After covering local governments in a variety of states for more than 25 years, I have learned a few things.
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After covering local governments in a variety of states for more than 25 years, I have learned a few things. The most important is that no matter how well planned, deeply discussed or calmly thought out an idea, there will be many who simply hate it.
People love to sit on the sidelines and rip on their local elected officials. It was true in Arizona, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and it is true here.
Now, many people do have honest complaints and concerns, and those certainly should be heard. But it is often easier to dismiss and belittle than to actually work toward a solution.
I have watched the jail debate in Oregon with much interest. I went through something similar years ago while a young reporter at a daily newspaper in Arizona. The county planned that jail, held public meetings, fielded complaints and finally got the project off the ground. The jail still sits downtown to this day, and if I remember correctly it came in under budget. It was built for the future and has met the needs of the community well.
Ogle County has obviously been planning for a new jail for years. It smartly purchased land near the Judicial Center. Was it always for a new jail? I don’t know, but that certainly makes sense to me. And it’s not like this was done under cover of darkness.
I want to be clear that I have no dog in this fight. People are welcome to their opinions and passions – for or against. I support everyone’s right to agree or dissent.