No Work Camp
For Randolph

So let us be completely honest here, the work camp facility proposal that our Selectboard seems unofficially to favor and you, our editor, have been promoting is in fact, by the state’s own admission, a minimum security prison. In an effort to not mislead the residents of our community with assurances that this might be our big ticket, let us briefly separate fact from fiction.

The informational meeting held at VTC a couple of weeks ago allowed state officials to convince the public that the proposed prison would do much to benefit our community. After the state presentation, most of the 60 people in attendance left with an even greater resolve to prevent this facility from coming to fruition.

Here are just a few reasons why:

1) There will be no big economic boom for the town of Randolph. When pressed, those representing the state admitted just that.

2) There is absolutely no guarantee that once the work camp is in place, a larger medium security facility will not arise in its wake. How likely is this? Very likely, given that approximately 500 prisoners in Virginia need to return to Vermont and that the state has promised to close the corrections facility in South Burlington.

3) How about those 40-50 jobs for Randolph folks? Not going to happen, according to representatives. There will be a few, yes, but only after a state-wide job fair. In addition, the high paying jobs awarded to corrections officers will come from outside the region.

4) The prison facility will not be required to pay taxes to the town. They will pay a small yearly sum compared to what a business in the same location would be required to pay in taxes. Repeated assurances from the state that they could promise us very little added to the frustration felt by many residents who participated in this informational meeting.

Our selectboard constitutes a number of bright, reflective individuals who are deeply committed to Randolph. Therefore, it remains all the more puzzling why this prison has been brought before us. Is this the future of Randolph? The "prison town" label is attractive and sustainable? Is it possible that our selectmen are willing to jeopardize all of the positive and creative progress this community has made in the last few years? Has no one truly looked for alternatives?

I implore you and members of our selectboard to step back and re-access the irreversible impact a prison facility would impound upon this community. Consider riding the tide that exists already in the form of creative business and spirited entrepreneurism.

We are on the cusp of a small tourist industry. Take us into it, with it and on top of it. Don’t put the fire out. Let us be at the forefront of innovative rural development. Create incentives for responsible, civic-minded businesses that will enhance Randolph, dignify Randolph and merge with the momentum that currently exists.

Jennifer Curtin

Josh Plavin

Randolph