A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO A DANGEROUS PROBLEM
This morning I read the comments from the County Commissioners denying the new Conflict Counsel office space. Basically, the old battle cry for a new courthouse is being sounded, this time bootstrapped to the issue of space for the new state agency for the poor. It led me to think about writing an article in favor of a new courthouse complex in Pompano, by the jails.
It’s not a new concept. Many courthouse veterans support the plan, since it’s a common sense answer to the problems caused by Broward’s prison culture and projected growth. I was even quoted in the New Times parroting the idea, in response to questions asking for alternatives to a new downtown structure (see Mold? Rats? Yikes! Tear the Place Down!, by Bob Norman, 10/25).
Then the news of Deputy Rein hit, murdered while transporting a prisoner downtown for trial, who was already serving two life sentences. This senseless tragedy, which could have been avoided, and cannot be allowed to occur again, led to extensive news coverage on BSO’s transportation procedures, and other finger pointing.
Let’s get to the benefits of building a new courthouse near the jails, along the model of Palm Beach and other cities nationwide, since the point in the preceding paragraph is painfully obvious:
1. Eliminate, or seriously decrease, nearly all of the security and transport issues currently plauging BSO, in addition to saving the current enormous transportation expenditures.
2. Cheap land, which may already be owned by the County. Construction costs would also be faster and cheaper than building downtown, in addition to the millions saved on land costs.
3. Complex could include additional jail space, since Broward is unlikely to fix its ongoing jail overcrowding issues, thereby killing two birds with one stone.
4. Central location: near the Turnpike and 95, easily accessible by jurors and workers alike, unlike downtown.
5. No downtown parking problems and costs.
6. The low-income surrounding areas would benefit from new jobs, and development would occur to service the new facility (restaurants, offices, etc.).
7. New office space for the State Attorney, the Public Defender, the Clerk’s criminal divisions, Judges, and the new Conflict Office would free tons of space downtown for new courtrooms.
8. Safer, more efficient, and quicker administration of justice.
Of course, the Main Jail would still function, so the agencies would still need space downtown.
However, with the bulk of the criminal justice system shifting to Pompano, there would be room to remodel and hurricane proof the Old Courthouse, and build new courtrooms in both the old and new wings (in the double digits). These rooms, in addition to the new 10 story courtroom tower already approved for downtown, would provide more than enough space for the civil and family divisions, and for many decades to come.
I can’t really think of a downside to this plan. The County would save countless millions of dollars, in addition to a streamlined, safer, and more efficient criminal justice system. Attorneys might have to readjust their schedules, and judges would have to get used to working in Pompano, but, overall, I think these are minor problems.
Of course, downtown developers might be opposed, but is that really a concern? Frankly, their traditional argument that a new courthouse would spur downtown development seems spurious, since each new addition has thus far failed to enhance the areas surrounding the existing courthouse complex.
That’s it. The idea should, of course, be put to the voters, who have already soundly defeated a new downtown courthouse initiative. Hopefully, the County Commission won’t ram another downtown initiative down the voter’s throats without at least exploring this common sense approach. To do so would be an insult to the taxpayers, and to the memory of Deputy Rein, and to the brave officers who continue to put themselves at risk every day.
Bill Gelin
A far too common sense approach for the politicos trying to push a new courthouse. It doesn't involve enough exchange of money for the few that would stand to profit from a view that leaves the taxpayer out in the cold again. What we continue to see is the few trying to steer public money to their friends and political buddies. I have no doubt that should the public be asked again to decide the issue of a new courthouse, that in their wisdom the idea will be soundly defeated. Members of the Broward County Commission and certain judges as we have seen repeatedly continue to care little about common sense or the practicalities involved, only in fattening the pockets of those that help them to achieve their personal goals now and in the future. After all, it's Broward County and there are those that seem to think this community exists to serve only their personal agendas. There are many kinds of corruption, but Broward seems to have more than its fair share among its so called community leaders. While the public sleeps and works hard to pay the bills, the few remain forever vigilant for the opportunity to manipulate public funds for their own purposes.
Don't attempt to use any kind of logic to teach a lesson to these clowns. They know it all and stand to receive quid pro quo for all their efforts. That's the game for them, the only game they've ever been even marginally good at. They've just forgotten, if they ever knew, what it means to serve the public. Particularly if the public stands in the way of what they want.
