Pubdate: Thu, 06 Nov 2003 Source: Phoenix New Times (AZ) Copyright: 2003 New Times, Inc. Contact: http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/640 Author: Iris Ortega PAY NOW, OR PAY LATER I really enjoyed your article. It baffles me how Governor Napolitano would propose a prison plan for $700 million (to house more nonviolent prisoners) being that a high percentage of our prison population is just that -- nonviolent -- when there is a tax reform being proposed to resolve the state's $800 million deficit, and the education budget has been cut. Why does Arizona as a state have a "tough on crime" attitude, when the majority of prisoners are first-time offenders? What happened to deterrence? Why not punish first-timers so that they are more prone not to re-commit these nonviolent crimes? There is a cost associated with rehabilitation programs, and education, but the reality of the situation is they want more money either way, whether it is for rehabilitation, or more beds for the overpopulated incarceration system. The state should spend more money on education, rather than punishment, yet they fight for the same money. The reality of the whole situation is this: We need to look at cause and effect relationship. If you educate, there is a better chance that the overpopulation in the prison system would be resolved -- fewer people going to prison. If you buy more beds, you are still faced with the fact that you most likely will be buying more beds in the future, and you are still faced with the question of "what are we doing wrong as a state that our people are being incarcerated, and our prisons are still overcrowding?" Iris Ortega, Scottsdale - --- MAP posted-by: Derek