direction it should be heading.”
Brooks and others went to all nine districts in the county, talking to as many citizens as possible.
“I would like to personally thank each of the nine county commissioners who supported this effort to let the voices of the citizens of Claiborne County be heard: Charlton Vass, Whitt Shuford, Bill Keck, Gary Poore, Nicholas Epperson, Anthony Rowe, Mitchell Cosby, Billy Johnson and Aimee Upton,” Brooks said. “I would personally like to thank Charlton Vass for hitting the pavement with me throughout several of the county’s communities, going door-to-door with me, even in Clairfield.”
Shuford said he just wanted citizens to be heard.
“We are backing this petition to give the taxpayers the ability to vote and decide whether they want the jail expansion – not to quash the project,” he said at a petition rally held at Springdale School.
Brooks said some people told him they were “scared to sign the petition,” but he felt the effort was successful.
“I would also like to thank each of the many residents who helped in this effort as well as several local businesses that had the petitions out and available to sign,” he said. “Without all of you, this effort to ensure the voices of the citizens of Claiborne County be heard would not be possible.”
Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
