[Source: “CrimeStoppers supports center,” It has been known for some time that the Iowa City population is fast growing; however, we all may have become complacent as to the generally law-abiding behavior of our community. In 2007, the residents in a west Iowa City neighborhood were brought up short with a home invasion, burglary and […]
[Source: “Downtown impact would be positive,” Press Citizen, 26 April 2013] The location of the proposed justice center (adjacent to the historic courthouse) has been labeled by some as poor choice, but I don’t see how this project would have anything but a positive impact on downtown Iowa City. It’s no accident that most town […]
[Source: “Think about the 92 and vote ‘yes’,” Press Citizen, 25 April 2013] I know and respect many of those opposing the proposed county justice center; however, what I find most puzzling are their twin claims that keeping an old, poorly ventilated, small and cramped jail will enhance the well-being of inmates and limit excessive […]
[Source: “Justice center is a needed first step,” Press Citizen, 25 April 2013] As a retired paramedic, I support the justice center issue. I believe the opinions of officers, lawyers and judges about making the courthouse safer and more accessible for all of us. We spend too much money housing prisoners in surrounding jails. What […]
[Source: “Supportive of justice center, yet voting ‘no’,” Press Citizen, 25 April 2013] As distasteful as it is for me to be in favor of a larger jail, I support the justice center proposal. Yet, I will be voting “no” on May 7. Let me explain. I support those incarcerated having greater physical access to […]
[Source: “Johnson County Residents All Agree, So Why Not Move Forward?,” Press Citizen, 25 April 2013, by Scott McKeag. See also, Daily Iowan, 25 April 2013.] I spent my entire undergraduate career at the University of Iowa opposing the idea of a new jail. I had heard the opposition’s points, read their amusing flyers and […]
[Source: “Vote ‘yes’ to ensure justice for all,” Press Citizen, 19 April 2013, by Richard, Buffie and Jessica Tucker] If you have ever been in the Johnson County Courthouse, for any reason, it is apparent why you should vote “yes” for the new justice center. We are writing this from the standpoint of two lawyers and […]
[Source: “Safety still a big concern at jail, courthouse,” Press Citizen, 19 April 2013, by Noreen Revier] Three years ago I served on a jury where the accused had harmed someone. The thought struck me how little separation there was between that person and those of us on the jury as we came and went […]
[Source: “Help make courthouse more accessible,” Press Citizen, 19 April 2013, by George R. Dane] It is very difficult for those of us who are disabled or have a mobility problem to access our 1901-built county courthouse. It has many barriers for us, and it is not possible to remove or modify them. The front […]
[Source: “Vote ‘yes’; don’t wait for something tragic,” Press Citizen, 19 April 2013, by James P. Hayes] I urge Johnson County voters to vote “yes” for the justice center on May 7. Access to the courts and making the community a safe place to live are two hallmarks of a great society. Our current courthouse […]
[Source: “Lack of courtroom space is an injustice,” Press Citizen, 19 April 2013, by Kevin Kinney] I am writing this letter in support of the justice center. I work daily with the victims of crimes and see how they are being re-victimized in Johnson County by the lack of courtroom space and the availability of […]
[Source: “Vote ‘yes’ to improve space and safety,” Press Citizen, 19 April 2013, by Phil Leff] I have practiced law in Johnson County for 50 years. The old courthouse was an integral part of my practice and initially served the population well, but eventually became stuck in time. I am very familiar with its shortcomings. […]
[Source: “Vote ‘yes’ to update courthouse,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Renee and Joe Hanrahan] The Johnson County historic courthouse was designed and built in the year 1899-1900 and dedicated in 1901. By 1900 standards this was a proud, modern building with electric lights, steam heating and large high-ceiling windows for ventilation. Today, 112 […]
[Source: “Process on justice center has been open, thoughtful,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Larry T. Wilson] There are many safety, security and space concerns about Johnson County’s existing courthouse and jail that make the proposed justice center a critical ballot issue in the upcoming May 7 special election. Concerns include safety risks for […]
[Source: “Many reasons to vote ‘yes’ May 7,” 17 May 2013, Press Citizen, by John Balmer] There are many reasons why citizens need to vote “yes” on May 7 for a new Johnson County justice center. One of the most significant is how much it’s costing taxpayers not to act. Every day we wait to […]
[Source: “Don’t be distracted; vote ‘yes’,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Lonny Pulkrabek] Please don’t let distractions and unrelated reasons stop you from getting out and supporting the justice center. The justice center is much more than just extra jail space. In fact, the jail portion of the proposal is only 34 percent of […]
[Source: “County has outgrown jail, courthouse,” Press Citizen, 17 April 2013, by Paula Sears] Johnson County has outgrown its current courthouse, jail and sheriff’s office. Our current facility creates an unsafe environment for our jurors, the employees and anyone who has reason to visit. Our courthouse is 112-years-old and has outgrown its capacity to serve […]
[Source: “Single facility improves safety, security, space,” Press Citizen, 16 April 2013, by Jim McCarragher] Nicholas Johnson’s recent guest column claimed there’s a much easier, win-win option to the current proposal for a new Johnson County justice center on the ballot in May. However, Johnson’s idea of creating a second, separate facility at another location […]
