To the editor:
In a recent Shawano Leader article about the sheriff candidates, it was suggested the Shawano Medical Center might be a possible site for a justice center. Even before any research on costs, it looked to be a possibility. SMC has the space and, with all the years of updates and remodeling, it has been kept up to code while being used as a hospital. It’s close to new, without the cost of a new building.
Sheriff Wright stated, “It would be more costly than building brand new. … It would take a valuable waterfront property off the tax rolls. … It is an aging building.”
At first, as I started reading this article, I thought it was again about the evidence storage facility search. As you may recall, Sheriff Randy Wright wanted a brand new $1 million-plus building. That’s a hefty price tag for the taxpayers. I could see why the County Board hesitated to borrow for that one. The board needs to study Shawano’s needs and what to borrow on. They know their job. Other cities have new schools, hospitals, etc. Does Shawano have to keep up with the Joneses? Don’t need to go bankrupt.
If all these departments come together under one roof at SMC, it will be close, within a few blocks, of the courthouse. The old spots could be used as evidence storage.
As far as this sheriff election coming up, has Sheriff Wright found out where the missing (jail) bail money disappeared to? Some of the earlier incidents were reimbursed. Where did they get that money from? The taxpayer? I thought that was his responsibility.
I remember the article about Deb Noffke. It so happened at the very same day and time as when the Noffkes were to vote at the board meeting. Makes one wonder why Sheriff Wright seems to have so much trouble getting the County Board to see things his way, doesn’t it now?
Carol Harke,
Clintonville
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