Barkus/Kalispell Pre Release CenterMayor Kennedy and council members,
As you all know, I supported the funding for the Pre Release Center in
the 2007 Legislature and am still supportive of the project. It is
needed in the Western portion of the state and locating it in Kalispell
makes a lot of sense.
It now appears that you are turning your backs on some businesses that
have invested millions of dollars in their businesses by purchasing city
property and developing it in a very attractive and economically
beneficial way. The entity that has been chosen to provide the service
has apparently made a decision to put some money down on the old county
building located right in the center of a thriving business district for
price reasons rather that a better Kalispell. I am aware of some very
poor tactics of contacting businesses in gaining support for the project
and this is just not right.
I know that I don't have any say in this issue but I certainly hope that
you would put the needs of your longstanding Kalispell business
community over that of a company that provides the Corrections
Department the pre release services in Montana communities. Please
consider the needs and investments they have made in their businesses.
To have the City ignore their input and locate this facility in the
heart of their district when other sites that the county has ownership
in are not presented is simply irresponsible.
Thanks for listening and hopefully you will reconsider your actions.
Sincerely,
Greg Barkus SD4