[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: “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 […]
[Source: “League of Women Voters strongly backs justice center proposal,” Press Citizen, 14 April 2013] The League of Women Voters of Johnson County strongly endorses passage of the proposed May 7 justice center bond referendum. The league has long believed that open and responsive local governments should provide their citizens with excellent public services and […]
[Source: “Justice center design still in conceptual stage,” Press Citizen, 6 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by Dwight Dobberstein. This is the full content of originally submitted article.] On May 7th voters will decide the fate of the proposed Johnson County Justice Center. Voters deserve assurance that a “yes” vote will result in a building […]
[Source: “County can’t afford to wait any longer,” Press Citizen, 6 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by John Lundell] The proposed Johnson County courthouse enhancements and expansion of the jail need to be approved now. The thoughtful improvements will resolve long overdue security and legal system shortfalls in the courthouse and eliminate the costly […]
[Source: “Johnson County Justice Center Would Make More Room for Jail Diversion,” GGAN-TV CBS 2 Iowa, 3 April 2013] IOWA CITY, IA (CBS2/FOX28) — Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness read the list of charges for inmates in the Johnson County Jail on a given day, trying to make a point. “Next one, robbery, first (degree). […]
[Source: “Talk centers on how center would affect diversion programs,” Press Citizen, 3 April 2013] Johnson County’s case expediting program — which identifies jail inmates who can be safely released before their next court date — lowered the jail population by an average of 6.1 inmates per day in fiscal year 2012. “We have staff […]
[Source: “Report Reveals Benton County Security Concerns,” By Jill Kasparie, Reporter, KCRG, 3 April 2013] VINTON, Iowa – A new report noted concerns with the Benton County Courthouse security system. This comes as anxieties grow across the country. Wednesday in West Virginia, someone gunned down a sheriff in a courthouse parking lot. Last month, two prosecutors […]
[Source: “Before you cast a vote, tour the county jail, courthouse,” Press Citizen, 31 March 2013, by Shams Ghoneim] The county’s 32-year-old jail was designed with a capacity of 46 inmates — a number that reached 92 when jail officials decided to double bunk. The inmate daily average, however, has exceeded 170 and is reaching 200. […]
[Source: “‘My proposal is that we not take a stance,’ board member says,” Press Citizen, 19 March 2013] Iowa City’s Human Rights Commission will not take a stance against the proposed justice center. One of the center’s opponents, University of Iowa history professor Jeff Cox, asked the commission at its Feb. 19 meeting to oppose […]