Careful. You'll incur the wrath of the Dreaded Cyberblob, Judicial Apologist and Rump Kisser Extraordinair. He's keenly aware of all these problems and in his capacity of Judicial Liaison and Court Jester (His two conflicting self appointed offices) will continue to set the record straight as to the blight affecting Broward County, its Judiciary, and things in general.
I guess we are starting a week early...
It is the dawn of a new week and all is the fault of this cyberblob. Yet who is this person?
Hard to tell the difference between Fake Gelin and the "real Gelin". Using the muder of a fallen Deputy to justify you view against a new courthouse. God you are low. Considering how often you have said bad things about LEO's and especially Bailiffs on here, you have no right to manipulate this death for your own agenda. Only thing missing was finding a way to blame this on Judge Ross. I have no doubt you will do that in a follow up post.
WOW!!! Common sense, It'll never fly
Big money development vs. what the deps want. Nice try, the little guys always lose.
never happen. too many of the judges and their friends have spent years buying up all the land around here so they can cash in on a new courthouse land buy.
does seiler have his meat hooks in this one too?
A lot of little guys make for some real changes in the good ole boy net work as we've seen.
Seiler is just another politician soon to be out of a job. Wonder what he'll have his hand out for next time.
The voters will once again in a seemingly endless diatribe of political tripe defeat the idea of a new courthouse despite everything the jokers come up with. Watch and see it happen again. They'll have to hold court in the judges robe room if you believe Gardiner and friends. She's been silent after the beating she took in the press for the BIG FIB she thought the public would swallow, hasn't she?
Dawn of a new week? It's Thursday stupid, and you're still addicted.
There have been changed in the good ole boy network? Considering Vic has done nothing are you going to claim that was a change? New ole boys for old ones.
Voters are asleep at the wheel. They stay in office because no one kicks them out. Go to a precinct, participate, stop whining.
A good idea but screw you. I'm not working in Pompano.
amen to that brother. guess bill doesn't care about the ride because he has a hybrid.
anyone think its odd that we should have to go to the criminals and bill is trying to make it convenient for the criminals.you criminals like our cop killer.
Damned straight 12:17. Screw you Bill. Just because youre probably one of those hybrid-driving hippies doesn't mean the rest of us should have to spend $4.00 a gallon on unleaded to shlep up to Pompano on a daily basis. Go take a shower hippie.
my the criminal defense attorneys are getting up-ity about the proposal. as a non-criminal attorney, would very much look forward to the criminal courts being exiled to pompano. the transportation and safety issues have some merit in light of current events. also, would not mind taking oer the north wing--at least the elevators are working there. perhaps they can auction off the water-front jail to finance new construction.
FU Civil Practicioner. We could give a ratboy's ass about your problems. You sure as hell aint taking over our North Wing. You guys already have all the paying clients, the half-way decent judges, and the money. There's no F'ing way I'm letting you take over the good side of the courthouse. You stay over on the other wing with its partially working elevators, mold and rats. We working stiffs need a palace to practice in.
No! No Pompano Jail! No soup for you!
Hooray for the new Pompano Courthouse!!!
Please remember that we have a free lunch buffet from 12-4 and our dancers are high quality. We do our best to cover up scars, stretch marks, and gunshot wounds with appropriate makeup.
50% well drinks to all PD's making weekend and holiday jail visits.
And Bill, please pay your outstanding Tab or you will be banned from the Champagne Room.
Ana should love this idea. She would be the obengruppenfuhrer of the whole camp.
Maybe laying off the WW2-era Nazi-esque references may be appropriate at this time. It only diminishes the potentially cogent (and humorous) point you may be trying to make.
Bill --
You are just a front for Dale Ross, you hypocrite. Ross has been wishing for a courthouse complex in Pompano for years as it would shorten his commute from home.
Why are you pimping the former CJ's agenda?!?!? He was overheard commenting that he would go back to criminal if they built a CH in Pompano.
This whole BLOG is nothing but a front for the Old Boy Network and Judge Ross. I wouldn't be surprised if Scherer, et al., don't own some vacant land near the Pompano jail as a backup plan if their "downtown program" didn't catch on. Who is funding Bill and this BLOG anyway?????
Bill as usual you have to make stuff up to get attention. We have had 2 things like this happen in 30-40 years. Seriously, this is a dangerous problem? Come on.